Your wedding day will be filled with countless special moments, but some of them are especially important to capture—photos that you’ll treasure forever and look back on for years to come. As your wedding photographer, I’m there to make sure no moment is missed, from the smallest details to the grandest emotions. Here’s a guide to the must-have wedding day photos that help tell the complete story of your celebration:

1. Getting Ready Moments

The excitement of the wedding day often begins long before the ceremony, as you and your bridal party prepare for the day ahead. These moments are filled with anticipation and emotion, making for some truly beautiful, candid shots. Must-have photos include:

• The bride and groom getting ready, surrounded by their bridal party or close family.
• Detail shots of the wedding dress, shoes, jewelry, and other accessories.
• The final touches—whether it’s zipping up the dress, adjusting the tie, or putting on earrings.
• Bridesmaids and groomsmen reactions to seeing the bride or groom in their full wedding attire for the first time.

2. First Look (If You Choose to Have One)

The first look is a private, intimate moment where the bride and groom see each other for the first time before the ceremony. It’s always filled with emotion, whether it’s happy tears, laughter, or pure excitement. This is a chance to capture the genuine reactions you have when you first lay eyes on each other.

If you prefer to save that moment for the walk down the aisle, that’s perfectly fine too. The beauty of this moment is in its authenticity, no matter when or how it happens.

3. The Ceremony

The ceremony is the heart of your wedding day, where you exchange vows and promises for your future together. Must-have ceremony photos include:

• The walk down the aisle, capturing the reactions of both the bride and groom.
• Close-ups of your hands as you exchange rings and vows.
• The first kiss as a married couple.
• The joy-filled moments of walking back up the aisle, often met with applause and celebration from your guests.

These photos are often full of emotion and connection, and they’re the ones that tell the story of your commitment to one another.

4. Family and Group Portraits

While candid moments make up a big part of the wedding day, formal portraits with family and friends are just as essential. These are the photos that will hang on walls and be passed down through generations. Must-have family and group shots include:

• The couple with immediate family members (parents, siblings, grandparents).
• The entire bridal party, capturing the fun and excitement of the day.
• Extended family group shots, especially with those who traveled far for the occasion.

It’s a good idea to have a list of key groupings in advance to keep the process organized and efficient.

5. Bride and Groom Portraits

These are the iconic images that showcase the love and joy you share on your wedding day. After the ceremony, we’ll take time for beautiful, romantic portraits of just the two of you. Some must-have couple portraits include:

• Classic, posed shots where you can fully appreciate the beauty of your wedding attire and the venue.
• Candid, natural moments where you’re simply enjoying each other’s company.
• Scenic shots that take advantage of the surroundings—whether it’s a dramatic sunset, a lush garden, or an urban cityscape.

6. Details and Décor

So much effort goes into creating the perfect ambiance for your wedding day, from the flowers to the table settings. Photos of these details help you remember the beautiful atmosphere you’ve created. Must-have detail shots include:

• The bouquet and floral arrangements.
• Close-ups of the wedding cake, invitations, and signage.
• The table settings, centerpieces, and décor elements that define your reception space.

These images capture the essence of your wedding day’s style and bring back memories of all the hard work and planning that went into it.

7. The Reception

The reception is where the celebration truly begins. From the grand entrance to the final dance, there are so many important moments to capture. Key reception photos include:

• The couple’s first dance.
• Toasts and speeches, often filled with laughter, tears, and heartfelt words.
• The cake cutting, which is always a fun and sweet moment to photograph.
• Candid photos of guests enjoying the party, whether they’re on the dance floor, chatting at their tables, or simply celebrating with you.

8. The Send-Off

Whether it’s a sparkler exit, a confetti toss, or a classic getaway car, the send-off is one of the most joyful moments of the night. It marks the end of the celebration and the beginning of your new journey as a married couple. Capturing the energy and excitement of this moment is essential for a complete wedding story.

Conclusion

Your wedding day is filled with moments big and small, all of which deserve to be captured in a way that tells the full story of your celebration. From the quiet anticipation of getting ready to the exuberant joy of the reception, these must-have photos will preserve the memories of your wedding day for years to come. My goal as your photographer is to make sure every moment, detail, and emotion is beautifully captured, so you can relive your day through your photos for a lifetime.