WEDDING DAY CHECKLIST

PVME Training Division — quick reference

Use this for: Full-day PVME wedding coverage. Run through 24 hours before, day-of arrival, ceremony prep, and reception transition. Tape this inside the lid of your roller bag.

24 hours before

  1. Charge every battery — A7RV bodies x2, Profoto A2 / B10X, Godox V1 speedlights, AirRemote, AirPods for second-shooter comms. Label charged with green tape.
  2. Format CFexpress + SD cards in the camera bodies that will use them (not on the computer).
  3. Print the timeline twice — bride's planner version + simplified shot-list version. Highlight first look, ceremony start, sunset time.
  4. Re-confirm second shooter, video team, planner. Text addresses, parking notes, vendor meal arrangement.
  5. Pack the bag: 2x A7RV, 24-70 GM, 70-200 GM, 35mm prime, 85mm GM, 2 speedlights, 1 B10X, MagMod kit, stand, ColorChecker, 3 microfiber cloths, lens pen, gaff tape, business cards.
  6. Run a 60-shot trigger test on every flash / radio pairing. Confirm HSS works.
  7. Phone fully charged + 10,000mAh battery brick in side pocket. Sunset alarm set on phone.
  8. Vehicle gassed, GPS pre-set to getting-ready location, backup route saved.

Morning-of (arrival to first look)

  1. Arrive 15 min early. Greet bride/groom. Confirm timeline hasn't shifted.
  2. Scout natural light in the prep room — window direction, blinds open/closed, where to position bride for portraits.
  3. Detail shots within first 20 minutes: rings, invitation suite, shoes, dress on hanger, perfume, jewelry. 35mm + natural light.
  4. Set camera bodies: Body 1 with 24-70 GM, Body 2 with 70-200 GM. ISO Auto floor 1/250, ceiling 6400. WB locked to room (typically 5500K).
  5. ColorChecker frame in prep room — once.
  6. Coverage of bride getting into dress (mother/MOH only — confirm modesty). Groom getting boutonniere.
  7. First-look location set 30 minutes before — light scouted, second shooter positioned for bride's reveal-angle.
  8. Couple portrait time block — 24-70 for environmental, swap to 85mm for intimate frames. Confirm 30-frame minimum per setup.

Pre-ceremony (60 minutes before "I do")

  1. Walk the ceremony space — confirm where officiant stands, where you'll shoot from (no center aisle blocking).
  2. Meter the ceremony location at expected time — set exposure for the bride's face under the chuppah/arbor lighting.
  3. Set silent shutter on both bodies. Drive mode to single + continuous low ready.
  4. Confirm second shooter's angle — opposite corner, capturing your back-of-room reactions.
  5. Swap to fresh batteries + cards before processional. Pocket the used ones in the LEFT pocket only (system).
  6. Family list visible — pinned to vest or in pocket. Coordinator briefed to call names.

Reception transition (ceremony end to reception open)

  1. Capture exit / recessional, then family formals immediately while everyone is gathered.
  2. Couple sunset portraits — confirm with planner exact window. 85mm + Profoto A2 with magnetic dome, HSS on.
  3. Walk reception space before guests enter — capture all detail: centerpieces, place cards, head table, cake, signage.
  4. Switch flash strategy: bounce ceiling for white/light ceilings, MagMod sphere + direct for dark ceilings. Gel CTO if tungsten venue.
  5. Vendor meal break only AFTER details captured — eat during dinner service, never during speeches or dances.