Photography is one of the one lasting elements of your wedding day. After the dress has been worn, the vows exchanged, the champagnes drunk, it will be those precious images that you will look back on and remember all those amazing moments. Read this guide for essential photos on your wedding day. It will be the photos that will bring back the tears and help you to re-live that special day. So your photographer needs to get this right when documenting one of the biggest occasions you will go through in life. A skilled photographer can capture the essence of your special day through their lens, creating a visual story that will be treasured forever. That’s where I come in!

The details

That dress you’ve agonised over. That stunning veil. The flowers you’ve deliberated on and of course the ring you were suprised with. The details also include your shoes, jewellery, even perfume and garter. Or anything else that is important to you. You’ve spent a lot of time, effort and money on these items and they should be documented as such.

Family and wedding party prior to ceremony

These are your absolute nearest and dearest. Your Mum or Dad, siblings and closest friends there with you in the hours prior to the wedding day. Sharing a drink and having a laugh. You could have a “first look” with Dad (make sure the tissues are handy) or your bridesmaids. Reactions a plenty!

Venue set up

The photographer should ensure they arrive at the venue before you walk down the aisle. A lot of time and effort goes into the stying and decorating so it’s nice to have that documented. Inside the reception space as well as all the little details that you’ve spent time on styling your day should be captured. Outside is just as important, including any elements such as signage, florals and especially DIY elements.

Walking down the aisle

This is it! No turning back now, all those butterflies are about to erupt and you can’t wait to meet the man of your dreams down the end of that long aisle. The groom’s reaction is a must too!

Groom or bride’s reaction

This is such a special time for the groom or bride, the time where nothing else matters. Seeing his or her future wife or groom for the first time will bring on emotion, maybe even some tears! It takes intuition to capture the walk down the aisle as well as the reaction.

Ceremony highlights

This is it! This is essentially the moment you’ve been planning for. Key elements include the exchange of rings, vows, signing of the certificate, any readings and the authenticity of the ceremony.

Guests

The human reaction is so important to the story of the day. Tears of joy, laughter, hugs and happy dances. A good photographer will be a ninja and have an eagle eye and be able to capture these moments instinctively. As well as focussing on the newly married couple, turning attention to guests is vitally important.

First Kiss

You did it!! You’re married, now give each other one giant pash to show the world how happy you are to be a married couple! Take it slow, savour that moment, a quick peck just won’t do!

Exiting the ceremony

Make sure everyone has those rose petals handy! It’s best when you can walk down the aisle uninterrupted so get all those gorgeous images of your guests congratulating you. Hopefully the guests throw those petals above your heads and not in your eyes!!

Family photos

This might seem like a tedious part of the day but it’s a necessity. Your parents and grandparents will thank you for it! Take time to jot down a shot list so all the family combinations are covered and no-one is forgotten. Ask a bossy aunt or family friend to help order everyone into line!

The wedding party

It’s important to capture the bridal party as a whole. These can be fun, quirky, raucous or silly! Then the girls together and the boys together (if applicable).

Candid moments

The raw, the unposed, the real moments. I will work like a ninja all day and make sure you re-live the day as it unfolded

Just the two of you!

Let your personalities shine! It’s important to capture the uniqueness. I love a variety of romantic, fun, and active images. Don’t worry, this will be a fun and relaxed experience. Whilst you interact together, you’ll forget all about being photographed. I also love to schedule a small amount of time during the golden hour (right before sunset for those beautiful images with soft light). But most importantly, the images need to reflect you both.

The grand entrance

It’s time to celebrate – woo hoo! It’s now time to immerse yourself with all your guests and party and dance the night away.

Toasts and speeches

Whether they’re heartfelt, funny or downright appropriate, speeches are an integral part of any wedding and capturing the reactions are key!

First Dance

Some couples choose a fully fledged choreographed dance whilst others prefer a gentle sway and want their guests to join them at the earliest possibility, needless to say, it’s a beautiful moment to capture!

All the fun at the reception

A lot goes on during this part. You might have minimal formalities, or you may have many. From speeches, first dance, parent dances, cake cutting, games and bouquet toss, it’s important these are captured in an unobtrusive and photojournalstic way.

Night time

I love to get a night shot of the two of you before everything wraps up. This works best if there’s some ambient light around and off camera flash is my friend!

This is not a comprehensive list and may not be applicable to you but covers what I believe are those must have shots on your wedding day. Perhaps you’re having an intimate or very low key wedding and require only a short coverage or perhaps you’re not having a wedding party so your needs will be different. I will ensure I capture what’s important and has meaning to you and your partner.

All images supplied by Tamara Little Photography