Wedding Session Guide
WELCOME!
Hi there! I know how overwhelming planning a wedding is, and i know how many choices you have when selecting the person who will photograph the biggest day of your lives, so i appreciate you taking the time to view this guide and consider me to be your wedding photographer.
I’m here to help and make things as easy as possible. After looking at this guide, if you feel like i could be a good fit, i would love to take you both out to coffee and learn more about your beautiful wedding plan.
With Love,
McKenna
Meet your wedding photographer
Hi! I’m McKenna Holly Ashcroft, the girl behind the lens and i would love to be your wedding photographer! I am a happy wife, a fitness coach/instructor, and a professional photographer since 2012, but have loved it for as long as i can remember. I was born and grew up in a family of artists and want nothing more than to create art with the capture of your love story.
I’m inspired by the sound of the ocean, beautiful sunsets and the stunning Colorado mountains. I strive to create natural, authentic images that capture the unique beauty and romance of your wedding.
I strive for my images to be a unique blend of art and photojournalism, be modern but timeless, and above all look natural. That does sound like a mouthful, but honestly i love photographing weddings and thrive on the excitement, emotion and enjoyment of the day.
I am always looking for the golden light, using dramatic lines, maybe contrasting backgrounds, or even how i can include movement in a photo or two. I am spontaneous. A wedding day is a celebration so let’s have some fun taking photos! To sum my photography style - timeless and natural images with fun added into the mix. It’s how we create pages of captured moments.
"Not only great photos but also a really fun and great team. All Very Friendly and professional. Highly, highly, highly recommended!"
Jake and Carol
Wedding Packages
The Majestic Elegance
$5200
We leave when the bride and groom do | full 8 hours coverage
Main photographer | Videographer | engagement session | slideshow presentation
all images in USB slideshow | online gallery | Travel within 40 miles of Denver included.
The Wedding Day Classic
$2200
Wedding day coverage until the first dance
6 hours coverage | engagement session (non transferable)
online gallery of all edited high resolution images for you to download and share | Travel within 40 miles of Denver included
The Blissful Love
$2800
Complete wedding day coverage | 8 hours coverage
Main photographer | engagement session (non transferable)
online gallery of all edited high resolution images + custom app | Travel within 40 miles of Denver included
The Elopements
$1,600
Ceremony Coverage | Couples Portraits | Online Gallery | Travel within 40 miles of Denver included
The Majestic Elegance
$5200
We leave when the bride and groom do | full 8 hours coverage
Main photographer | Videographer | engagement session | slideshow presentation
all images in USB slideshow | online gallery | Travel within 40 miles of Denver included.
The Blissful Love
$2800
Complete wedding day coverage | 8 hours coverage
Main photographer | engagement session (non transferable)
online gallery of all edited high resolution images + custom app | Travel within 40 miles of Denver included
The Wedding Day Classic
$2200
Wedding day coverage until the first dance
6 hours coverage | engagement session (non transferable)
online gallery of all edited high resolution images for you to download and share | Travel within 40 miles of Denver included
The Elopements
$1,600
Ceremony Coverage | Couples Portraits | Online Gallery | Travel within 40 miles of Denver included
Add Videography
We work with highly trained associates who offer time capturing videography for your special day.
Extras
1 Additional Hour : $350
Rehearsal Session : $400
Engagement Session : $350
Day After Session : $350
Boudoir Session : $350
Bridal Session : $350
Albums
Starting from $400
Lay-flat Album
Hand-crafted Bound
Beautiful linen cover
Handcrafted leather
Prints
8 Wallets
11x16” photo on canvas
16x24“ photo on canvas
20x30” photo on canvas
16x16” acrylic wall mount
Mini Bride Pocket Album
Engagement Ideas
WHERE YOU FIRST MET
Whether your first meeting was a discussion at the library or fumbling for the door at the local coffee shop, going back to your beginnings is a marvelous memory.
A ROMANTIC BEACH
In the morning, afternoon or any time of day, the sea meets an endless sky for a feeling of forever.
A DOWNTOWN URBAN SESSION
Fun and funky pictures in alleyways or in undiscovered locations of your area make for a more intimate view of city.
YOUR FAVORITE COFFEE SHOP
Meaningful memories happen with food, ambience and your special song playing in the background.
AT THE PLACE HE PROPOSED
After all, what better way to capture an engagement than the place it all started.
A BEAUTIFUL FARM
What’s not to love about rusty farm machinery, old barns, chicken and green field as a backdrop?
SEASONAL
Catch the nuances of the season, including everything from a winter wonderland to flowers in spring
IMAGES WITH YOUR PET
What better way to capture your new family than by including a beloved pet?
Wedding Day Tips
Gather all your details before the day starts so i can photograph them quickly! This makes the getting-ready portion of the day go by much more smoothly, and it allows me to spend more time focusing on the spontaneous moments.
Here is a list to jog some ideas : rings, jewelry, hair pieces, flowers, shoes, socks, cuff links, letters, pictures, gifts, cultural items, invitations, programs, printed pieces, and any unique items you’ve put thought into!
One of the most important parts of your wedding day is taking the time to make creative portraits of the two of you. Make sure to carve out 30 minutes to an hour for this. We will guide you through everything, but it’s important to remember these portraits require patience and tenacity, and occasionally an adventurous endeavor or two.
