Your Official Welcome Guide
Thank you so much for choosing us to be there for your big day!
We couldn’t be more thrilled to document this incredible time in your lives. I have been blessed to have been shooting weddings for the past 14 years, and through that period of time, we have learned that not all weddings are the same. From afar, they may all look similar, but as you look closer, each and every story is different.
We created this guide to help you along through your planning, what to consider, and what to expect. We’ve experienced the whole planning process, so hopefully this will help you along the way. So instead of counting down the days up until your wedding, this is to give you a little future insight in how to make the best environment possible for spectacular images.
Take each piece of advice and see where it may fit your needs. We don’t want to pressure you in making a decision, but just allow us to share some of our personal experiences from other weddings in the past.
Don’t be afraid to color outside the lines and throw out traditions that don’t speak to you. Some of our best weddings and receptions we’ve had the honor of documenting all boiled down to one core truth: the day was truly about the couple and what they wanted. At the end of the day, do what feels right for both of you and not what you think you should do.
Enjoy every moment of your engagement, every second of your wedding, and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for trusting us with your big day!
We wish you nothing more than a memorable engagement!
Designing and Planning
The key is good light- anything with lots of open windows and interesting décor will help elevate your photos to the next level.
Timeline note: When creating your timeline, try to allow about 30 minutes of free time for bridal portraits after you are dressed, and before the first look or ceremony.
While we can certainly work through different scenarios and lights, consider these few tips to help you get the most out of your day and design with your photos in mind. We love how moments unfold throughout the day; no amount of planning can ever predict the spontaneous moments that may occur, but if you are looking for the best possible photos, please read a few tips on this page.
outdoor ceremonies
Outdoor ceremonies in the middle of the afternoon can be beautifully done, but ensure you do so in a shady spot; the sun can be very intense. If you're going to do the outdoor route, we recommend trying to find a large tree or a covered awning. We don't want to see you squinting from the sun, especially since you should be looking into the eyes of your future spouse.
If you are planning on an outdoor wedding in the summer, try to avoid scheduling your ceremony before 3pm (unless you're planning a sunrise ceremony) We can't really change the trajectory of the sun, and if you are going to be in a non-shady spot, you and your partner will be left with dark circles under your eyes and shadow mustaches below your nose. Ideally, schedule the ceremony 2-3 hours before sunset.
Reception Spaces
If you're hosting your reception in a dark space with very little natural light, bistro style string lights are a great way to light up the area. Use them as a perimeter for the dance floor or right above the head table. Great additions are lots and lots of tea lights and candles on the tables. The best-lit venues for reception are a mix of window, candle and warm soft overhead lighting. (Large windows + string lights or chandeliers overhead + tea lights and candles on tables = photo success!)
Try to ensure that there is a clear view of the two of you at the head table. Avoid large (tall) centerpieces in front of in between the two of you (including your bridal bouquet). If at all possible, leave the two seats in front of you empty so that we can get a clear shot of your faces without seeing the back of someone's head.
The First Look
The first look can be one of the most romantic and intimate parts of your wedding. We are huge fans of this new tradition for a number of reasons.
First off, it gives you a (rare) chance to actually be alone on your wedding day. It can be a beautiful moment where you both see one another prior to your ceremony and can actually privately have genuine reactions without prying eyes. Secondly, it gives your wedding day a natural flow. If you choose to do a first look, we would schedule your family portraits right after (and before your ceremony). The bonus of this is to get you to enjoy your cocktail hour and see so many more of your guests. Your wedding day goes by really fast, and missing cocktail hour will mean you will not get to connect with as many of your loved ones as you can.
Finally, with so much time, money, heart, and soul invested in your day, a first look allows you to spend that much more time together! Why invest so much of yourself and your pocket book into this incredible celebration and have to wait until half the day is over to see the love of your life?
-A fact about seeing the bride for the first time down the aisle.
This tradition started when arranged marriages were common among certain families. The groom wouldn't know who he was marrying until he lifted the veil away from his arranged bride's face.
At that moment, it was too late to turn back. This is an old tradition that has made it all the way to the present time. We would much rather have you create your new tradition and spend those genuine moments together in one picture rather than have two separate reactions in two separate pictures of your photo album.
