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 experience and knowledge who will 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 bride getting dressed to photos of newlyweds leaving the reception in their getaway car.
Bride & Groom Getting Ready
The photographer’s job normally starts early in the morning at 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 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 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 groom and groomsmen dressing up and leaving for the ceremony.
The Ceremony
At the ceremony, the photographer should take some pictures of the venue and flower arrangements, and also a portrait of the wedding officiator or a 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 vows and rings and, of course, the kiss.
If the ceremony is taking place at the church, taking some photos of religious moments is a nice idea. When the ceremony is over, photographer should take a photo of the newlyweds turning to face guests and 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, wedding cake...
From guests signing a guest book to bride and groom leaving the reception, there are many significant moments that should be recorded. During toasts and speeches it is interesting to try and capture reactions of guests and the moment of raising glasses. 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, 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 bride and groom farewelling family and friends and leaving the party in their wedding car.
Your Photo Album
Your wedding photo album should contain pictures of all key moments from the wedding, but also plenty of portraits. There should be many photos of bride and groom, and some of them can be taken in a nice indoor or outdoor setting. You should pick a nice 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 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 picture, 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 issue or download from our website and simply fill it out.
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