When couples tell me they're dreading family photos, I completely understand.
Nobody wants to spend 45 minutes trying to track down Aunt Susan while Uncle Bob is asking if he's "done yet." Meanwhile, your guests are wondering when they can head to cocktail hour, and you're watching precious time tick away.
The good news?
It doesn't have to be that way.
One of the biggest ways I keep wedding days running smoothly is by photographing family portraits
**from the largest group down to the smallest**.
It sounds simple, but it makes a huge difference.
Most People Think Family Photos Should Start Small...
I've seen a lot of family photo lists that look something like this:
* Bride + Mom
* Bride + Dad
* Bride + Parents
* Bride + Parents + Siblings
* Bride + Grandparents
* Bride + Extended Family
The problem?
Everyone has to stand around waiting until the very end because they might be needed for another photo later.
Not only does it take longer, but it also means grandparents, siblings, and extended family are standing there wondering when they'll finally get to enjoy the celebration.
Here's How I Do It Instead
I like to work backward.
We begin with the **largest family grouping** and gradually remove people as we go.
For example, on the bride's side, the order might look like this:
* Bride & Groom + Bride's Extended Family
* Bride & Groom + Bride's Immediate Family
* Bride & Groom + Parents & Siblings
* Bride & Groom + Parents
* Bride + Mom
* Bride + Dad
* Bride + Siblings
* Bride + Grandparents
As soon as someone is finished with every photo they're needed in...
They're done!
No more waiting around wondering if they'll be called back over.
They can head straight to cocktail hour, grab a drink, catch up with family, and actually enjoy your wedding.
Then we simply repeat the process with the groom's side.
Why It Works So Well
This approach keeps everyone organized and makes portrait time feel much more relaxed.
Instead of trying to remember who has already been photographed, we're simply narrowing the group with each image.
It's efficient.
It's easy to follow.
And most importantly, it respects your guests' time.
A Few Tips to Make It Even Smoother
A little preparation goes a long way. Before your wedding, I recommend:
* Making a list of every family combination you'd like photographed.
* Letting family members know ahead of time where they'll need to be after the ceremony.
* Asking one trusted family member from each side to help gather people as we move through the list.
* Sharing your photo list with me before the wedding so I can organize it into the most efficient order.
The more planning we do beforehand, the more relaxed your wedding day will feel.
One Important Note
Every family is different.
If you have divorced parents, blended families, step-siblings, or unique family dynamics, we'll build your photo list around *your* family—not some generic checklist from Pinterest.
My goal is always to create a portrait experience that feels organized, respectful, and completely stress-free.
The Bottom Line
Your wedding day should be spent celebrating—not searching for missing family members.
A thoughtfully organized family photo timeline means less waiting, fewer interruptions, happier guests, and more time for the moments that matter most.
It's one of those little details that most couples never think about... but once the day is over, they're always thankful we did.
When you book with Sarah Salmon Photography, I don't just show up with a camera. I help create a photography timeline that keeps your day flowing naturally, so you can spend less time organizing people and more time soaking in every unforgettable moment.
