If you’re planning a wedding at The Valerie in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, or simply want a wedding day that feels calm, present, and meaningful, creating the right timeline makes all the difference. As a Wisconsin wedding photographer, I’ve photographed countless weddings where the timeline either supported peace and intention or completely overwhelmed the couple. This blog will walk you through a sample wedding day timeline at The Valerie and how to build a day that honors your marriage above everything else.

How The Valerie Creates Space for a Wedding That Honors Your Marriage

The Valerie is a gorgeous Wisconsin wedding venue that creates a blank slate for your wedding day, which allows you to put your own spin on it and make it feel true to who you are. 

It’s an industrial space drenched in white that’s modern and contemporary, but still feels classic and welcoming at the same time. They have on-site getting-ready rooms, indoor and outdoor venue options, and spaces for an intimate or a large gathering, holding up to 400 guests. 

The space isn’t only breathtaking, but also so well thought out. And that’s something that truly makes a difference in both planning your day and how your day feels overall. I can’t say enough good things about the team, who go above and beyond to make your day special! 

The Perfect Wedding Timeline for a Wedding at The Valerie

As a Wisconsin wedding photographer, I’ve learned my fair share of wedding timeline tips for those who want to focus on joy and being present in the moment. If you’re planning a spring wedding, here’s a sample timeline that lets your day at The Valerie flow slowly and calmly, and gives you a ton of room for connection and intentional presence. 

9:00 am: Getting ready

1:30 pm: First Look, Private Vows and Prayer, and Couple Portraits

2:30 pm: Wedding party and family photos 

3:30 pm: An Intentional, Pre-Ceremony Moment Together

4:00 pm: Ceremony

4:30 pm: A Moment for Just the Two of You to Celebrate Together

5:00 pm: Reception Entrance and Special Dances

5:30 pm: Dinner and Toasts

6:30 pm: Dancing Begins

Why a Meaningful Wedding Timeline Matters (Especially at The Valerie)

Your wedding timeline will be exactly how you experience your day, and will impact how peaceful your day feels. Being sure to collaborate with your vendors to build in time for meaningful moments will make all the difference in how you experience your day. You’ll have time for intentional moments alone with your spouse, time to ground yourself to stay present, and time to support your photography and other events of your day.

As a pro tip, never focus too much on the timeline. It’s part of a wedding day for things to go slightly off schedule, but when you go with the flow and focus back in on what really matters, nothing can rain on your parade. 

How Hiring Vendors That You Can Trust Makes a Difference in Your Day

One of the most important parts of your wedding day is being sure to hire vendors that you’re in good hands with. When you can sit back, relax, and not worry about all the small things, is when you’ll enjoy your day the most. 

Having a team that you know will handle both the big and small stuff for you allows you to stay present, full of peace, and connected to the true meaning of your day. 

As a Wisconsin wedding photographer, I constantly see how much of an effect it has on your gallery when you trust my sense of direction and expertise when it comes to things like lighting, location, and prompts. With that being said, never be afraid to engage with me and ask for any specific wants or needs you may have. I’m here to help you relax and have fun; never add stress to your day. 

Cally and Jake’s Blissful & Joyful Wedding Day

The joy and fun of this wedding still warms my heart to this day. The couple was so laid-back and so focused on the parts of their day that really mattered. Their love for each other was so strong, and it shines through in every single photograph. From their sweet smiles in every photo to the love that their friends and family brought into the day, every single moment was so special. 

When I shot their wedding, The Valerie was still pretty new, so I am so honored that these two trusted me with their photos there. With my knowledge, expertise, and scouting of the location, I was able to capture some amazing sunset photos, despite there not being much room for outdoorsy photos in the otherwise industrial venue. 

The vendors from this day were so amazing, and I can’t recommend them enough for your own wedding day at The Valerie. 

Floral: Melody Rose Designs 

Video: Salem Media Productions 

Makeup: Anna Milanzi Beauty 

Dress: Bucci’s Bridal 

Catering: Chef Jack’s Catering 

DJ: A Personal Touch DJ 

Coordinator/Event planner: Copper Feather Events

Sweet Words From the Bride

“Shelby is the absolute best. Truly could not have dreamt of a better person & photographer to capture our special day. From engagement photos to the wedding day, Shelby was such a gem to work with. She listened, asked questions, took the time to actually get to know us and what is important to us and how we are in front of the camera – and it showed. Most of all, her work speaks for itself. She captures not only memories but the love and connection. Pictures are so important to me so it was a big deal in selecting who would shoot our wedding day. I am over the moon pleased with our decision to work with Shelby! I would recommend Shelby to absolutely anyone and everyone who wants a professional, kind, and experienced photographer to capture your love story.”

Shelby D. | Wisconsin Wedding Photographer

Your wedding is more than just a party. It’s a covenant, a joining, a merge of two souls. And your day should focus on that. When the true meaning of the day is the sole focus, it creates a beautiful wedding gallery, filled with peace, joy, and intentional moments.

If you’re planning a wedding in Wisconsin and want a photographer who will walk with you through every part of the process, who cares deeply about presence, peace, and honoring your marriage, I would be honored to connect.

To book me as your Wisconsin wedding photographer, you can inquire here.