T minus 3 hours: Getting Ready photos of both the Men and Women (exact timing depends on how far from each other the getting ready locations are and how far they are from the venue and whether or not you have 1 or 2 photographers).
T minus 2 hours: First Look photos (exact timing depends on location of the First Look). Normally, First Look photos take about 10 minutes. This would be followed by creative photos of the Bride and Groom, Bride and Groom with their Bridal Party, and immediate family members who are dressed and available.
T minus 30 minutes: All pre-ceremony photos stop in order to give the Bride and Groom a chance to catch their breath, collect their thoughts, tough up hair and make-up, etc. Meanwhile, photographers will be taking photos of incoming guests, seated guests, details and decorations, etc.
T minus Zero: Wedding Ceremony begins. Processional of the Bridal Party and Bride walking down the isle begins.
T plus 30 minutes: Ceremony ends. The exact time depends on the length of the ceremony, but 30 minutes tends to be a typical length that contemplates the processional, vows, recessional, etc.
T plus 30 minutes until no later than T plus 90 minutes (60 minute duration): Cocktail Hour begins. Also, any remaining traditional and requested portrait photos are taken for about 30-60 minutes depending on whether or not a First Look was scheduled, and how many pre-ceremony photos were completed. At this time we typically take photos of grandparents, uncles and aunts, cousins, and others who were not photographed immediately after the First Look. If there was no First Look planned, all the “portrait” photos will take place during this time. ** The more pre-ceremony photos are completed, the less time port-ceremony portrait photos will be necessary, which will afford the Bride and Groom, along with the Bridal Party, to enjoy some portion of the Cocktail Hour. Having a short (not long) list of requested photos helps achieve this goal. Generally, I move as quickly as possible to afford my sweet couples a chance to enjoy the later half of the cocktail hour.
T plus 90 minutes: Reception begins. The Bridal Party is introduced. First Dances might begin at this time, but sometimes begin after dinner or other scheduled activities.
T plus 90 minutes until the end of the Reception: Photography aims to capture all these special events, dances, toasts, group photos, candid photos, details and decorations, cake cutting, sparkler exit, etc. Sparkler exits should be announced and begin about 15 minutes prior to the formal end of the reception.