The 10 Must-Have Wedding Photos for Your Special Day
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event filled with love, joy, and a host of unforgettable moments. Capturing these moments in photographs ensures that they will be cherished for years to come. Here are the 10 must-have wedding photos that you should be sure your photographer captures:
- The Getting Ready Shots: These candid photos capture the excitement and anticipation as you and your wedding party prepare for the big day. From hair and makeup to the final touches on your attire, these moments are priceless.
Bride with hair and makeup artist friend getting ready as mom arrives
Grandmother of the bride helping her put on the necklace
2. The First Look: Whether it's the first look between the couple before the ceremony or during the ceremony, or
the moment a parent sees their child dressed for the wedding; these emotional captures are truly special.
Father of the bride seeing her for the first time
Bride's maids seeing bride for the first time
3. Wedding Attire and Accessories: Detailed shots of the wedding dress, suit, shoes, and accessories help to remember the carefully chosen details that made your day unique.
(For this wedding, the groom and his party got ready off site. Detailed photos of his attire were taken while he was wearing his tux)
Bridal gown and shoes. The groom got ready at home.
Bridal jewelry
4. The Walk Down the Aisle: The walk down the aisle is a pivotal moment, full of emotion and beauty. Capturing the
expressions of the couple and the guests adds depth to your wedding story.
Groom seeing his bride
Father walking bride, while bride sees her guests for the first time
Father of the bride shaking groom's hand, giving away his daughter
Couple taking each other's hands for the first-time during ceremony
5. The Exchange of Vows and Rings: The heart of the ceremony, where promises are made, and rings are exchanged,
deserves to be remembered through close-up shots that capture the intensity of the moment.
Groom holding bride's ring
Groom placing ring on bride's finger
Bride receiving groom's ring from best man
Bride placing ring on groom's finger
6. The First Kiss as a Married Couple: This iconic photo symbolizes the beginning of your journey together and is a
must-have in any wedding gallery.
The first kiss
Celebration after the kiss
Walking up the aisle after the ceremony
Aisle dip and kiss
7. The Decor and Venue: Photos of the venue and decor help to set the scene and reflect the ambiance of your wedding
day.
Guest book table
Table decor
Reception area
Full table
8. The Newlyweds’ Portrait: A formal portrait of the couple as newlyweds is a timeless addition to your wedding photos, showcasing the love and happiness shared on this special day.
(We also take fun, unposed images during your wedding day)
9. The Reception and Celebrations: Capturing the fun and festivities of the reception, from the first dance to the cutting of the cake, these photos reflect the joyous celebration with family and friends.
Reception entrance
A toast to the newlyweds
The first dance
Cake cutting
Father-daughter dance
Shoe game during reception
Some of the food offered
The dance floor
10. The Send-Off: Concluding the event with a photo of the send-off, whether it's a shower of petals or a grand exit,
provides a fitting end to your wedding day narrative. Should the photographer be contracted to leave before the
newlyweds, it is easy enough to stag the exit with your guests.
(For this specific wedding, I was contracted to leave before the party was over, so we created a sendoff.)
These photos not only preserve the memories of your wedding day but also tell the story of your love. Discuss these must-have images with your photographer to ensure that no moment goes uncaptured.
Remember, these photos will be a testament to your love and the start of your new life together, so choose the ones that resonate most with you and your partner.
All of the images posted withing this blog, are mostly of the couple, because this is what you will leave behind for your loved ones to have for generations to come. They want the photos of you.
However, when you choose Milestones Portraits for your photography needs, we will not only take timeless images of you posed and documentary style, but also of your family and friends enjoying and celebrating your wedding day. Providing this for you will give you a lifetime of memories.
Happy planning!
XOXO,
Amy
