ALDEN REED PHOTOGRAPHY
ESSENTIAL
WEDDING DAY BLUEPRINT
YOUR PERSONAL GUIDE TO THE BEST DAY EVER
Your wedding day shouldn’t feel like a photoshoot...
They’re meant to be experienced with the people you love.
The couples I work with usually care more about being present than they do about the performative expectations of modern weddings. They want their day to feel honest, connected, and genuine.
My approach is documentary and intentional. I’ll guide you when needed, but most of the time I’m focused on capturing moments as they naturally unfold — so you can spend less time posing, and more time actually being present.
A little about me
Hi! My name is Alden.
Portland-based wedding photographer & videographer.
I was a special education teacher for 19 years, and have been shooting professionally for 9 years now.
This is a picture of my dog “Bagel” in one of his favorite places. I’m a surfer, freediver, climber, snowboarder, photographer, filmmaker... If I’m not in Portland, I’m off adventuring in my van somewhere most weeks.
Wedding day timeline
Most weddings are a full-day event. Plan ahead! Delegate tasks. You deserve to enjoy your day without feeling stressed about timelines, tasks, or other day-of coordination. These timelines give ample room for connection. They also allow for time if something goes wrong (something often does).
With a little planning and care, these timelines can serve as a guide to mitigate stress on your big day.
More traditional
11:30 — Getting ready
2:45 — First look (optional)
4:00 — Ceremony
4:45 — Cocktail hour/portraits
6:00 — Dinner/speeches
7:00 — First dance(s)
7:30 — Sunset portraits
7:50 — Dessert/dancing/party
Less traditional
11:30 — Getting ready
2:00 — First look/private vows
3:00 — Pre-ceremony portraits
5:00 — Brief & intentional
ceremony/hand fasting/other...
6:00 — Cocktail hour/portraits
7:15 — Dinner/speeches
8:15 — Games/traditions
8:00 — Shake your ass & party
Typical sunset
January 4:45–5:15 PM
February 5:15–5:55 PM
March 5:55–7:25 PM
April 7:30–8:10 PM
May 8:10–8:50 PM
June 8:50–9:05 PM
July 8:35–9:00 PM
August 7:45–8:30 PM
September 6:45–7:35 PM
October 5:45–6:35 PM
November 4:30–5:00 PM
December 4:25–4:40 PM
Golden hour ≠ exact sunset. The PNW demands intentionality with natural light, and I’ll be here to guide you through planning, so you don’t have to worry.
Outdoor weddings in the PNW
#rainplan
I’m sorry to say, it almost always rains in June. It CAN rain any time of the year, and with a little planning you wont have to worry.
If you’re looking into an outdoor wedding, I always recommend thinking through a simple backup plan: tents, covered spaces, or indoor options can make a huge difference in reducing stress. And above all: wear shoes you can move in, bring layers if needed, and prioritize comfort. The more comfortable and dry you feel, the more present you’ll be.
Over-planner
Venue is indoors.
Reception is indoors.
I won’t have to go outside after hair/makeup is done.
20+ Clear umbrellas for portraits and any time we need to spend outdoors.
“Let’s wait until the rain stops.
I don’t want rainy photos.”
Venue and reception space have coat hangers & umbrella storage
Minimal, efficient, versatile.
It’s an outdoor wedding in the PNW.
People understand the assignment.
Our “save the dates” will directly manage expectations.
Clear umbrellas for you and your guests.
Outdoor seating for the ceremony. Covered area for reception.
Embracing whatever weather comes our way.
Clear umbrellas are a TIMELESS pnw accessory for wedding photography in the elements.
FREE engagement photos?!
Have you had engagement photos taken yet? This is an invaluable tool for us to connect. I get to understand your needs when taking photos, you get to understand how I am behind a camera and how authentic and wonderful the photos look. This isn’t just about taking photos, its about establishing trust and building a relationship. Doing this before your actual wedding day is HUGE.
Option A:
8-hour wedding package
ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY IS FREE!
50-80 photos
2-hour session
Option B:
Not ready for a full commit on a wedding photo or photo/video package yet?
Let’s start with engagement photos. Anything you spend on engagement photos with me, I’ll credit it toward a wedding package when you’re ready.
