Wedding photography has evolved in many different ways since the famous Queen Victoria and Prince Albert wedding picture was taken in 1839.
Today, wedding photography is more streamlined and detailed. There are so many extravagant little aspects to capture and not enough time.
So, we’ve compiled a checklist of must-take wedding photographs for your big day.
1. Wedding Prep Photographs
Weddings aren’t just about the ceremony and reception, but they’re also about gathering all your closest family and friends and spending quality time together. The best of these gatherings happen before the wedding when preparations and pre-wedding jitters are in full swing.
Here are some must-take photographs during wedding prep.
- Dresses/suits & accessories of both to-be-weds (plus close-ups of details)
- Floral arrangements and decorations
- Candid shots during makeup and hairstyling
- Both to-be-weds with their families
- To-be-weds on their way to the ceremony (separately)
2. Pre-Ceremony Photographs
All the people involved in the wedding prep and arrangements probably put so much effort into decorating the place and getting everything in order. These efforts should get their spotlight too! Pre-ceremony is the best time to do this. Here’s what you need to capture.
- Decorations and seating arrangements
- Close-ups of wedding invitations and banners
- Shots of the empty alter
- Guest arriving and being seated
- Candid shots of guests at the location talking
3. Wedding Ceremony Photographs
The ceremony is starting! Here are the wedding photographs you need to get taken during the ceremony for you to look back at it fondly.
- Both to-be-weds arriving at the alter
- The groom’s reaction upon the first look at his bride
- Flower girl and ring bearer
- To-be-weds exchanging vows and rings
- The “now-married” kiss
4. Reception Photographs
Now for the big party, here comes the wedding photographer’s checklist for the must-have photos at the reception:
- Guest and newly-weds arriving
- Candid shots of guests and newly-weds socializing
- The first dance and each newly-wed’s dance with a parent
- Cutting and eating the cake
- The bouquet toss
5. Post-Reception Photographs
Finally, everything is wrapping up. But there can be an after-party of sorts at some weddings. So if you’ve hired your photographer for that, too, then here are the photographs you must take.
- Newly-weds leaving the reception
- Newly-weds and friends arriving at afterparty
- Candid shots of people partying
- Shots of newly-weds drinking
- Final shot with all guests and both newly-weds
Hire a Great Wedding Photographer in Dallas
If you’re looking to hire an incredible wedding photographer in Dallas, reach out to us at Lily Hayes Photography!
We have been in the business of wedding/engagement photography (and other types) for a good amount of time and have great experience capturing beautiful shots at wedding photoshoots. You can check some of them out here.
Feel free to get in touch with us so we can talk stuff out.