So now that you have scored the perfect photographer, it seems like you should be able to check photography off your wedding planning checklist, right?  Not so fast…although we are sure your photographer has his or her own list of important moments to capture, there are probably some key elements and people that you do not want missed!  After all, you have put an incredible amount of time and energy into planning your wedding, naturally you want your photos to reflect that. 

So how exactly do you ensure that  you get the perfect pictures on your wedding day?…with a shot list, of course. We put together a checklist of some photo ops you won’t want to miss on your big day because we want to make sure you head into your best day ever with a clear picture.

Sometimes candids are our favorites!

Photograph by Sam Stroud Photography 

 Getting Ready 

On any given day, most of us would not want our “getting ready routine” photographed, but when it comes to your wedding day it is a surprisingly beautiful process and actually results in many photogenic moments.  Make sure to get photos of  the wedding party getting “all dolled up” as well.  So many emotions occur during this time, that you want to make sure your photographer is there  to capture such special moments. PLANNERS TIP: Make sure your photographer captures “the zip”; the moment when you are zipped, buttoned or laced into your dress.  This is a sweet and significant moment you will want to look back on.

The Details

You spend a lot of money getting all the details just right for your wedding day! We think that having a few photos of your paper suite alongside some of the most meaningful objects of the day (rings, family heirlooms, etc.) is worth being documented.  BONUS: this type of shot makes the ultimate wedding album opener. PLANNERS TIP: Making sure all of these personal items are placed together in one spot is a proactive way to be prepared before all the beautiful chaos of the day begins. 

Portraits

Letting your photographer know ahead of time who you would like to be photographed with will ensure that you get all the pictures you were hoping for and can also minimize any strange moments. Dad bringing his new girlfriend to the wedding?…Letting your photographer know this and any stipulations that go along with it, is key to a smooth photography experience. Making a list of desired guest photo groups will definitely help quell any awkwardness that may occur during portrait time. 

The First Look 

First look photos usually evoke some very strong reactions. It is an emotional time between the bride and groom and one that you will want to look back on forever. PLANNERS TIP: Waterproof mascara…need we say more?  Photographing the connection between the couple in a moment that is intimately theirs is so personal and beautiful and totally worth putting on your shot list. 

The Kiss on the Forehead 

Is there any other shot more worthy of demonstrating true love?  Whether candid or staged, this shot between the newlyweds, father and daughter or mother and son, is an incredibly touching moment filled with so much love. We promise this one will be frame-worthy!

The Send-Off 

We love send-off photos, especially when there are sparklers, confetti or bubbles involved! If your photographer is still present at the end of the night, make sure they get a shot of this epic moment. In fact, it may be worth adding the extra time onto your photography package to make sure that your stylish goodbye is documented.  

Your wedding day flies by in a beautiful blur and you want to make sure you have every special moment captured on film..  Knowing what’s important to you (candids, detailed shots, portraits, etc.) and expressing that to your photographer is a surefire way to create a shot list that is worthy of all the beautiful memories you will have!