Apple Watch Calendar on Wedding Day

What Really Keeps Me Organized on a Wedding Day (Hint: It’s Not a Camera)

Before I talk about gear, lighting, Lightroom presets, color grading, or any of the technical stuff that fills most photography blogs—I want to start with something way more foundational. Something that genuinely makes my wedding days smoother, less stressful, and ultimately more successful: staying organized.

Weddings, in all their beauty and emotional highs, can also be chaotic. As a San Antonio wedding photographer, I’ve learned to love that chaos—because within it, there’s so much honesty, spontaneity, and storytelling gold. But let’s be real: the day is packed. We’re juggling timelines, shifting light, emotions running high, unexpected weather, late arrivals… the list goes on.

And that’s exactly why the tools that help me manage the day have become just as important as the ones that help me photograph it.

My Secret Weapon? My Apple Watch and iPhone.

Yep, that’s it. No fancy tutorial or secret app trick. Just simple, intentional planning with the devices I always have with me.

Usually, I receive the wedding timeline a week before the event—sometimes even the night before. Whether it’s a detailed PDF from the planner or a text with bullet points from the couple, I take that info and plug the key moments into my iPhone calendar (iCal). Then I sync everything with my Apple Watch.

From getting ready to first look, ceremony start time, and the big reception events—I can glance down at my wrist and know exactly where we should be. It keeps me focused and in the moment, without having to dig through emails or unfold a wrinkled paper schedule.

I Still Love My To-Do Lists

While iCal is my go-to for keeping track of the wedding timeline, I also use a simple app called CLEAR to keep a running list of personal and work-related to-dos. I’ll often jot down reminders like “Charge batteries,” “Clean lenses,” or “Deliver previews by Tuesday.” It’s super clean and satisfying to check things off.

This isn’t a groundbreaking system. It’s not high-tech. But it’s practical. It works. And it helps me show up as my best self for the couple—prepared, focused, and fully present to capture their story.

So, before we dive into lenses and presets and all that good stuff (don’t worry, those posts are coming), I wanted to share the most underrated tip that keeps my wedding days flowing with intention.

If you’re a fellow photographer, give it a try. And if you’re a bride or groom reading this—now you know one of the ways your timeline stays on track, even when the day takes unexpected turns.