Wedding days move fast and small mistakes feel big. The way you prepare before you walk out the door decides how calm and clear-headed you’ll be when the pressure hits.
Coming to you from John Branch IV Photography, this practical video lays out what Branch IV actually does before every wedding, and the first point might catch you off guard. He puts pre-wedding meetings above charging batteries or packing gear. About 15 to 30 days before the event, he schedules a final check-in with the couple, often automated through his workflow so it doesn’t rely on memory. In that meeting, he confirms exact venue addresses, not just names, and double-checks every location if the day involves multiple spots. He asks about timeline gaps, surprise dances, or plans that never made it onto paper. One couple mentioned table photos only days before the wedding, something that would have derailed the flow if left uncovered.
Branch IV also uses that meeting to surface family dynamics that can quietly wreck group portraits. Divorced parents, stepparents, sensitive pairings. You call out the wrong combination and you feel the tension instantly. He brings it up early so there are no awkward surprises. He also gives simple instructions, like having all detail items gathered in one box for easy access during prep. That small move saves time and keeps you from interrupting hair and makeup. These conversations shape the day more than any camera setting.
He then walks through how he handles timelines and shot lists, and his approach is more controlled than you might expect. He creates his own photographer timeline even when a planner is involved. He reviews it before every wedding and brings printed copies along with a digital version. On shot lists, he pushes back against Pinterest-style demands. He wants three things: a family shot breakdown with specific groupings and names, a mood reference for overall vibe, and a short list of meaningful details he would not otherwise know. The family list is formatted line by line, such as “bride, groom, bride’s parents,” instead of a scattered list of names. That structure speeds up portraits and gives you a polite way to manage overly assertive relatives who try to direct the session.
From there, Branch IV shifts into logistics. He verifies every address again and sends them to his second shooter. No vague venue names, no assumptions. Everyone gets the exact address entered into their phone ahead of time. He prints everything. Physical copies can be handed off quickly and keep attention on the group instead of a screen.
Then comes gear. He primarily shoots with the Fujifilm X-T5 and occasionally the Fujifilm GFX system, and he knows how long each battery lasts in real conditions. He brings about six batteries for the X-T5 and often cycles through all six with the GFX. He packs eight SD cards for dual-camera coverage, including spares for a second shooter. His typical kit is lean: two cameras, three to four lenses, four flashes, two small LED lights for exits, and a flat lay mat. One main bag. Sometimes, a second bag stays in the car as backup. He learned early, especially while working in New York City, that mobility beats hauling everything you own. He also packs water with a few ice cubes and keeps snacks in the car in case a vendor meal falls through. Long days without food happen more than most admit. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Branch IV.
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