This is a list of must have wedding photos.

This blog post is written for photographers and couples planning their must-have wedding photos list. Get inspired, make a Pinterest mood board, and it share is when you need a shot list or wedding day photo inspiration. All photos belong to Miranda Suess of Suess Moments wedding photography.

The Details

Wedding day details don’t seem necessary to photograph at first. As ten years later breezed past by, a couple may not remember what their save-the-dates looked like, the design of their reception, even their beloved pet making a statement around their cocktail hour, or of their grandparent’s cherished treasure – the detail photos are necessary to remember the small things that helped create the wedding a little more special.

 

 

Bridal Prep Photos & Bride Portraits

One of my favorite parts of every wedding day is photographing the bride during prep and her solo portraits on her wedding day morning. It’s full of good vibes, nerves, and a lot of love from her bridesmaids – moments before the first look. It’s anticipation and beauty all at once. This part can be skipped, but I encourage all my brides not to miss out on this opportunity to be photographed. I think bridal prep photos and bride portraits must be on the must-have wedding photo list!

• the bridal suite
• in the matching pajamas/robes with the bridal party
• help getting in the dress with maid of honor(s) and mother figure(s)/sister(s)
• bride portraits
• opening a gift from a partner
• first look with bridesmaids
• first look with a father figure
• portrait with the bridal party in dresses

Are you interested in learning more about bridal prep and picture-perfect bride portraits? Read this blog here!

 

 

Groom Portraits/Bride’s Partner’s Photos

The groom typically doesn’t care for photos of his wedding day morning but I think this is a must-have, because it’s a time in his life where he’s feeling supported ALL AT ONCE by his closest friends and family members. It’s a fun time, super casual and easy breezy with the groom as he gets ready.

• Putting on the suit by a window
• Getting help getting dressed up by father figure and best man
• Toast with the groomsmen
• Photos of children and elderly
• Solo portraits
• Opening gift from partner in private
• Individual photos with each person in the wedding party

 

First Look and Wedding Day Couples’ Portraits

Not every couple chooses to do a first look prior to the ceremony but more and more of my couples tend to plan for that and I think the first time the couple sees one another of their wedding day cannot be missed. It’s a MUST HAVE wedding photo, for sure. Along with the first look, fine art couples’ portraits, posed and candid wedding day portraits are also added to the list.

Poses:

• kiss
• twirl like a ballerina
• hug from behind and whisper in her/his ear
• take a walk like doing a sobriety test, then act drunk for fun
• look into each other’s eyes
• go for a slow dance; practice first dance

 

 

VIP Photos with Family and Wedding Party

So this is what I call VIP photos; other photographers may call these must have wedding photo “family photos”. This is the group of people that are closest to you both – like immediate family and friends. Theses are also photos you plan to print and create heirloom photos around the home or put in a wedding album.

 

Ceremony

This includes the details (which mentioned above) and the process of the wedding party walking down the aisle, the crowd reactions, vow exchanges, the first look, the ceremony itself, first kiss, and just married exit.

The Reception

Dance party, yummy food, unlimited booze, and a good time. Most of the time, my couples book me for part of the reception and not the whole thing. They usually want photos of:

• introduction
• first dance with parents
• first dance as a married couple
• mini dance set with family and friends
• speeches/toasts/reactions of guests
• night time magical photo
• cake cut
• special entertainment/performances before hour 3 of the reception

By hours 3 & 4 of the reception, many people are liquored up and don’t want their sweaty sloppiness being caught on camera. Regardless, whatever is important to remember for the couple, is essential to me as a photographer.

 

Most Importantly…

Must-have wedding photos should be a complete authentic collection of the real moments that happen throughout the wedding day. Even moments that are not in the perfect composite because the pure sweetness takes over the photograph. It’s not always about the art. As a wedding photographer, being alert and knowing when a laugh is approaching or a “i miss you” hug is embraced. Capture it. Those are the most important must have wedding photos.