Family photos on your wedding day are important, but let’s be real—they can also be a bit chaotic. Between rounding up relatives and convincing little ones to cooperate, it can feel like herding cats. But don’t worry! With a little prep (and a lot of patience), we can make family portraits smooth, efficient, and even fun. Here’s how:

1. Make a Shot List (and Share It!)

This is a game changer! A month or so before the big day,  I will send a general list of must-have family groupings. I always encourage couples to go in and tweak it as they see fit! Add on family members, remove pairings etc. The key is to keep it simple and focused on the most important people to avoid an endless photo session. I even include a little section for you to fill out if there are any sensitive topics I need to be aware of such as recent family deaths or divorces etc. Once your list is set, share it with your key family members so everyone knows where they need to be when family photos are being called.

2. Assign a Family Wrangler

Choose a couple of responsible, loud-voiced family members or friends (who know everyone) to help gather people. Having an “official herder” makes the process so much faster and keeps things moving while you focus on enjoying the moment. 

3. Do Family Photos Early (or Right After the Ceremony)

If possible, schedule family photos before the ceremony while everyone is still fresh and present. If that’s not an option, doing them right after the ceremony—before people scatter to cocktail hour—is the best way to keep everyone in one place.

4. Let Everyone Know Ahead of Time

Communication is key! Let family members know in advance when and where photos will happen so they’re ready. A quick reminder on the wedding website or a group text the week of the wedding works wonders.

5. Getting Kids Ready? Keep It Fun!

Kids will be kids—expect a little unpredictability! Here are some ways to set them up for success:

Make sure they’re fed and well-rested. A hungry, tired toddler is a recipe for meltdown.

Give them something to hold. A small toy, flower, or even a parent’s hand can keep them occupied.

Embrace movement. If standing still isn’t working, we’ll try walking, twirling, or snuggling shots instead.

Don’t force the smiles. Some of the best photos come from real moments—whether it’s a toddler’s giggle, a pout, or a curious stare. These moments make for the most authentic and adorable memories.

6. Go with the Flow

Sometimes, no matter how much we plan, things don’t go exactly as expected—and that’s okay! If a child isn’t in the mood or a family member runs late, we’ll pivot, adapt, and keep the energy light. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s capturing the love, laughter, and personality of your people.

7. Trust Your Photographer

I’ve seen it all — squirmy kids, missing uncles, and toddlers on a snack strike. The good news? I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve to capture beautiful moments, no matter what. You can relax and enjoy the day while I handle the logistics and make sure everyone looks their best.

At the end of the day, family photos aren’t just about the poses—they’re about celebrating the people who mean the most to you. So let’s round them up, embrace the chaos, and create some amazing memories together!

Want to make sure your family photos go off without a hitch? Let’s connect and plan the perfect game plan for your big day!