Your wedding day is filled with so many magical moments that deserve to be captured! The day of is always filled with nerves and excitement, and you’re going to want to be present in the moment and enjoy your day, so here’s a list of 10 must-have photos to present to your wedding photographer so they know exactly what to capture on your wedding day.
1. Getting ready
You may think the “magic” doesn’t happen until you walk down the aisle, but there are actually so many touching and special moments to capture before you say “I do”. Make sure your wedding photographer knows you would like some photos of you and your wedding party getting ready, like your mom helping you put your veil on or the quiet moment you share with your dad when he shares some words of advice with you. These wedding photos always make for emotional and genuine memories you can look back on for years to come!
2. A solo shot of your wedding gown before you put it on
You spent a lot of time picking out the perfect wedding dress, so make sure you get plenty of shots of it! Ask your wedding photographer to get some photos of your dress before you put it on, so you can relive all the excitement and joy you felt the first time you saw it.
3. The veil
If you will be wearing a veil, take advantage of it! Your wedding photographer can take some really amazing shots of you putting your veil on, and even some great pictures with your veil draped over your face. As odd as it sounds to hide your face behind a veil for your wedding photos, the veil can lend a softness to your wedding photos, and adds a bit of variety to your solo bridal shots!
4. First looks
While this is a completely personal choice between you and your partner, capturing the first time your partner sees you on the day of your wedding is the perfect photo opportunity. You don’t have to make a big deal out of it either if that’s not really your style- ask your wedding photographer to find a private spot for you and your partner to steal a couple of quiet moments with each other just the two of you, so you can truly enjoy each other’s company.
5. Candid moments
Throughout your wedding day, there will be plenty of unexpected moments that you will want to be able to look back on. Your wedding photographer can help capture these moments for you, so you can see your wedding day through the eyes of those you love the most!
6. Your first kiss
This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments that is a must for your wedding photos. There is no better feeling than that first kiss after saying you’ll spend forever with your partner, and these wedding photos will be so filled with happiness and joy to perfectly encompass the abundance of love and romance of your wedding day!
7. The first dance / the dance with your parents
How often do you get the whole dance floor to yourself in a beautiful gown dancing to one of your favorite songs? Make sure your wedding photographer knows to get each and every minute of your time in the spotlight with the love of your life. And, pictures of you and your partner dancing with your parents make for great keepsakes so you can always remember how much love surrounded you on your wedding day.
8. The Maid of Honor and BestMan speeches
Whether they’re hilarious or heart-felt, the speeches your Best Man and Maid of Honor make will be filled with personal details and shared memories that you’ll definitely want to remember them. Ask your wedding photographer to snap some photos of both you and the speech-givers, so you can share the moment with each other forever!
9. Guests during your vows
The people you invite to your wedding are special to you, and you are special to them! When you and your partner exchange your vows, they’re going to be just as filled with emotion as you are. Since you’ll be wrapped up in your partner, have your wedding photographer snap some photos of your guest’s reactions to you and your partner sharing your vows so you don’t miss out on any of the smiles and happy tears.
10. Some personality shots
Your wedding day is going to be one of the happiest days of your life… so capture that! Yes, of course, have your wedding photographer take the traditional wedding couple portraits, but don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. You’re getting married! It’s more than okay to let loose a little bit, take in some of the fun and ENJOY your day.
I hope this list of 10 must-have photos to take on your wedding day gives you a little inspiration for your wedding photos and helps you get excited for your own wedding day!