Things couples often forget
Leave buffer time in your schedule
Eat and stay hydrated (not just champagne while getting ready)
Comfortable shoes
Weather can shift quickly in the PNW
The imperfect moments are often the most meaningful
Your guests care more about your presence than perfection
Private vows can help create a quiet, intentional moment together
Assign someone to gather family for portraits
Hair and makeup almost always takes longer than expected
Build in a 5- 15-minute alone time together after the ceremony
Leave extra travel time between locations
The day will move fast - pause and take it in
Small details matter less than how the day felt
Phones in pockets during the ceremony change everything
Your wedding does not need to look like Pinterest to be beautiful, unique, and yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Almost every couple says this at first. My approach is relaxed and movement-based, with very little stiff posing — so it feels more like spending time together than being in a photoshoot. The best photos usually aren’t posed.
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Hit me up and I’ll send a pricing guide! I’m happy to build a custom quote for you. My 8 hour packages start at $3k, most couples spend between $3.5k and $5k based on their preferences for just photo, photo & video, and I always recommend a second photographer for weddings w/100+ guests. I shoot with a team of consistent/preferred photographers and videographers. So if you want photo + video, or even a second shooter (photography), you’re going to get a team that knows each other well, shoots together often, has a consistent product, and has amazing wedding day energy.
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The best timelines leave room to breathe. Building in a little extra space throughout the day helps things feel calmer, more present, and far less rushed. Also, do what YOU feel is best. Family and other external pressures can result in us accommodating for others on a day that is supposed to be about YOU.
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50-120 photos per hour.
so...
8 hours - 400-600 photos (typical wedding day). I send a sneak peak within the first week, and depending on the season, you can expect photos within 6-8 weeks.
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You bet your buns I do!
I love it. I’m obsessed with my DJI Mavic 4 Pro. It’s so insanely cinematic and beautiful, the footage I get from that thing. And no, I wont be using it during the ceremony. I have 3 other Sony cameras for that.
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I have small wireless mics that I hide discretely on your body, with your help. We’ll find a way that meets your needs and doesnt take away from the aesthetics of your dress, suit... I would never ask you to do something you aren't comfortable with.
What happens next?
Shoot me a text: 971-462-5592
Or email: aldenreedphotography@gmail.com
Schedule a call, even just a brief vibe check.
Check out my photo and video portfolio.
Give my Instagram a follow!
Documentary-style photography is authentic and genuine because it all really happened. My approach is rooted in presence, connection, and honest storytelling — creating images that feel like your wedding, not a performance of one. I care far more about helping you feel present with your people, comfortable in front of the camera, and free to actually experience everything as it unfolds. If that sounds like the kind of wedding experience you’re looking for, I’d genuinely love to hear what you’re planning.
Testimonials
5.0 stars on google!
★★★★★
“Alden went above and beyond for my engagement photos. He coordinated the surprise plan and showed up hours before needed to make sure everything was in place. Needless to say, the photos turned out amazing. No complaints. My fiancé and soon-to-be wife have a lifetime of memories, all thanks to him. I would highly recommend it to all the men out there looking to propose. Alden is the guy you need in your corner for the big day”
— John ★★★★★
“Alden was the absolute best choice I ever could have picked for a videographer! He and Nick were such a rad team! With Alden being so invested in our evening it really helped the energy, our guests were having a blast! The dancing is my favorite part that was recorded from the event with the joy on everyone's faces. He captured every critical moment we wanted during the ceremony and then some so we can show it to family and friends unable to attend. We had a snafu with my father during our dance and Alden handled it with care and grace, I really respect the outcome since my father wanted to include his mishap in the video. It was true to our story. He’s got all the technical and aesthetic knowhow on capturing an important event, couldn't ask for more!
— Paige★★★★★
I’ve worked with Alden on several weddings, and he’s truly incredible. Beyond being reliable and professional, he brings such a positive, uplifting energy to every event. He makes everyone feel comfortable, keeps things running smoothly, and consistently delivers amazing work. Highly recommend!
— Nick★★★★★
“Not only is Alden‘s photography and video work gorgeous, he’s a pleasure to be around! We enjoyed having him at multiple Winter Waters events, shooting video and drone footage. He had a lot of creative ideas and followed instructions very well. I appreciated his creativity and the fact that he knows how to stay behind the scenes while still getting that awesome shot. I definitely recommend him!”
— Rachel ★★★★★
Alden shot my graduation and my birthday dinner and I'd book him again without hesitation. There was this moment where my best friend and I were trying to get the perfect shot with my birthday cake, lighting the candle, and it just kept dissolving into laughter — and somehow he caught all of it perfectly. That's the thing about Alden, he's present for the real moments not just the posed ones.
He's creative, thoughtful, and has this easy way of making you feel comfortable in front of the camera. His shots are vibrant and he genuinely takes feedback well which made the whole experience feel collaborative. Highly recommend him for anything you want to actually remember.
— Sharden