A Shot In Time Photography  ·  Savannah, Georgia

The Complete Savannah Wedding Photography Guide

Engagement sessions, timelines, bridal portraits, rainy day tips & more — from a photographer with 100+ weddings in the books.

By Jami Brannen  ·  10 min read  ·  Savannah, GA

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I’m thrilled you’re taking the time to look at my work and considering booking me for your wedding. Having photographed more than 100 weddings, I tend to get asked the same questions over and over — so I put together this guide to walk you through everything from timelines to engagement sessions to inclement weather. Take a look, and then let’s chat!

— Jami Brannen

01 — Engagement Sessions

Why an Engagement Session Is Worth It

I’m a big fan of engagement sessions for a few reasons. Not only do they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera, they give you the opportunity to showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you.

Getting used to being photographed together — laughing, holding hands, just existing — makes a real difference on your wedding day. By the time the big day comes, you’ll know exactly how to be yourselves in front of my lens. That ease shows in every single photo.

Engagement sessions can take place anywhere, from immediately following a proposal to just a few days before the wedding. We plan them based on a particular look a couple has in mind — spring flowers, golden hour light, a meaningful location — or simply around your schedules.

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02 — Bridal Portraits

The Bridal Portrait Session: Your Secret Weapon

There’s a big difference between looking at yourself in the mirror at a hair and makeup trial and actually seeing how your hair holds up in the elements and how your makeup photographs. When it comes to feeling confident in your choices on your wedding day, photos are invaluable.

“One of the biggest advantages of a bridal portrait session is that it serves as a practice run for the big day — one you can actually see.”

I recommend a full trial run of hair, nails, makeup, and your bouquet. We typically spend 1–2 hours shooting, and it’s nice to have something to hold so your hands feel comfortable. When choosing a location, look for spots that are well-manicured and offer variety in both indoor and outdoor settings. Wedding venues — especially historic homes and resorts — are often a wonderful starting point.

For timing, spring and fall are ideal to avoid summer heat or winter chill. I love shooting bridal portraits in the soft afternoon light — as late in the day as we can go. Many venues charge a fee for portrait sessions, but it’s often worth it for access to their getting ready rooms and grounds.

Don’t forget to bring: your jewelry, veil, shoes, and any sentimental keepsakes you’d like included.

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03 — First Look

Is a First Look Right for You?

That moment the bride and groom see each other for the first time on their wedding day is magical — whether it’s a private first look before the ceremony or that unforgettable aisle reveal. About half of my couples choose to do a first look. Here are three good reasons to consider it.

First look or not — the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be special. It’s entirely your choice, and I’m here to make either option work beautifully.

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04 — Wedding Day Timeline

Building the Perfect Wedding Day Timeline

Whether you choose a first look or the traditional aisle reveal, I’ll work with you to create the best timeline for your day. Below are two example timelines to help you visualize how things might flow.

Example Timeline: With a First Look

12:00 pm	Getting Ready — Jami arrives at bride’s location; second shooter at groom’s. Ideally, hair & makeup is already wrapping up by now.
1:15 pm	Guys Depart — Groom + groomsmen head to the ceremony site.
1:30 pm	Ladies Depart — Bride + bridesmaids head to ceremony location.
1:45 pm	First Look — Can take place at the getting ready location, ceremony, or reception site. Your call!
2:00 pm	Bridal Party Portraits — Bride, groom + full bridal party.
3:00 pm	Ceremony
3:30 pm	Family Portraits — Right after the ceremony while everyone is easy to gather.
4:00 pm	Additional Portraits
4:30 pm	Cocktail Hour — You enjoy your guests; we capture candid moments.
5:00 pm	Introductions & First Dance
5:30 pm	Dinner & Toasts
6:00 pm	Sunset Portraits — The best light of the day. We’ll grab you about 45 minutes before sunset.
6:30 pm	Dancing Begins
7:15 pm	Cake Cutting & Bouquet Toss
8:00 pm	Photographers Depart

Example Timeline: Without a First Look

1:00 pm	Getting Ready — Jami arrives at bride’s location; second shooter at groom’s.
2:00 pm	Guys Depart — Groom + groomsmen head to ceremony site for pre-ceremony group photos.
2:15 pm	Ladies Depart — Bride + bridesmaids depart for ceremony location and take pre-ceremony group photos.
3:00 pm	Ceremony
3:30 pm	Family Portraits — Right after the ceremony while everyone is easy to gather.
4:00 pm	Bridal Party & Couple Portraits — This typically takes about one hour total.
5:30 pm	Introductions & First Dance
6:00 pm	Dinner & Toasts
7:30 pm	Sunset Portraits — The best light of the day. We’ll grab you about 45 minutes before sunset.
8:00 pm	Dancing Begins
8:30 pm	Cake Cutting & Bouquet Toss
9:00 pm	Photographers Depart

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05 — Wedding Day Details

The Details That Tell Your Story

We love capturing all the little details you’ve carefully chosen for your wedding day. Once we arrive, we need about 45 minutes to capture and style everything. Please choose a getting ready location with natural light, and keep the space as free from clutter as possible.

Put all of your rings, jewelry, shoes, veil, perfume, invitations, and other keepsakes together in one spot for us. Unwrap your dress but don’t worry about styling it — we’ll hang it somewhere beautiful.

A note on rings: If possible, have your engagement ring cleaned before the session — or clean it at home by soaking it in warm water with dish soap for 20–40 minutes, then gently brushing with a soft toothbrush. It makes a real difference in photos!

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06 — Family Formals

Family Portraits: Making Them Run Smoothly

We’ll start with a large group photo including extended family, then gradually work our way to smaller groupings — grandparents, parents, siblings, and eventually just the two of you with each side of the family separately.

The whole process goes much more smoothly when family knows in advance that portraits happen immediately after the ceremony. A quick heads-up before the wedding day means no one wanders off to cocktail hour before we’re done.

This list is just a starting point — we’re happy to accommodate any requested groupings as long as time allows!

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07 — Weather

Rain on Your Wedding Day: Here’s the Plan

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08 — A Gentle Request

Consider an Unplugged Ceremony

You made a significant investment in photography, and one of the last things you want is for your ceremony photos to be filled with phones and relatives standing in the aisle with their own cameras. An “unplugged ceremony” sign is a simple, kind way to ask guests to be present — and it makes a real difference in the images we’re able to capture together.

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09 — Bonus Tips

9 Tips from 100+ Weddings

After shooting more than 100 weddings over the past few years, here are a few additional things I’ve learned that can make a big difference on your day.

1. In summer months, have a light snack or lunch before portraits to keep everyone’s energy up — including the bridal party.
2. On hot days, a cooler of cold waters and frozen washcloths can keep the wedding party cool, especially the groomsmen in multiple layers.
3. Make sure your bouquet is delivered in time for detail shots and the first look. Have towels handy if it’s been stored in water — it’ll need to dry off before use.
4. If you’re doing a first look with a parent, they’ll feel most comfortable if they’re already fully dressed in their wedding attire before the moment happens.
5. If your reception is at a separate venue, build in “fluff time” so we can run over and capture it beautifully before guests arrive.
6. The bride should go into hiding at least 30 minutes before the ceremony — guests tend to arrive early, and surprises happen!
7. Prepare a family portrait list in advance and share it with both sides of the family so no one feels left out and the process moves quickly.
8. During cocktail hour and the reception, we’ll follow you around. Anytime you want a photo with someone, just grab our attention — we love being your personal paparazzi.
9. Don’t hesitate to reach out during the planning process — we’d love to help you build a timeline that works perfectly for your day.

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