This is often a question I get when talking with a bride in person or on the phone before they hire me. My usual answer is that we don’t operate off of a printed-out list and only photograph those specific things at each wedding. Rather instead, we have a created general list of photos that are some of the most common moments we photograph on a wedding day. It stays on my computer but also in our minds and then we let the rest flow naturally. We know that not every wedding is cookie cutter and your photos should reflect your day specifically. Because of that, I approach your wedding with a traditional and photojournalistic style. That just means that we will look for the moments on our general list and capture those in addition to all of the unique and special moments that happen naturally that you can’t add to a list. I do know how important it is to have an idea of what those photos are so I am going to list them below for your reference. Just keep in mind that these are not the exact photos that you will get in your gallery but a general idea of what we like to photograph at each wedding consistently. Your list/gallery will be unique to your wedding.
Details:
Styled shots of wedding invitations, shoes, rings, bouquets, etc.
Bride and bridesmaids getting hair and makeup done
Bride putting on dress/veil with help form mother of bride or bridesmaids
Bridal party having fun
Putting on shoes
Mother and bride portrait
Father and bride portrait
Family shots
Groom and groomsmen gettin ready
Groom spending moment alone
First look:
First look approach and moment
Portraits of bride and groom on their own
Bridal Party + Family:
Couple with bridesmaids/groomsmen
Couple with entire wedding party
Bride with bridesmaids/maid of honor
Groom with groomsmen/best man
Couple with any children in the wedding party
Couple with each set of parents
Couple with both sets of parents
Couple with siblings
Couple with close family members
Ceremony:
Shots of empty venue/church, including altar, flowers, interior and exterior details
Guests outside and inside church
Bridal party entrance
Bride walking up the aisle
Groom’s reaction
Father/mother giving bride away
Exchanging of vows
Lighting of unity candle
Exchanging of the rings
Participants such as readers, the officiant, musicians etc.
The first kiss as a married couple and the moment after
The recessional/couple walking back down the aisle
Reception:
Reception space set up, before room fills up
Details and room decor shots, including table settings, place cards, favors, centerpieces etc.
Wedding cake detail shots
Couple arriving
Toasts and speeches
Cutting the cake
The first dance
Father/bride and mother/son dances
Couple mingling with guests
Guests dancing
Musicians, singers, DJ
Informal shots with family and friends
Exit shots
