Wedding photos are frozen memories you and your spouse will cherish forever. You likely chose your event photographer based on their internet portfolios and/or recommendations from friends. Even if you’re paying a professional photographer–instead of, say, your best friend’s sister who owns a nice camera–it is a good idea to set some expectations before your big day. After all, if your already fantastic photographer also knows a few key shots you want, your special day will run all-the-more smoothly.
Ideas for Frame-Worthy Wedding Photos
First and foremost, do not assume your photographer knows exactly what you want. Sure, a good photographer will have significant experience with where to point-and-shoot, but the bases they always cover may not be the exact bases you envision.
While you’re planning, think about the wedding day as three columns: pre-, during, and post-. So, what happens in the pre-? In your first column, think about which moments you want captured while arriving to the venue, getting ready, first look/touch, decor, florals, the ceremony site, portraits, sentimental moments with family, etc. Everything before the ceremony itself. Do you want a first look moment with both your dad and grandpa? Write that down. In the next column, include anything from when your guests are all seated to when you and your new spouse exit the aisle as official newlyweds. These photos might include the musicians, the flower girl playing, your last sip of your signature cocktail before the walk, your mom tearing up, the first kiss, and more. Think about whose expressions you specifically want to see–besides the groom’s, obviously–as you walk down the aisle. Finally, the post- category will include your guests mingling, artsy photos of the wine, cocktail, and mocktail selections, kids playing, everyone later dancing, the cake cutting, your venue set-up filled with lively celebrators, and everything else. Do you want a photo of your sweet grandma dancing? What about a photo of you touching up your makeup? Don’t forget to document the toasts, too!
While you may or may not have specific ideas about what you want included in your wedding day photographs, one of the key things to remember is that you might not be able to notice all of the well-planned details you paid for–so ask that the decor, florals, party favors, food, etc. are all included in your album. That way you won’t miss out on anything!
Examples from the Book/Baldwin Wedding at Daisy Hill
Detail Shot: Rings and Florals 
Getting Ready 
Sentimental Moment with Family 
Bridal Portrait 
“Behind the Scenes” 
Tablescape 
Bridal Portrait: Dress Details 
Fun Bridal Portrait 
Bride with the Groomsmen 
Creative Couple Photo 
Classic Couple Photo 
Love on Display: Sweet Couple Photo
“You May Now Kiss the Bride” 
Celebratory Send-Off
Further Inspiration for Wedding Photos
Check out our “Wedding Photos” section on our “Details” board, linked above, for inspiration. For even more ideas, “‘Spring Beauté Styled Shoot“, “Colorful Southern Boho Wedding Styled Shoot“, and “Coral Wedding Styled Shoot” all include curated albums from various talented photographers at The Venue at Daisy Hill.