Your story captured — not just photographed
Photography Guide
Everything you need to feel confident, prepared, and genuinely excited about your wedding photography experience.
Your love deserves more than a few posed photos — it deserves to be documented in a way that feels natural, timeless, and true to you. This guide walks you through what it’s like to work together, how the process flows, and how we’ll create images that tell your story beautifully from start to finish.
WORKING WITH ME
Hey! I’m Michael—your laid-back, coffee-loving wedding photographer (and proud family guy with a beard)—and I’m here to turn your love story into authentic, joy-filled images from “Yes!” to “I do.” From our first chat (where we nail down your vision and timeline) to those sneak-peek favorites a few days after you say “I do,” I’ve got you covered with calm, expert guidance and a fun, unobtrusive shooting style. Expect a relaxed vibe, plenty of laughs, and hassle-free delivery of your full gallery in 6–8 weeks—plus help designing an heirloom album if that’s in your package. Let’s capture your day exactly as you live it: beautifully, naturally, and with a whole lot of heart.
BEFORE THE DAY
LET'S KICK THINGS OFF
Once you’re booked, I’m all in. We’ll kick things off with a call (or coffee, if you're local!) to chat through your vision, priorities, and any must-have moments. I’m here to help you build a stress-free timeline, choose the best light for your portraits, and answer every random wedding question you didn’t know you’d have. Think of me as part photographer, part honorary wedding planner.
If your package includes an engagement session, we’ll schedule that next—it’s the perfect way to shake off any camera nerves and get comfortable working together before the big day. A few weeks out, I’ll send a detailed questionnaire so I know who’s who, what’s important, and how to help everything run smoothly. I’ll show up prepared, early, and ready to roll with whatever the day throws at us.
THE PROCESS
Step 01 - Let's Chat
We’ll schedule a quick call to make sure we’re a great fit. We’ll talk about your vision, your vibe, and how I can help make your wedding day smooth and stress-free.
Step 02 - Make It Official
Once you’re ready to book, I’ll send over a contract and retainer invoice to lock in your date. It’s all done online and super easy — no carrier pigeons required.
Step 03 - Plan + Prep
We’ll work together on timelines, photo lists, and any special details you want captured. Engagement session? We’ll get it scheduled and have some fun while we’re at it.
Step 04 - Wedding Day Magic
I’ll show up early, camera-ready, and fully prepared. My goal is to document your day naturally while keeping things relaxed, on time, and full of good energy.
Step 05 - Your Photos Are Ready
You’ll get sneak peeks within a few days, followed by your full gallery in 4–6 weeks. If your package includes an album, I’ll help you design something truly beautiful that you’ll love forever.
ON THE DAY
WHAT TO EXPECT
When your wedding day arrives, my job is to help it feel effortless. I’ll be there early to settle in, meet your crew, and start capturing the details you’ve worked so hard to plan. Throughout the day, I’ll guide you when needed (hello, dreamy portraits and wrangling family formals) and step back during the real, unscripted moments — like happy tears, belly laughs, and that just-married glow. My approach is calm, supportive, and totally focused on telling your story as it naturally unfolds.
A FEW THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
01
I’ve got you. From lighting to posing to timelines — I’ll guide you through everything so you don’t have to overthink a thing. Just focus on soaking in the moment.
02
Weddings don’t always go exactly as planned (and that’s okay!). Whether it’s a weather shift or a missing boutonniere, I’ll roll with it — and help keep the vibe calm and joyful.
03
The best photos often come from great natural light. I’m happy to work with you or your planner to build a timeline that includes golden hour glow for those dreamy portraits.
04
The best images happen when you're relaxed and just being you. Laugh, cry, hug, dance — I’ll be there to capture the real magic of it all.
AFTER THE DAY
UP TO ONE WEEK AFTER THE SHOOT
You will receive a preview with at LEAST 30 edited images. Typically 48 hours or less turnaround.
2 MONTHS AFTER
You will receive a full gallery of your imagery at the latest. Depending on workload and time of year, some galleries could be delivered in 2-3 weeks. My goal is to get them to you as soon as possible.
