BY @CAPTURED.BY.ALIIA
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR
SPECIAL DAY
Welcome 🤍
This page was created especially for my clients
Your wedding day will pass faster than you expect!
This guide will help you prepare in a simple and thoughtful way so that everything feels relaxed, meaningful, and beautifully documented
My goal is not just to photograph your wedding, but to help you create moments that will feel natural and unforgettable!
Thank you for trusting me with your memories — it truly means a lot to me!!!
Hey, my name
is Aliia
Hi, I’m Aliia, a lifestyle photographer based in Berlin. Work across Europe!
I photograph people the way they truly are — through real emotions, movement, touch, and connection.
I love warm light, simple moments, and honest conversations.
During my shoots, I create a calm and safe space where you don’t need to rush, perform, or be “perfect”/ "right"/ "ideal" - just be yourselves. As we are all ideal and perfect!
If you value natural, emotional photographs that feel like memories — we’re a great match.
What to expect from wedding photography
All the weddings are unique. I always listen to you, I DO CARE about your preferences, about what is the most important for you that day and what you exited the most about. But anyways I created this guide to help you not to forget something - you can grab some useful tips from here or not, it's up to you!
Wedding photography is not about constant posing.
Most of the day I photograph:
• real moments
• emotions
• movement
• small details you might not notice
I gently guide you when needed, but the most beautiful images always come from real interaction.
The more present you are with each other, the better your photos will look. Of course we will have some posed love story shots during the day - but the other time try to focus on each other, your guests and the moments!
*** OF COURSE we also do classic posing during our love story shoot - some couples prefer to have such pictures mostly - that's also fine! I always listen to you during our chats and calls. So this guide might help (and it's super general) but also - no worries if we have any other decisions and vibes!
One secret
Please no worries about being shy in front of the camera or "being unexperienced" - 98% of my clients say that to me! This is my work to make you feel relaxed, guide you and help you. But I'll tell you something in advance:
the camera loves emotions — but it needs them slightly bigger than life. Of course not fake, not forced, just… a little more.
What looks “normal” in real life often looks calm and subtle in photos.
That’s why during the shoot, I encourage you to lean into the moment.
Be a bit more:
• playful
• silly
• expressive
• affectionate
Hold each other longer. Hug tighter. Laugh louder. Whisper something ridiculous. Walk like you’re in your own little movie.
The more freely and openly you show your feelings, the more cinematic, deep, and powerful your photos will feel.
Don’t be afraid to:
• exaggerate emotions a little
• move more than you think you should
• enjoy each other without thinking about the camera
*** Also depending on the vibe of your day, of your couple. Sometimes we have super calm love stories with a lot of calm, natural, cozy poses/ prompts
Couple photos
Your couple session doesn’t need to be long.
Usually 15–30 minutes is enough!
The key is simply to be together:
• walk
• talk
• hug
• laugh
• breathe
I will guide you gently so everything feels natural 🤍
Why you need this part? Because if we're talking about a big wedding - it will be a rush day, you'll be in connection with everyone, in the moment. 15 minutes love story shoot will help you to have some pics of that day without guests - only you and your love
Civil weddings & elopements
Small weddings often feel even more emotional and intimate.
For civil ceremonies or elopements, it can be beautiful to include:
• a short walk together after the ceremony
• reading your vows privately (elopement) or during the ceremony (civil wedding)
• sharing a quiet moment with champagne
• visiting a meaningful location
These small moments create a story that feels very personal.
Small things to bring with you
A small emergency pouch can be very helpful:
• tissues
• lipstick or powder
• hairpins
• blotting paper
• comfortable shoes
• water or snacks
And if possible — give your rings to the person responsible before the ceremony, so everything goes smoothly
If something doesn’t go exactly as planned
Weddings are full of surprises.
Sometimes:
• the timeline shifts
• the weather changes (I can bring my transparent umbrella with me if needed)
• emotions become overwhelming
And that’s completely normal.
Some of the most beautiful photographs happen in these unplanned moments.
Your only job is to be present and enjoy the day.
Everything else will unfold naturally 💛
Our way step by step
the guide is yours
You read this guide and get inspired 🥰
First, you go through this guide and start imagining how your day might look!
You begin thinking about the atmosphere you want:
something intimate and calm, or joyful and full of energy.
You might also start gathering small ideas — details you’d love to include, meaningful objects, or moments you want to remember.
This step simply helps you visualize your day.
No pressure from my side — just ideas and direction
Moodboard
We talk about your wedding and what matters most
Next, we discuss your plans and the overall flow of the day.
You tell me about:
• your ceremony
• the people who will be there
• special traditions or moments
• the atmosphere you want to create
We also talk about meaningful details you might want photographed — rings, invitations, perfume, letters, vows, and other personal elements.
This conversation helps me understand what is truly important for you
timeline
We plan the photography timeline
Then we create a simple photography timeline together
We decide:
• when the getting ready photos will happen
• whether you’d like a first look
• when to take couple portraits
• how to photograph family and guests
The goal is to build a timeline that feels comfortable and unrushed, so you can actually enjoy your wedding day
getting ready
Final preparation before the wedding
As the day gets closer, we finalize the small details.
You prepare the items for detail photos (rings, invitations, perfume, vows, jewelry, etc.), and make sure everything you’d like photographed is easy to find on the morning of the wedding.
I’ll also remind you of a few small things that help the photos look their best — like preparing a bright getting-ready space and keeping important items together:)
This way, when the wedding day arrives, everything feels calm and ready.
On your wedding day, you don’t need to think about photography.
My job is to guide you gently, notice meaningful moments, and document the day as it unfolds.
Your job is simple:
be present, enjoy your people, and celebrate your love!
Everything else will naturally fall into place
Inspiration:
