Photo by Michelle Behre
Ideas

The Wedding Photos You'll Want to Add to Your Must-Get List

Your wedding day is packed with so many unforgettable moments, and luckily you’ll have a professional photographer there to capture every second of pure joy! However, make sure you’re considering all the moments you’ll want to be able to look back on long after the last glass of champagne has been poured! Scroll through to find the wedding photos you’ll definitely want to add to your must-have list!

01.
Getting Ready Moments

“You won’t regret having photos of the wedding morning! Ask your photographer to capture the bride and bridesmaids getting their hair and makeup done, the groom and groomsmen getting ready, and candid moments like laughter, excitement, and nervousness.” - Becca Davis, Adam and Becca Photo & Video

02.
Details Details Details

“Photographers are very versed when it comes to wedding day timelines and what is best to document and when. I always suggest getting as many detail shots of your personal items as these are the details you've been putting together since you've selected your venue. These items include your ceremony programs/signage, card box, place cards or seating chart, guest tables in your reception space, etc. If these items are important to you, then I would suggest having these noted on your shot list!” - Casey Stamouli, Owner & Lead Planner, Casey & Co. Events

03.
Bridal Glam

“One photo that I hear a lot of brides say they missed out on was a bridal glamour shot - the dress, the veil, the whole look! When timelines are tight or running late, it's hard to get some of the "nice to have" photos, but I think it's important to get a few individual shots beyond the getting ready photos.” - Melanie Levin, Owner, LuckEleven Events

04.
Bridesmaids

“Maybe they have seen your dress. Maybe they haven’t seen you in your dress. But let me tell you, they have not seen you on your wedding day in your dress. They're going to FREAK OUT and give you one big group hug. We really love this first look because it doesn’t take much time to add to the timeline and it is so full of emotion! Don’t forget: your bridesmaids will need to be fully dressed. And it's okay if they've seen you in your dress before - it's still a great moment! Guys can do first looks too! Groomsmen love to have fun." - Becca Davis, Adam and Becca Photo & Video

05.
First Looks

“Beyond just the couple itself, you can also capture the first look between the bride and bridesmaids, bride and dad, the couple and the wedding party, the couple and their families...the list goes on! Think of those in your life who love and support you, like your mom, dad, grandparents, etc. These are all people who care so deeply for you and even if they went dress shopping with you, they are going to be so excited to see you on your wedding day. You’ve been their world for so long and they’ve probably always imagined this day. The emotions that come from these first looks are seriously priceless. It's really meaningful to the people involved, and it doesn't add too much time to the timeline. Just note that whoever is involved typically needs to be available earlier in the day. Sometimes this can be challenging for a dad that doesn't like to follow an agenda or less mobile grandparents.” - Becca Davis, Adam and Becca Photo & Video

06.
Private Vows

“There are a million possible photos to capture on your wedding day, but it's likely the ones you aren't thinking of that will mean the most to you. Consider exchanging private vows together during your first look (or if not doing a first look, perhaps from an angle where you can hear, but not see, each other). This is a great way to alleviate those pre-ceremony jitters and share thoughts and feelings you may be less comfortable with announcing in front of all of your loved ones. Capturing this in photos is sure to be an intimate moment for the books!” - Alexandra Denniston, Owner & Lead Planner, Eventlightenment Planning

07.
Ceremony Details

“You’ll want to have a way to remember all the special moments of your ceremony. This includes the venue and décor (exterior and interior shots of the ceremony venue, close-ups of details like flowers, candles, and other decorations), your walk down the aisle, your partner’s reaction, candids of guests (especially family & wedding party!), the exchange of vows and ring exchange, the first kiss as a married couple, and our FAVORITE moment: a kiss in the middle of the aisle during the recessional!” - Becca Davis, Adam and Becca Photo & Video

08.
Furry Friends

“Who can resist the charm of furry friends? A candid shot of your dog yawning during the ceremony adds a touch of warmth and adorableness to your special day.” - Anastasia Shevchenko, Sheff Production

09.
Candids with Family and Friends

“While personally I live for all the detail shots because you've spent so much planning and money and each design decision, I truly think the must-get photos for your wedding are of you with your partner and family/friends. I live for the candid moments and the moments that you won't always see. Bonus if you can get a mix of portrait and candid shots. Because at the end of the day, celebrating this new chapter with your guests and loved ones is what weddings are about!” - Kari Dirksen-Smith, CEO + Lead Planner, Feathered Arrow Studio

10.
Moments of Movement

“Must-have wedding photos to add to your list are images with movement and occasional blur. I love movement shots that show off the beautiful fabric of your wedding dress or the energy on the reception dance floor. Movement conveys the energy, anticipation, and excitement of the day.” - Heather Durham, Heather Durham Photography

11.
Dance Floor Moments

“Get on the dance floor together for the very first song when your dance floor opens. Most photographers conclude their coverage soon after the dance floor opens, so this will ensure you get some fun photos of you two dancing together. It'll also encourage your guests to pack the dance floor if they see you out there right away.” - Ian Rempel, Ian Rempel Photography

12.
Drone Footage

“A drone shot is a must-have for capturing a unique and awe-inspiring perspective of your wedding day. Imagine the breathtaking aerial view of your venue, with you and your partner standing hand in hand, surrounded by beautiful landscapes or stunning architectural features. The drone can capture the grandeur of the ceremony or highlight the picturesque setting of your outdoor reception. This kind of shot provides a unique visual that is not only memorable but awe-inspiring! It’s important to chat with your photography and videography team to make sure that they have the tools to capture this stunning view!” - Taylor Brione Ballard, CWP, Experiences By Taylor Brione

13.
The After Party

“After the formalities, celebrating with the ones you love is one of the most essential parts of your wedding day. So whether it's stealing a kiss from your partner on the dance floor or sharing a drink with those who came to celebrate you, you'll cherish those memories just as much as formal portraits!” - Jessica Rodriguez Hanselman, Crossed Keys Estate
With these moments all on your wedding photos shot list, you’re guaranteed the perfect gallery of images to help you reminisce on your big day for years to come!

Featured Vendors

Wedding Venue
Crossed Keys Estate
Andover, New Jersey
Wedding Photographer
Heather Durham Photography
Nashville, Tennessee
Wedding Planner
Casey & Co. Events
Newport, Rhode Island
Wedding Photographer
Sheff Production
Los Angeles, California
Wedding Planner
Eventlightenment Planning
Boston, Massachusetts
Wedding Planner
Feathered Arrow Studio
Los Angeles, California
Wedding Planner
Experiences By Taylor Brione
Houston, Texas
Wedding Photographer
Adam and Becca
Chicago, Illinois
Wedding Photographer
Ian Rempel
Chicago, Illinois
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