Welcome to Sofia Murcia Photography: Your Wedding Experience Guide

First of all, congratulations! If you’re reading this, you’ve officially booked your wedding photography with me, and I couldn’t be more honored to document this chapter of your love story.

This guide is your go-to resource for everything you need to know about working together, what to expect throughout the process, and a few helpful planning tips to help you make the most of your photography experience. Whether you're knee-deep in planning or just getting started, I’m here for you every step of the way.

Working With Me: The Overview

My approach is intentional yet relaxed. I want you to feel seen, celebrated, and cared for — not just in front of the camera, but throughout the entire experience.

Here’s what to expect:

• Engagement Session (if included in your package):
  We’ll plan a session that reflects you two. Think favorite locations, meaningful settings, or just a spot with gorgeous light. I’ll guide you through the session so it feels more like a fun date than a formal photoshoot.

• Ongoing Communication:
  I’m available anytime for questions, planning advice, or ideas. No need to wait for check-ins — I’m happy to help as you go!

• 2 Months Out:
  I become more involved at this point. You’ll receive a detailed questionnaire so I can learn everything about your day — family dynamics, must-have shots, timing, and priorities.

• Timeline Building:
  We’ll build a photography-friendly timeline together, balancing light considerations, portraits, and space for quiet, joyful moments.

• Pre-Wedding Guide:
  A few weeks before your wedding, you’ll get a final prep guide with helpful tips — everything from prepping your rooms to family photo organization.

• Wedding Day:
  I’ll show up ready to document your day in a natural, organic way, blending into the background when needed but gently directing when it’s helpful.

• After the Wedding:
  Sneak peek gallery within one week.
  Full gallery delivered at approx. 2 weeks per hour of coverage (typically aiming for 8 weeks or sooner!).

First Look or Not? Let’s Talk About It

Whether to do a first look is 100% your choice.
Some couples love having a private moment before the ceremony, others prefer to wait for the classic aisle reveal. Here are some quick things to think about.

Doing a first look:

• More time for photos pre-ceremony

• Opportunity to do wedding party and/or family photos pre-ceremony

• Shake those nerves early & Have an intimate moment before the ceremony

• Often feels like “your time” before the wedding day starts moving quickly

• Higher chance at attending cocktail hour

• Have to be ready earlier in the day

• Starting the day earlier could shift timeline plans

Not doing a first look:

• Keeping tradition

• More time to get ready/won’t have to start as early

• Getting that first look at the aisle wow moment

• Having to take the bulk of the photos post ceremony often during cocktail hour

• Higher chance of not attending cocktail hour

It’s all about what feels right to you, talk to each other about what you value most and play through each scenario. A first look doesn’t have to “interrupt” the wow moment at the aisle, I’ve seen plenty of grooms tear up at both - and you can always hold off on the vail, train, skirts or any other additional details for that aisle moment and have something left for surprise. Neither option is right or wrong, just slightly different.

You don’t have to decide this on your own, If you’re stuck let me know and we can talk about it more and come to a decision together.

Photography-Focused Planning Tips

These small details can make a big impact on your final gallery — they help tell the story beautifully and give your photos that timeless, polished look:

• Invitation Suite: Bring a complete set for flat lay photos (plus extra pieces if you have them — stamps, wax seals, etc.).

• Rings & Ring Boxes: All three rings and a beautiful ring box elevate your detail shots.

• Jewelry & Perfume: These personal touches tell your style story.

• Handwritten Notes: Letters on nice stationery photograph beautifully and add depth to your gallery.

• Custom Attire & Gifts: Matching robes, heirlooms, embroidered jackets - whatever feels “you.”

• Getting Ready Outfits: Something you love and feel confident in (avoid oversized shirts with logos!).

• Natural Light & Spacious Rooms: A clutter-free, well-lit prep space makes all the difference.

• Portrait Locations: Identify a favorite spot at or near your venue - these images tend to be the ones you print and frame, so choose a location that feels meaningful.

Extra Pre-Planning Tips:

• Hair & makeup timelines: Let us know when your scheduled to finish hair and makeup so we can photograph final touch-ups.

• Clutter-free zones: Designate a clean area for details and getting in the dress/final touches shots

• Photo box: Keep all details (rings, invitations, accessories) in one easy-to-grab spot.

• Emergency kit: Pack fashion tape, tissues, pins, tide pens, scissors, deodorant wipes, blotting paper, tissues, etc.

Family Formals: Setting the Right Mindset

Family formals can often be one of the most stressful parts of a wedding day - but I’m here to make this time feel smooth and efficient.

Even though we won’t finalize your list until closer to the date, I like to get you thinking early about:

• Who matters most for formal, posed portraits (usually done at the altar or ceremony site).

• Whether you want individual family shots (bride only with her family, groom only with his) or stay together in all groupings.

• If you’re doing a first look, we can potentially complete some family portraits earlier - just note that those family members will need to arrive and be ready before the ceremony.

• The size of your list will impact how much time we’ll need - the more combinations, the longer it takes.

Remember: you’ll have plenty of time for more relaxed, casual family shots during cocktail hour or the reception - the formal list should focus on your “must-haves.”

Venue Planning Tips

When planning your ceremony and reception spaces, there are a few key things to consider from a photography perspective:

• Ceremony Location & Timing:
  Look at your ceremony spot at the time of day you’ll be using it.
  → Will there be harsh, direct sun?
  → Too much shade or deep darkness?
  → Will you or your guests be sitting in extreme heat or backlit shadows?
  I’m happy to help you think this through - even small adjustments can make a huge difference in your photos.

• Getting Ready Spaces:
  Prep rooms matter! A lot of your story begins here - so look for spaces with ample natural light, neutral walls, and enough room for you and your wedding party to spread out without clutter.

• Reception Details & Decor Placement:
  Think about the placement of key decor elements (cake, sweetheart table, signage, florals).
  → Are they near distracting elements like exit signs, doors, or fire extinguishers?
  A few strategic moves can elevate your entire gallery.

• Portrait Spots:
  Identify areas you love at your venue or nearby - locations you’ll want in your printed memories.
  If sunset portraits are important, let’s plan to have access to the best spots when the light is ideal.

• Flow of the Day:
  Smooth transitions between ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception help keep everything on time and allow for relaxed, candid moments.

I’m Here For You

This guide is just the beginning. As we get closer to your date, I’ll send more detailed checklists, questionnaires, and prep info — and we’ll build a plan together that reflects what matters most to you.

At any time along the way, feel free to reach out with questions, inspiration, or just to say hello — I’m in your corner through this whole journey.

Talk soon - I can’t wait to capture your day!