Photography & Films
Photography & Films · Lafayette, LA & Beyond
We are so incredibly honored that you've chosen us to document one of the most meaningful days of your lives. This guide was created to walk you through everything — from your very first session all the way through receiving your final gallery.
We want this experience to feel effortless and joyful. Read through at your own pace, bookmark pages you'll need later, and never hesitate to reach out with questions along the way.
Here's to beautiful light, real moments, and memories that last forever.
— The Lacy James TeamQuickest way to reach us: Text us at 337-371-1037
After Booking
Engagement & Bridal Sessions
Portrait sessions can be scheduled at any time after booking — we encourage you to do it sooner rather than later to lock in your preferred dates and locations!
Engagement Sessions
Schedule at any time after booking. A wonderful way to get comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day — and they make beautiful save-the-dates too.
Bridal Sessions
The sweet spot is 30–45 days before your wedding — schedule any time after alterations are complete. A minimum of 30 days prior is required unless Lacy James Weddings approves and can confirm gallery delivery in time.
Schedule & Pricing
Our scheduling portal, session fee breakdown, full location guide, and per-location fees are all available at the link below.
Additional fees to review before booking: Weekend fees, travel fees & location fees may apply ↗ — note that even if your wedding day does not involve travel, certain portrait session locations may still require a travel fee due to extended scheduling blocks.
All scheduling, coordination, and fees of portrait sessions are the sole responsibility of the client.
What's Included
*Subject to wedding package
30-Minute Engagement Session
20 Images
Arrive dressed for your session — we'll make the most of every minute in the best available light.
60-Minute Engagement Session
35 Images · 2 Outfits
Arrive in your first outfit, change at the halfway point. Wear your favorite outfit first.
60-Min Bridal Session
30 Images
90-Min Bridal Session
45 Images
Gallery Delivery
Portrait session galleries are delivered within up to 3 weeks — delivery time may vary by season. You will be notified via text and to your email on file with your gallery link the moment it is ready.
Session Prep
Outfit & Color Guide
Wear what makes you feel your most confident and beautiful — that energy always translates on camera. Light and neutral tones photograph especially well in our bright, airy style.
Palette One — Timeless White
Our favorite for brides. White or ivory for the bride against warm neutrals for your partner — timeless and editorial in any lighting.
Palette Two — Soft Blush & Sage
Soft pinks, blush tones, and sage greens feel effortlessly romantic — perfect for golden hour sessions surrounded by greenery.
Palette Three — Light Blues
Light blues and chambray feel fresh and natural — especially beautiful at outdoor locations.
Palette Four — Earthy Neutrals
Khakis, tans, camel and warm whites feel grounded — perfect for barn, rustic, or wooded locations.
✨ Bride's tip: We absolutely love a white dress on brides for engagement and bridal sessions. For outfit shopping, we recommend Baltic Born and Lulus.com for women's session looks. When in doubt, avoid busy patterns and overly bright colors.
Most importantly — all scheduling, coordination, and fees of portrait sessions are the sole responsibility of the client.
Scheduling
The Golden Hour Difference
Light is everything in photography. We are intentional about scheduling sessions during the most flattering time of day.
The Best Light Window
The very best natural light each day occurs during the 2 hours before sunset — warm, soft, directional light that flatters every skin tone and creates that dreamy, glowing quality.
Location Hours Matter
Always read your chosen location's notes carefully — or call ahead — to confirm operating hours and any time restrictions. We'll always work within them to catch the best light possible.
Timing Example
If sunset is at 7:00 PM — the ideal start time for a 90-minute session is 5:30 PM, placing you perfectly in golden hour light from start to finish.
Location closes at 5:00 PM? Schedule your 60-min session at 4:00 PM to honor their rules while still landing in the best available light.Wedding Day
Building Your Wedding Timeline
A well-crafted timeline is the backbone of a beautifully documented wedding day. Here's how our timeline creation process works.
2–4 Weeks Before
We Send the Timeline Questionnaire
We begin roughly 2–4 weeks before your wedding — once the final details are less likely to change. You'll receive a comprehensive questionnaire to walk us through every detail of your day.
You & Your Partner
Fill Out All the Details
Both of you complete the questionnaire together. The more detail you provide — getting ready locations, family groupings, ceremony structure, reception events — the more tailored your coverage will be.
We Get to Work
We Map Out Your Coverage
All the details you've provided are used to carefully map out every moment of your day — from first look to last dance. We account for travel time, family portraits, lighting, and all the in-between moments.
Review & Approve
We Send the Timeline for Your Approval
We create your personalized timeline and send it to you for review. Once approved, this becomes our shared roadmap for the day.
Payments: Your final payment due date is outlined in your client agreement. Have questions? Text us — it's always the fastest way to get a response!
After Your Wedding
Gallery & Film Delivery
Great work takes time — and we believe your memories deserve nothing less than our very best. Here's what to expect after your wedding day.
Photography Gallery
Photo galleries are delivered within up to 12 weeks after your wedding date, excluding the weeks of major and local holidays.
Wedding Film
Films are delivered within up to 22 weeks after your wedding date, excluding the weeks of major and local holidays.
How You'll Receive It
All galleries and films are delivered digitally via an online gallery. You'll receive a link to view, download, and share your memories from anywhere in the world.
Please note: All delivery windows exclude weeks containing major and local holidays.
Because we have the privilege of working with so many wonderful couples, we kindly ask that you allow the full delivery window to pass before reaching out regarding your gallery. Inquiries received during the editing process require us to step away from our work and, when frequent, can unintentionally delay galleries for multiple clients. Please rest assured — your gallery will be delivered just as soon as it is ready, and you will be notified immediately via text and to your email on file the moment it arrives. We truly appreciate your patience and trust.
Your Online Gallery
Hosted on Pixieset
All galleries and films — including engagement and bridal sessions — are delivered through Pixieset, a beautiful and easy-to-use online gallery platform accessible from any device, anywhere in the world.
Galleries remain active for up to 4 months after delivery, with the option to opt in for continued access renewed annually each July.
Continued Gallery Access — $49.99/year
Billing invoices distributed July 1st. Courtesy reminder sent July 22nd. As of August 1st, all unpaid or opted-out galleries will be permanently removed from the platform.
Important: In the event a gallery is requested after removal, we cannot guarantee it remains archived. Should we be able to locate and restore it, a $129.99 archival recovery fee applies — this covers the cost of locating and re-uploading your gallery, along with annual access through the following July.
Wedding Day
Day-Of Tips & Advice
Ten years of weddings has taught us a thing or two. These are our favorite tips to help your day feel as beautiful as it looks.
Protect Your Timeline
The single best thing you can do is start on time. Hair and makeup running long is the most common cause of a rushed ceremony exit. Build buffer into your getting-ready schedule.
Getting Ready Space
Choose a room with large windows and turn off lamps where possible. Natural window light creates the most flattering, beautiful getting-ready images.
First Look Option
A first look allows us to complete almost all formal portraits before the ceremony — so you can spend cocktail hour actually with your guests. Ask us if you'd like to know more!
Family Portrait List
Provide a finalized family formals list before your wedding and assign a point-of-contact to gather people quickly. This is the fastest way to breeze through formals.
Just Be Present
Our job is to capture you — not create a performance. Look at each other, laugh, take it all in. The most beautiful images come from couples who simply live in the moment.
xoxo
— The Lacy James Weddings Team
337-371-1037 · lacyjamesweddings.com