WEDDING GUIDE
Lucie CabalouThank you so much for choosing me to be part of your wedding journey. I truly appreciate your trust and I’m grateful to capture such an important moment in your lives.
This guide is designed to help you prepare for your day and to make the process simple and enjoyable. My goal is to keep things relaxed and clear, so you can focus on what matters most : celebrating your love.
Welcome & Thank You!
Every wedding is different, and there are no strict rules to follow. Your day should reflect who you are and what matters most to you. That said, after years of capturing weddings, I’ve learned what truly helps couples feel present, comfortable, and able to enjoy every moment. My role is not only to document your day but also to guide you through it; helping things flow naturally and smoothly so you can simply be yourselves.
If you’re getting married in France or Italy, it’s important to keep the light and weather in mind when planning your schedule. Summers here can be very warm, and holding your ceremony around midday — even in the shade — can be uncomfortable for you and your guests. A later start, when the light softens, makes for a much more pleasant and photogenic experience.
Because the sun sets late, especially in the warmer months, an early evening ceremony followed by a later dinner works beautifully. If you’re dreaming of a candlelit or golden-hour atmosphere, plan dinner closer to 8:00 PM rather than 5 or 6 PM. This timing not only feels more natural but also allows for a smoother flow between the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception — with the best possible light for photos throughout.
Timing12:00 PM – Venue + Ceremony Design + Detail Shots
1:00 PM – Bride Getting Ready
2:00 PM – Groom Getting Ready + Groomsmen Group Shots + Portraits
3:00 PM – Bride Gets Dressed + Bridesmaids Group Shots + Portraits
4:00 PM – First Look + Mini Couple Session
4:30 PM – Ceremony
5:30 PM – Group Photos After Ceremony Exit
6:00 PM – Cocktail Hour
7:30 PM – Couple Session
8:00 PM – Dinner
10:30 PM – Mini Night Session
11:00 PM – First Dance + Wedding Cake
11:30 PM – Dance Floor Opens
Sample Wedding Day TimelineThe getting ready part of the day is where everything begins to take shape : a mix of excitement and emotion. It’s the calm before the celebration, and one of the most meaningful parts of your story.
Choose a bright, tidy room with plenty of natural light. A space that feels comfortable and reflects your style will make all the difference in creating timeless, relaxed images.
Keep the atmosphere intimate. Surround yourself with the people who make you feel calm and happy; this helps preserve the emotion and authenticity of the moment.
Gather your details in advance: rings, stationery, perfume, jewelry, shoes, dress or suit, and bouquet. Having everything ready allows me to capture those personal touches with care.
Take time to enjoy this part of the day. Share a toast, listen to your favorite music, or simply be present together. These small, unscripted moments often become some of the most genuine memories of the day.
Getting Ready
A Note on Makeup
From experience, I can’t emphasize enough how valuable it is to work with a professional makeup artist on your wedding day. It’s a long, emotional day; you’ll laugh, cry, maybe dance a little too hard, and your makeup needs to hold up through it all while still looking effortless.
Makeup done by yourself or a friend rarely lasts from morning to night. Even a “no make-up make-up” look — the kind that appears natural and light — actually requires technique, quality products, and experience to achieve. A professional artist knows how to create that fresh, timeless glow that looks beautiful in person and in photos.
That’s why I always recommend booking a makeup artist you trust. A good MUA will enhance your natural beauty, help you feel confident and relaxed, and ensure you look radiant from the first look to the dance floor. I’m happy to share a few trusted artists I’ve worked with : Kelly - Larissa - Ileana - Melissa - Magalie
CeremonyThe ceremony is the heart of your wedding day, the moment everything comes together. Whether you choose something traditional or something that feels completely your own, let it reflect who you are as a couple.
It’s always helpful to let your officiant know in advance that photography will be taking place. Some officiants have specific guidelines about where I can stand or move during the ceremony, and having this conversation early keeps everything smooth and respectful.
Light plays an important role here too. If possible, avoid holding your ceremony in harsh midday sun or very low evening light. Soft, even lighting ensures your photos capture the atmosphere beautifully. If your ceremony is indoors, make sure flash use isn’t an issue for your officiant.
Think about the overall setting as well. Details like speaker placement, microphones, or decorative elements can subtly affect the visual flow. A little planning ensures that nothing takes away from the focus of the ceremony: you two.
And, as with every part of the day, flexibility is key. Weather can change quickly, so it’s always good to have a backup plan in mind; moving indoors or keeping a few umbrellas on hand can make all the difference.
Finally, don’t rush the end of your ceremony. Take your time as you walk back down the aisle, pause for hugs, or share a kiss surrounded by confetti or petals. Those moments of joy and connection are some of the most genuine and memorable of the day.
Group Photos
Group photos have become less of a focus in recent years, as many couples prefer a more candid and natural approach to their wedding gallery. Still, they remain a lovely way to capture your closest circle together.
I recommend keeping this part simple and intentional — a few essential photos with your immediate family, followed by one or two relaxed, fun shots with your closest friends. This keeps the energy light and allows you to spend more time enjoying your cocktail hour.
Throughout the rest of the cocktail, I’m always available if guests would like to take additional group photos. This way, nothing feels rushed, and everyone can enjoy the moment without turning it into a long photo session.
Cocktail Hour
I always suggest allowing at least two hours for the cocktail hour. This gives you time to breathe, reconnect, and truly enjoy being surrounded by your loved ones. It also provides a comfortable buffer in case the ceremony runs a little late; helping keep dinner on schedule and the atmosphere relaxed.
During this time, I’ll capture a mix of spontaneous moments : laughter, hugs, conversations, and the energy of your guests enjoying themselves. These candids often become some of the most cherished images from the day. If you’re having a large wedding, I recommend sharing a short list of “VIP guests” : the people you absolutely want to see in your gallery. This helps ensure no one special is missed.
I’ll also take a few moments to photograph your dinner space and table details before anyone enters. These elements are part of your story too, and it’s best to capture them while everything is still untouched. If possible, ask your planner or venue team to keep guests from entering the reception area until I’ve had the opportunity to document it.
Couple Portraits
Your couple portraits are a moment to slow down together and reconnect, just the two of you. The Pinterest moodboard you’ve shared helps me understand what you’re drawn to, what feels natural, and which types of poses make you feel comfortable. That said, you’ve chosen me for my modern and relaxed approach, so I’ll guide you in a way that feels effortless and true to you.
I usually suggest splitting this part of the day into three short sessions rather than one long one. We can start with a quick five-minute session right after your first look or group photos. Then, we’ll take another brief session at sunset, when the light is soft and warm. Finally, a short session later in the evening, using flash, adds a more editorial and lively feel.
This approach keeps things light and enjoyable, no long 45-minute shoot or disappearing from your guests for too long, and it gives you a beautiful variety of images that capture different moods and atmospheres throughout your day.
Dinner
The dinner is when the celebration truly settles in : laughter, conversation, and connection. A musical entrance is always a wonderful way to start the evening and instantly set a joyful tone. Lighting also plays a big role here: fairy lights, candles, or warm ambient tones create an intimate atmosphere that photographs beautifully and makes the space feel inviting.
During dinner, I focus on capturing the speeches and the atmosphere; not guests while they’re eating. This part of the day is also my only real break, and it’s important that I’m served a hot meal at the same time as you and your guests. If I’m served later, I often don’t have enough time to eat before things start happening again. Please make sure your planner or caterer is aware of this.
For that reason, I recommend scheduling speeches either at the start or toward the end of the meal, so everything flows naturally and I can be ready to capture them without delay. Ideally, I should also be seated somewhere close enough to your table to quickly return if a toast, a reaction, or a special moment happens unexpectedly.
Party & Night
As dinner comes to an end, I recommend taking a short moment for yourselves — a quiet 10-minute break before the energy picks back up. This is also the perfect time for a quick mini couple session with flash, just before dessert. It’s relaxed, creative, and adds a different texture to your gallery.
For your first dance, lighting can completely transform the mood. I suggest asking your DJ to use a soft white light. This creates a beautiful, intimate glow that feels timeless and looks stunning in photos.
Once the dance floor opens, let go and enjoy every second. This is where the real celebration begins! Before I leave, I’ll capture those last spontaneous moments that truly reflect the spirit of your wedding — the energy, the fun, and the emotion that close the day perfectly.
Videographers & Content Creators
Choosing the right videographer or content creator is just as important as choosing your photographer. The way we work together can make a huge difference in how your day feels : both for you and for the final result.
It’s essential to select someone experienced with weddings. A professional who understands the rhythm of the day — when to step in, when to step back, and how to collaborate smoothly with the photo team — can make everything run effortlessly. Wedding days are fast-paced and emotional; it takes skill and experience to adapt to changing light, timelines, and energy while staying calm and discreet.
Beyond technical ability, personality matters. You’ll be spending many hours together, often in intimate moments, so it’s important to choose someone warm, respectful, and easy to be around. The right team will blend in naturally, creating space for genuine emotions to unfold without interruption.
Below are a few videographers and content creators I’ve worked with and trust : professionals who share the same approach and values: calm, creative, and people-first.