Dear Brides and Grooms to be,

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Planning a wedding can feel like juggling ten things at once and photography is usually the one thing couples underestimate. The truth is, once the food is eaten and the flowers are gone, your photos are the only thing left to relive the day. So don’t leave it to chance.

Here’s a simple timeline and checklist to keep your wedding photography stress-free, Malaysian-style.

12–18 Months Before

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This is when the big decision happens.

Book your photographer. Popular dates (especially September to December) disappear fast. Don’t wait.

• If you’re camera-shy and hate posing → look for someone who’s good at making couples laugh and feel at ease.‎
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• If you’re detail-obsessed → pick a photographer who’s organised, asks about timelines, and doesn’t miss the small stuff.
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• If you’re the adventurous type → find someone who’s up for chasing sunsets, getting sandy at the beach, or hiking a bit for a killer view.
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• If family is everything → go with someone who naturally connects with parents and relatives, not just the couple.Don’t stress about photography “styles.” What matters more is finding a photographer who fits your personality.

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Shortlist photographers, compare portfolios, and book a consultation. Chemistry matters more than you think. Schedule a consultation.

👉 Tip: In Malaysia, you’re competing with peak season + other couples. If you already have a venue date, lock in your photographer immediately.

9–12 Months Before

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Now it’s time to plan your pre-wedding shoot.

• Fix a date for your engagement or pre-wedding session.
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• Pick locations you love. Be it the Streets of Kuala Lumpur, beaches from Langkawi, to Melbourne City, Mount Fuji Hiking in KL, Penang’s heritage streets, even a simple café.
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• Planning the shoot. Handling logistics. Make up artist, Wedding Gown Rentals. We work with vendors that we can plan these together.
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• Finalise packages. Decide if you want full-day or half-day coverage.

6–9 Months Before

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This stage is about coordination.

• Sync up with your makeup artist and florist. The right team makes a difference in how your photos turn out.
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• Put together a vision board (Pinterest works fine) and share it with me. It helps me understand your vibe.
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• ‎Lock in outfits for your pre-wedding shoot.‎If you’re planning a destination shoot, confirm travel details.

3–6 Months Before

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You’ve already done your pre-wedding shoot by now. Time to refine things.

• Review your photos, tell me what you loved or want more of.
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• Share your full wedding day timeline.
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• Make sure we know about the cultural elements: tea ceremony, akad nikah, gate crash, etc.

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If you want video too, this is when you secure a videographer.

1–3 Months Before

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‎We’re almost there.

• Write down your family photo list. Trust me, you won’t remember on the day.
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• Discuss your rain plan. Malaysia’s weather can flip in minutes, so it’s best to prepare.
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• Carve out 30–45 minutes for portraits on the wedding day.

1 Week Before

This is about tying loose ends.

• Reconfirm the timeline and key contacts (planner, best man, maid of honour).
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• Pack a small “photo survival kit” — blotting paper, tissues, lipstick, maybe even a mini fan.
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• ‎Gather all the small items you want photographed, like rings, stationery, and accessories, and keep them in one place.
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• ‎Rest. Being well-rested will show in your face more than any amount of makeup.

Wedding Day: Focus on What’s Real

You’ve done the planning. Now let it go.

• Assign one trusted person to help the photographer manage the schedule.
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• Don’t over-direct your photographer. You hired them for their eye, let them do what they’re good at.
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• Focus on the people, not the camera. The best photos come from genuine connection, not perfect posing.

When something goes slightly off (and it will), just roll with it. The small imperfections are what make your story real.

After the Wedding: Keep the Momentum

Once the day’s over:

• Get the photography package that has sneak peak and highlight. So it make your wait for the entire delivery less painful 😉 Expect a sneak peek or highlights soon after. Some photographers send within a week.
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• When your gallery arrives, set aside time to go through it. Don’t rush.
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• ‎Choose your favourite images for printing or albums. Digital photos are temporary; prints are what last.
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• ‎Back everything up in at least two places.

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Final Thoughts

Weddings in Kuala Lumpur move fast. Timelines are tight, relatives are vocal, and expectations are high. But if you plan your photography right, you’ll have images that feel like you — not staged, not trendy, just honest.

At Jon Low Studio, that’s what we care about most. Photography that actually means something years later.

Frequently Asked Questions