Wedding Day Timeline
A wedding is a whirlwind of events, gone in the blink of an eye. There’s little more important to a perfectly executed event than an organized timeline. If you are looking to effectively plan out your wedding day with your wedding coordinator or fiance, here’s a look at a typical wedding photo timeline from my point of view. We will talk in detail about your wedding day timeline and make sure everything fits seamlessly!
2-3 HOURS BEFORE THE CEREMONY
I’ll begin by meeting the bride at her getting ready location. After starting with stylized shots of the dress, i photograph other details, including shoes, flowers, invitations, and jewelry. If you have 2 photographers, we can do the getting ready pictures for the bride and groom at the same time.
60-90 MINUTES BEFORE THE CEREMONY
If you decide to have a private moment, i’ll do it shortly after you’re ready. We may elect to do some group pictures and even family photographs as well, though if it’s bright outside we’ll need to find shade.
THE CEREMONY
We want to make sure your day runs on time, so we’ll be done with time to spare to get you to wedding!
FOLLOWING THE CEREMONY
Congratulations, you are husband and wife! We know you want to celebrate so we’ll efficient as possible. If we haven’t done family formals yet, we’ll do those immediately following the ceremony. Typically with our planning, we’ll need only about 10-15 minutes for this. If the schedule is tight, we can also move the greetings with your guest to the reception.
30-45 MINUTES AFTER THE CEREMONY
We want to have great photographs with your attendants, but we also know they want to have a good time as well. We’ll need about 30-40 minutes to get great styled and candid shots, and then they can head to the reception. If we have time and opportunity, we’ll also do some portraits of you together.
30-60 MINUTES BEFORE THE DINNER
For weddings during the summer with their longer days, there is time to get to your reception early and enjoy time with guests. Even during other seasons, we’re able to flex the time for couple’s portraits to before or after the dinner. Upon our arrival, we’ll focus on reception details and candids of you with your guests.
THE DINNER
There will be the time on your invitation for when your reception will be, but our next milestone for timing will be when the dinner is to be served. This ensures your meals come out fresh and your guests are happy. We want you to relax and savor your food!
FOLLOWING THE DINNER
We will enjoy fantastic meal, and after dinner we have the option to escape outside for a brief couple’s portrait session while your guests finish eating. You can also use this time to greet your guests at their tables.
THE SUNSETS
Perhaps the biggest variable, and arguably the most important with regards to photography, will be the time of sun sets. This is because the hour preceding sunset is the best light of the day. As part of our wedding planning with you, we’ll work to create a schedule to ensure you have a smooth schedule and beautiful pictures.
AFTER DINNER
After the portraits are done, the cake is cut, and the toasts are given, we’ll photograph the evening’s entertainment. This can include traiditonal first dances, a large party, fireworks, and even a bride and groom send off!
FAQ
WHAT MAKES YOUR WORK DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PHOTOGRAPHER’S WORK?
I strive for our images to be a unique blend of art and photojournalism, be modern but timeless, and above all look natural. I love to use natural light to create romantic and soft photograph. I love a casual and fun photo session.
HOW MANY PHOTOGRAPHER WILL BE THERE AT OUR WEDDING?
I will be at all weddings and depending on the package you decide on, there will be a second photographer there for 4-5 hours of your wedding day.
WHAT HAPPEN IF IT RAINS ON THE WEDDING DAY?
As true professionals i adapt and flow with any event that may happen on the day, including bad weather. I always have alternate gear ready to go. Wet weather can also be a blessing as we find that the rain really brings out the colours in the landscape and can provide some amazing reflections.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
I use professional digital cameras and lenses from Canon. I always carry both backup cameras and lenses as well as extra memory cards, flashes, batteries, etc. My gear is regularly maintained and updated all to ensure you receive stunning photographs.
HOW LONG TO WE HAVE TO BOOK AHEAD?
Some dates and months are more popular than others, so it’s best to book as far ahead as you can to avoid disappointment.
DO WE NEED TO FEED YOU AT THE RECEPTION?
It’s definitely appreciated, but not a requirement. A fed photographer is a happy photographer and helps me recharge for the rest of the reception.
WHAT PHOTOGRAPHY STYLES DO YOU OFFER?
Natural, Destination, Portraiture, Romantic, Art, Candid, Journalism, Classic
DO YOU HAVE A LIST OF PREFERED VENDORS TO USE?
I sure do! From wedding coordinators to florists and caterers, i have worked with some of the best companies in the industry and would be happy to share their information with you.
DO YOU TRAVEL FOR WEDDINGS?
We love to travel! It’s fantastic to shoot in new locations, whether it’s at the tropical country, in the big city, or even further afield including international destinations. For your information, we do ask that you cover my travel expenses.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU ARE SICK OR OTHERWISE UNABLE TO COME TO MY WEDDING?
One of the great things about using my service is i have a strong team with a deep talent. I will send my team that is available for the replacement. We’re here to take the stress out of your wedding day and you really can rely on us 100%
HOW DO WE RESERVED OUR WEDDING DATE?
A 30% deposit and signed contract is required in order to get your wedding day on the calendar. Prior to your wedding, the reminder of the balance is due.
DO YOU HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LOCATIONS?
I have a bucket load of ideas for locations, from intimate corners in the city, to country landscapes. From ultra modern to iconic & historical view, i always love finding the right locations for you.