Capturing Wedding Bliss: A Guide To Photographing Magical Moments

Planning your wedding photos is just as important as choosing the perfect venue or outfit. A good way to ensure you capture all the special moments of your big day is by creating a wedding photo shot list. This will help you streamline your family photo session and ensure you don't waste time on your wedding day. While your photographer will likely have a standard wedding photo list, creating your own will ensure that you get the specific pictures you've imagined. This list can include photos with different groups of people, such as parents, grandparents, and siblings, as well as detail shots of items like your wedding rings, bouquet, and altar decor. It's also important to remember that your wedding is unique, and your wedding photo list should reflect your specific needs and relationships.

Bridal and groom photos

Capturing the bridal and groom photos is a wonderful way to document the transformation of hair and makeup, or the process of putting on a suit. Here are some ideas for bridal and groom photos:

Bridal Photos:

• Having hair and makeup done
• The hairstyle from the back
• Wedding dress being done up by a parent or wedding party member
• Details of the wedding dress from the back
• Detail photos of the beading and pattern on the wedding dress
• Full-length photo of the bride
• Accessories shots of jewellery
• Detail shots of the bride's shoes
• Bride putting on her shoes
• Photo of the veil on its own
• Cheers with the bride and bridesmaids
• A shot of the bride holding the bouquet
• Bride looking out the window

Groom Photos:

• Full-length photo of the groom
• Accessories shots of watch, tie/bow tie
• Detail shots of the groom's shoes
• Groom doing up his shoes
• Cheers with the groom and groomsmen
• Photo of the dress hanging on its own
• Groom looking out the window
• Parent or wedding party member attaching the boutonnière to the suit
• Portrait of the groom

Couple Photos:

• The first look (optional)
• Groom or partner standing by themselves
• Bride or partner approaching the groom from behind
• Shot from over the groom's shoulder of the bride
• Photo from the side of the final first look approach
• Bride or partner tapping on the groom's shoulder
• Groom or partner turning around to see the bride
• Bride and groom, or partners, embracing each other
• Close-up shots of the couple's reaction faces
• Couples reading their wedding letters to each other

First look photos

Capturing the moment a couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day is a beautiful part of the day and can make for some very special photos. Here are some ideas for first look photos:

The Setup

The first look usually takes place a few hours before the ceremony in a private place away from family and friends. The couple gets dressed in their respective quarters and then meets in a designated place. Typically, one partner heads to the agreed-upon setting first, and once the second partner arrives, the first partner turns around.

The Photos

The photographer will capture the candid moment and continue taking pictures of the couple in different spots, capturing various angles and emotions. Close-up shots of the couple's reactions are key, as well as photos of them hugging, kissing, looking at each other, and holding hands. The photographer can also capture the couple walking next to each other, with the partner who arrived second leading the way.

Including the Wedding Party

While the first look is usually a private moment, it can also be fun to include the wedding party. One idea is to blindfold the groom and have the bridesmaids do a first look with him. Another idea is to have the bride reserve her first look for her bridesmaids instead of the groom.

First Look with Father and Daughter

The first look tradition can also extend beyond the couple. A touching moment is when the father sees his daughter as a bride for the first time. This close talk shows real love, happiness, and sometimes tears. It makes a lovely scene before the wedding party starts and creates unforgettable memories.

Ceremony photos

The ceremony is where the magic happens, so it's important to capture the intensity of the moment in your photos. Here are some ideas for ceremony photos to add to your wedding photography shot list:

Before the Ceremony

• The ceremony setup without the guests on site
• A close-up shot of the altar
• A close-up shot of the floral arrangements that line the aisle
• Any other unique floral arrangements or decorations
• Ushers escorting guests to their seats
• Ushers escorting parents to their seats, if applicable
• The groom and groomsmen waiting inside the venue
• Bridal party entrance

During the Ceremony

• Guests entering the site
• The couple's parents walking down the aisle
• The groom walking down the aisle
• The wedding party walking down the aisle
• The flower girl and ring bearer walking down the aisle
• The bride walking down the aisle
• The groom's reaction to seeing the bride
• The father of the bride giving his daughter away
• The couple standing at the altar in front of the officiant
• A wide shot of the audience during the ceremony
• Loved ones sharing any special readings
• The couple exchanging wedding vows
• Close-up shots of the couple's hands as they exchange wedding rings
• The first kiss as a married couple
• The moment after the couple kisses
• The audience's reactions to ceremony moments

After the Ceremony

• The couple leaving the ceremony site
• Congratulatory shots of the couple hugging, laughing, and crying with friends and family
• The couple in the back seat of the wedding car
• The couple outside the ceremony site

Remember, this list is just a general outline, and you can add or remove shots as you see fit. It's also important to communicate your wish list of pictures to your photographer ahead of time so they can capture the moments that are most important to you.

Family and wedding party photos

Family Photos:

• Couple with both sets of parents: This is a classic shot, capturing the newlyweds with their beaming parents.
• Couple with immediate family members from both sides: Get a photo with your parents and siblings to commemorate this special day.
• Couple with respective partner's parents: A photo with each partner's parents is a lovely way to honour their support.
• Couple with siblings: If you have siblings, be sure to get a photo with them. It will be a treasured memory for all of you.
• Couple with close family members: Capture the joy of your extended family with group photos.
• Individual family members: In addition to group photos, consider individual shots with each parent, grandparent, or sibling.

Wedding Party Photos:

• Couple with the entire wedding party: Get everyone together for a fun and memorable shot.
• Couple with bridesmaids/groomsmen: Celebrate the special bond with your bridal party.
• Bride/Groom with maid of honour/best man: Honour the special role of your honour attendants with individual photos.
• Bride/Groom with each bridesmaid/groomsman: Capture the unique relationship with each member of your bridal party.
• Wedding party putting final touches: Before the ceremony, snap some photos of the wedding party adding boutonnieres, fixing ties, or helping each other with last-minute details.
• Emotional moments: Capture the emotions of the day with shots of the couple and their wedding party laughing, hugging, or sharing a toast.

Remember, this is just a guide, and you can customise your photo list to suit your unique family and wedding party. Discuss your wishes with your photographer, and don't be afraid to add personal touches to make your photos truly yours.

Reception photos

Capturing the reception is all about immortalising the joy and celebration of the newlyweds and their guests. Here is a comprehensive list of shots to include in your wedding reception photo checklist:

The Venue and Decor

• The exterior of the reception venue
• A wide shot of the reception space, both with and without guests
• The seating chart/escort card display
• The lounge area, if there is one
• Close-up shots of decorations on the tables, such as table numbers and centrepieces
• The cake and any other desserts, preferably before they are cut into
• Any unique games and activities

The Newlyweds' Entrance, Dinner and Speeches

• The couple making their reception entrance
• The couple sitting at the head table
• A close-up shot of the food
• The couple and their guests eating dinner
• Friends and family making toasts and delivering speeches
• The couple listening to speeches and toasts
• The couple chatting with their guests

The Dances

• The father-daughter dance
• The mother-son dance
• The couple's first dance
• Guests on the dance floor
• The couple dancing with their guests
• The bride and groom dancing with each other

The Exit

• The couple exiting the reception
• The couple's vehicle leaving
• The rear of the vehicle departing

Frequently asked questions