3 MONTHS AFTER THE SHOOT
You will receive prints and albums if you ordered.
Highlight Films should be delivered in this time frame as well, but this can will be based on workload and time of year.
Pricing
At Michael Bean Photography, our mission is to tell love stories with authenticity, intention, and heart. We’re here to do more than just take beautiful photos—we’re here to capture the real, in-between moments that make your story uniquely yours. From joyful tears to unscripted laughter, we create timeless imagery that lets you relive your day for years to come.
The Sweet & Simple Collection
$1,950
Perfect for more intimate weddings, the Sweet & Simple Collection covers 6 hours of beautiful, heartfelt moments. With two photographers and a keepsake album or an engagement session included, this package is ideal for couples who want quality coverage without all the extras.
✔ 6 Hours of Coverage
✔ Engagement or Wedding Album - 10 Pages
✔ Two Photographers
✔ Online Gallery
✔ Customizable Add-Ons
Timeless Love Wedding Package
$2,300
Our most popular choice, the Timeless Love Package balances depth and simplicity. With 8 hours of coverage and two photographers, you’ll get all the essential moments plus those sweet, candid in-betweens. Comes with a gorgeous album or engagement section and plenty of time to capture your full love story.
✔ 8 Hours of Coverage
✔ Engagement or Wedding Album 10 Pages
✔ Two Photographers
✔ Customizable Add-Ons
✔ Online Gallery
Forever & Always Collection
$2,650
Designed for the couple who wants it all, the Forever & Always Collection ensures every precious moment is captured—from the quiet morning details to the lively dance floor. With full-day coverage, two photographers, and either a beautiful album to relive your day or an engagement session, this collection offers the most complete storytelling experience.
✔ 10 Hours of Coverage
✔ Engagement or Wedding Album 10 Pages
✔ Online Gallery
✔ Customizable Addons
✔ Two Photographers
The Keepsake Collection - Photo + Video
$4950
For the couple who wants it all—timeless photography and a cinematic retelling of their day. This bundle includes 8 hours of photography coverage and a beautifully edited 7–10 minute highlight film, capturing the look, the love, and the laughter from start to finish.
✔ Up to 8 Hours of Photography Coverage
✔ 7–10 Minute Cinematic Highlight Film
✔ Complementary Engagement Session
✔ Two Professional Photographers and a Dedicated Hybrid Shooter capturing both video and photo for full, seamless coverage.
✔ Audio for Vows & Speeches
✔ Full Ceremony Video
✔ Online Gallery with High-Res Images & HD 4k Video
✔ Engagement or Wedding Album - 10 Pages
Add-ons and a la carte services
HIGHLIGHT VIDEO
$1199+
Add a cinematic touch to your day with a beautifully edited 4–6 minute highlight film. Relive your vows, laughter, and those unforgettable little moments through motion and music.
CEREMONY VIDEO
$250
A clean, simple video of your ceremony—capturing the full moment from start to finish.
EXTRA HOUR OF COVERAGE - DAY OF
$250
Need a little more time? Add an extra hour to make sure we’re there for every toast, dance, or sparkler send-off.
REHEARSAL DINNER - STARTING AT $450
$450+
Let us capture the heartfelt toasts, happy tears, and pre-wedding anticipation. It’s the perfect way to document the start of your wedding weekend.
BRIDAL SESSION
$300
A relaxed, pre-wedding portrait session just for the bride. Show off your gown, hair, and makeup—and take some time to feel fabulous before the big day.
ENGAGMENT SESSION
$125
Special pricing if you book a wedding and opt for the wedding album. Perfect for save-the-dates or just celebrating your love story. We’ll help you get comfortable in front of the camera while capturing a genuine connection.
THIRD PHOTOGRAPHER
$200/hr
Need extra coverage for a big guest list or multiple locations? A third photographer helps us capture every detail and angle, ensuring no moment goes unnoticed.
ENGAGEMENT HIGHLIGHT FILM
$499
Add a 2-4 minute cinematic touch to your engagement session with a personalized highlight film. This add-on extends your session to 2 hours, giving us the time and space to film natural, candid moments between the two of you—laughing, exploring, and just being you.