Unplugged Weddings
Times have changed from 10 years ago, now everyone has a camera in their pocket. While it's awesome that the world can document and share our lives so easily, there are certain points in time where disconnecting is best. Your ceremony is a sacred moment that should command the undivided attention of your guests. It's best they hear your vows instead of trying to line up a shot on their iPhones. As you plan your beautiful day, please do consider a few points:
We have absolutely no issues with guest taking selfies during cocktail hour, taking photos during the reception, or getting a snap with you after the ceremony, but we ask that they stay seated and put their cameras away during the ceremony. Guests leaning over the aisle to get an iPhone or iPad shot can not only ruin our photos (that you're paying for), but they can also get in the way of the groom seeing his bride at the moment, or vice versa.
Don't worry, we've got this!
Wedding Portraits
To make the most of the best light, we schedule your main couples portrait session about 20 minutes before the sun goes down, and photograph the two of you for about 25 minutes. In the summertime, this is usually scheduled during your reception in between courses. Please do keep in touch with us as you build your timeline, as we want to give you the best possible results.
Family Photos:
Depending on your timeline, we like to photograph your families and bridal party just before the ceremony so that you can freely enjoy your cocktail hour and mingle with as many guests as possible. To ensure we have enough time, we recommend writing out a list of all family members who should be present so we can round up the person you designate can round up each person quickly and efficiently.
Please designate a family member or a member of your bridal party to keep all the family members present.
To give you an idea of timing, for 15 individual groups, we require 30-40 mins.
Love Frames
Engagement sessions—or what we like to call Love Frame Sessions—are a great way to get comfortable in front of our cameras. It’s a chance for you to see how we work and operate, and for us to get to know what your love looks like.
We usually schedule our sessions an hour before sunset to catch that dreamy golden light, and we wrap up around blue hour.
Less crowded places are always better. If you're up for it, we'd love to start the shoot in your home. We love awkwardness—because, let's be real, love is kind of awkward! We'll lean into that vibe, and I promise your images will be spectacular.
Wardrobe
What you wear plays a big role in how your session will feel.
While everyone has their own personal style, we encourage you to consider what looks good on camera and what will stand the test of time.
For grooms: Fit is everything. Think of classic photos from the ’40s and ’50s—even in casual settings, shirts were tucked in, tailored, and complemented the body. If you're unsure, dark slacks and a crisp white button-up are timeless and always a win.
For ladies: Flowy fabrics are your best friend. Long dresses and skirts that catch the wind add beautiful movement to your photos. Think about wearing colors that pop—jewel tones, reds, and oranges. We want you to stand out and feel your absolute best!
At the end of the day, make sure your wardrobe fits the location. We’ll touch base before your session to make sure we’re all on the same page.
Wedding Planners:
Allison Wallace - allwallsevents.com
Angel Tran - loveandsparrows.com
Hair & Make-up
Janet Robles - terrabeautyco.com
Shannon Dowling - something-you.com
Shelby Rowan - rowan-beauty.com
Videographers:
Hunter Gregory - HKcinemas.com
Floral:
Raquel Lovern - Rlove floral - rlovefloral.com
Deryk Poynor - The Greenhouse817 - thegreenhouse817.com
Photobooth:
Cookies in a flash - cookiesinaflash.com
Rockbox Booth -rockboxbooth.com
The Photobus - thephotobusdfw.com
Photoflashbox - flashfotobox.com
Catering
HD Smokedgoods - hdsmokedgoods.com
Djs:
RLF Society - rlfsociety.com
Bartending:
HD Liquid Catering - hdliquidcatering.com
The tangibles
Prints, albums and keepsakes
So, what do you actually walk away with?
First off, we upload all your photos to a private online gallery with a built-in print shop. It’s the perfect way to share your day with friends and family, especially those who couldn’t be there or the relatives who keep asking to see the photos. Downloads are totally free, and the print prices are super reasonable.
Now let’s talk albums and books. Honestly, they’re kind of amazing. You’re not required to get one, but we’d hate for you to miss out. They’re printed on top-tier paper, fully customizable, and available in a variety of luxe cover options. Want to know more? Shoot us an email and we’ll fill you in.
Thank you again, I am honored to be a part in this new chapter of your lives.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Jojo Pangilinan
Contact information
1708 Lomar Dr.
Carrollton, Texas 75007
Editing Hours are Monday to Friday, 10am-5pm. Alternatively, you can send me a message, and I'll reach out.
info@jojopang.com
+1 469 438 9508