Benjamin Holthaus • October 3, 2024
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One of they key pieces of advice I always have for my couples is that even if right now you feel like certain things might not be as important, I still think it’s good to consider capturing it anyway. Your getting ready photo’s might not seem important now, and perhaps that will stay true. But perhaps someone will be there, someone where share a laugh during that time who one day may not be here, and that one photograph just might be one of the few photographed memories you have left with them. If we are at your wedding already, use us to your advantage, make sure you have more than what you think you need.
Your wedding day is one of the most cherished and photographed events in your life, so it’s crucial to ensure that your photographer captures all the special moments that tell the full story of your day. Here’s a list of must-have wedding shots that every couple should include to ensure no memory is left behind. Not only will this help your photographer plan, but it will also ensure your wedding album is complete with the moments that matter most. Remember, you can always regret not having captured enough memories, but you can never regret capturing too many.
Getting Ready
The excitement starts long before the ceremony. These early moments are filled with anticipation and emotion, making them perfect for capturing:
- Bride and Groom Getting Ready: From the bride’s final touches with her hair and makeup to the groom adjusting his cufflinks, these shots are intimate and set the tone for the day.
- The Dress & Details: Include shots of the wedding dress hanging before it’s worn, along with accessories like shoes, jewelry, and the bouquet.
- Bridal Party Moments: Capture candid moments of the bridal party, from laughter while getting ready to the bridesmaids’ reactions when they first see the bride in her dress.
The First Look
Whether you choose a traditional first look at the aisle or a private moment before the ceremony, the first time you see each other on your wedding day is a magical moment. Make sure your photographer is ready to capture:
- First Reactions: The look of joy, surprise, or tears on both your faces as you see each other for the first time in your wedding attire.
Ceremony Moments
The ceremony is the heart of your wedding day, filled with both planned and spontaneous moments that deserve to be preserved:
- Walking Down the Aisle: The bride’s entrance is one of the most anticipated moments. Capture her walk, as well as the groom’s reaction.
- Exchanging Vows and Rings: These emotional moments are key to documenting the commitment being made.
- First Kiss: A timeless moment that every couple will want to look back on.
Couple Portraits
After the ceremony, it’s essential to take some time for just the two of you to reflect and capture your first moments as a married couple:
- Classic Couple Shots: Romantic poses, kisses, and candid shots that highlight your love.
- Under-the-Veil Shots: Capture intimate moments beneath the bride’s veil for a dreamy, romantic look.
- Our Personal Favorite: Candid Prompt Posing. Giving you 2-3 slightly different poses that you can do in one fluid movement that allows you to keep moving. This totally eliminates that awkward stiff feeling when being posed and lets you feel comfortable while taking photos. This really brings out your natural personalities with each other which just creates really amazing photos that are unique to you as a couple while still having that beautiful timeless feel to them! Just look at the photo below taken using this method
Group and Family Photos
Your family and friends are a huge part of your day, so make sure to include group shots that celebrate the people closest to you:
- Formal Family Portraits: Shots with immediate family, grandparents, and siblings are a must.
- Wedding Party Photos: Capture the joy and excitement with your bridesmaids and groomsmen, both posed and candid.
- Our Favorite: Do a handful of thoughtfully posed bridal party photos, and let the rest be candid! We all love a good group photo, but in 10 years from now, you’re going to want to see everyone laughing, having a good time, celebrating your marriage. Allowing room to make those happen is our specialty.
Reception Highlights
The reception is filled with laughter, dancing, and celebration. Make sure to capture the key moments, such as:
- First Dance: The couple’s first dance is a magical moment that deserves special attention.
- Cake Cutting: A fun and sweet tradition that adds charm to your album.
- Toasts and Candid Guest Photos: These often produce heartfelt, funny, and spontaneous shots that capture the joy of the day.
Details and Decor
You’ve put a lot of thought into your venue and decor, so don’t forget to capture:
- Venue Shots: Before the guests arrive, make sure your photographer gets shots of the ceremony and reception spaces.
- Tablescapes and Floral Arrangements: From centerpieces to seating cards, capture all the details that made your wedding unique. These both may not seem very important, but this goes back to having more than you need, not less. One day you might want to look back at the little details of your day, even the smallest things can bring up entirely new memories.
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