Photographer | Paige Lorin Photo
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime experience; you don’t want to miss a second of it! After choosing your photographer, it is important to make sure they understand your vision. Take some time to brainstorm, or create a Pinterest board to illustrate the overall vibe or mood you want to portray. Additionally, discuss and create a shot list to ensure all the essential moments are captured. A shot list will minimize your stress, help the photoshoots to flow efficiently, and maximize the time spent with your friends, family, and loved ones. Use the list below as a guideline, adding or removing shots to create your perfect album.
PRE-CEREMONY
The pre-ceremony shot list will vary depending on how long your photographer is contracted to be at the venue. The Getting Ready photos are fun to look back on, but if you’re a little short on time start with the Personal Details instead. For the Family shots, some couples prefer to do them after the ceremony, but we recommend doing as many photos before the ceremony as possible to allow everyone to enjoy the festivities afterward to the fullest.
GETTING READY
Bride and bridesmaids getting hair and makeup done
Bride and bridesmaids in matching robes/pajamas
Groom and groomsmen getting dressed
PERSONAL DETAILS
Invitation suite
Rings
Perfume or cologne
Jewelry and outfit accessories
Shoes
Dress and veil
Bride’s bouquet
Boutonnieres and corsages
BRIDAL PORTRAITS
Dress, hair, makeup, and accessory details
GROOM PORTRAITS
Outfit and accessory details
FIRST LOOKS
Bride and Groom
Bride and parent(s)
Groom and parent(s)
BRIDAL PARTY
Bride, bridesmaids, and flower girl
Groom, groomsmen, and ring bearer
B&G with MOH and Best Man
B&G with flower girl and ring bearer
Entire bridal party
FAMILY
B&G with each of their families separately
B&G with each of their families together
B&G with each set of parents separately
B&G with each set of parents together
B&G with siblings
B&G with grandparents
B&G with any other close family members or loved ones
CEREMONY
The ceremony photos are fairly straightforward as it is a very structured time. The photographer will capture all the details before the guests are seated and every step of the ceremony.
Empty Venue & Decor details
Welcome table, signage, florals, aisle
Guests observing ceremony
Processional
Special elements (musicians, unity symbol, etc)
Musicians
Unity symbol
B&G at the altar
Vow reading
Exchange of rings
First kiss
Recessional
B&G stop halfway back down the aisle for a kiss
COCKTAIL HOUR
The photos during cocktail hour are mainly for portraits of the Bride and Groom, but can also be utilized to get any remaining family photos. If your photographer has a second shooter, they will be covering the guests at this time.
Signing the marriage license
B&G additional portraits
Family photos (if not completed before the ceremony)
Photographer | Janelle Etzel
RECEPTION
At this point, the formal portraits are complete. The photographer will capture any additional details of the space, candids of the bridal party and guests, wedding traditions, and the grand exit. This is the time to get photos with all of your lovely guests!
Empty Venue & decor details
Tables and place settings
Sweetheart or head table
Florals
Special elements
Custom Signage
Newlyweds & bridal party grand entrance
Guests at their tables
Dances: First as Newlyweds, Mother & Son, Father & Daughter
Traditions: Cutting the cake, bouquet or garter toss, and games
Musicians or the DJ
Guests dancing & enjoying the reception
B&G partying
B&G grand exit and getaway
There are never too many wedding photos, so don’t be afraid to ask for exactly what you want! The key is to have clear and open communication with your photographer to make sure nothing is overlooked. An experienced wedding photographer will put your mind at ease and allow you to fully enjoy every precious moment.
Need photographer recommendations? We can help! There is a photographer for every bride’s style and we can help you find some top picks. Click here to contact us for more information.
