Choosing a photographer is a very important decision, because once your big day is over you will want to relive the day when you look back through the images. It is crucial to find a professional with the experience and knowledge necessary to capture all the significant moments of your day.
It is also a good idea to make a list of all the important photos you want to have in your album, from snaps of the bride getting dressed to photos of the newly-weds leaving the reception in their getaway car.
The Bride & Groom Getting Ready
The photographer’s job normally starts early in the morning at the bride’s house while she is getting ready. Every bride should feel like a superstar on her wedding day and she should be photographed while doing her hair and make-up and getting dressed with her bridesmaids. The wedding photographer should also take some pictures of the wedding gown, lingerie and accessories as well as portraits of the bride with her matron of honour, bridesmaids and junior assistants. Final pictures should be of the bride and her father stepping into the car and leaving for the church.
At the same time, another photographer can take photos of the groom and his attendants before the ceremony. The photographer should capture the wedding rings and take a few snaps of the groom and groomsmen dressing up and leaving for the ceremony.
The Ceremony
At the ceremony, the wedding photographer should take some images of the venue and the flower arrangements, and also a portrait of the wedding officiator, or priest. They should then photograph guests and members of the wedding party as they arrive. It is important that all crucial moments at the ceremony are photographed, and that includes the bride and her father walking down the aisle, the groom’s reaction when he sees his bride, exchanging of the vows and rings and, of course, the kiss.
If the ceremony is taking place at the church, taking some photos of religious moments is also a nice idea. When the ceremony is over, the photographer should take a photo of the newly-weds turning to face the guests and also leaving the church in a cloud of confetti.
The Reception
The reception venue is usually very inspirational for photographers because there are many gorgeous details to focus on: lush flower arrangements, beautiful centrepieces, ribbons, garlands, balloons, lighting, favour boxes, buffet table, the wedding cake, etc.
From the guests signing a guest book to the bride and groom leaving the reception, there are many significant moments that should be recorded. During the toasts and speeches it is interesting to try and capture the reactions of the guests and the moment of raising glasses. The bride and groom cutting the cake and having their first dance as a married couple are the most anticipated moments at the reception and should be photographed from every angle. On the other hand, the bouquet and garter toss are very dramatic and also provide great photo opportunities.
When the bride appears in her going-away attire, it is time to prepare for the final shots of the bride and groom farewelling family and friends and leaving the party in their wedding car.
Your Photo Album
Many couples choose to receive their wedding images on disk, in digital format only, however, we really do highly recommend also purchasing a photo album from your photographer (if this service is offered). It really is a lovely tradition to have a beautifully presented album to show your friends and relatives, especially older members of your family, who will enjoy relaxing and sharing every precious memory with you.
Your wedding photo album should contain pictures of all key moments from the wedding, but also plenty of portraits. You can also pick a fun background and organise a small photoshoot session during reception. It can be at a sunny beach, in a beautiful garden or in a stylishly decorated salon. It is also very important that the bride and groom are photographed with their best man and maid of honour, their parents, grandparents, siblings and everyone attending the party.
Since you don’t want to miss any important pictures, it is a good idea to prepare a list and present it to your photographer. The Bride’s Diary’s Wedding Planner includes a video and photography checklist which you can find in the latest edition.
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