Hi, we are ready to celebrate with you! Regarding timelines, we need a good plan. Family formals are usually photographed in 40 minutes or less, and all depending on the group dynamics and size - Cocktail hour is a time I want you to enjoy... I will never be a wrench in your timeline. If your reception starts at 6, my team and I will accomplish everything we need to ensure you are walking through those doors for your intros at 6. I put a lot of effort into coordinating with you before the wedding weekend to have a photo game plan in place! LET"S START by listing 10-12 different groupings for family portraits. FOR EXAMPLE: 1. Bride & Groom with Parents 2. Bride & Groom with Grandparents 3. Bride & Groom with Siblings - and so on... Within these groupings, you may have more than one portrait [such as B&G with the Groom's parents/B&G with the Bride's parents, etc.] PROFESSIONAL RECOMMENDATION: If you have a very large family [i.e. uncles, cousins, special 'like-family' the loved ones you may want to include] I highly suggest some of the extended family shots to be in a group, and then while in the reception, we can gather the individuals with family members - This is to make sure that the portrait time does not interfere with you and your husband portraits, and guests will not be kept waiting at reception. Oh! Very essential to the day is If grandparents are present - I always start with the first with them - This way they can take a rest - (This time with them and you all [a gift!]) Also, there are some realities in the dynamics of the day for some of the family members who may not share the same space and may not want to be grouped in the same group with others [ It is fine, it happens more often than you imagine - I am here to make it smooth + simple ] Let's align the groups you both may want as well as how you may want for my team and myself to handle any of these interactions during family formals. I can promise you that we will make this process fun and easy! Let's have a great day!