Hey there, fabulous Belles and Beaus! Today, let's embark on a journey into the world of wedding photography. Let's get Carried Away with a shot list that will make sure you capture every moment you desire! Wedding Photography, oh boy, it's like dealing with a wild animal. Seasoned wedding photographers here in Clarksville TN have a good grasp of what couples want, but to guarantee all those magical moments are snapped perfectly, you need to be in sync with your photographer on your big day. Crafting a shot list for your wedding is as essential as picking the right cake flavor. So, here's a ridiculously detailed guide to help you create a shot list that will make your special day even more unforgettable. Also, Here are some pics from my 10 year anniversary shoot last summer, because I love them!
Getting Ready:
- Bride and groom getting ready individually
- Putting on the wedding attire (Make sure you get the picture of you being zipped up, putting on shoes, and him putting on his jacket)
- Candid moments with bridesmaids, groomsmen, and family members
- Close-up shots of details like rings, bouquet, and invitation suite
Make sure you think ahead of time about what you want to be seen in. Robes, matching jamma sets, having your gal pals dress in a certain scheme, or even purchasing oversized men’s shirts in the color of the maids dresses will leave you with a cohesive picture!
First Look (If Applicable):
- Reveal moment between the bride and groom
- Emotions and reactions of the couple
Some brides are now opting for a different first looks. They’re having a first look with a father or whomever is walking them down the aisle. I’ve even seen brides keep their dress a secret from the maids and have a first look with them! So first looks aren’t only for the groom anymore!
Ceremony:
- Guests arriving
- Venue decor and setup
- Processional (bride walking down the aisle)
- Exchange of vows and rings
- First kiss as a married couple
- Signing the marriage certificate
- Recessional (couple exiting the ceremony)
- Candid shots of guests' reactions
My absolute favorite part of the wedding is seeing the look on the groom’s face when the bride starts down the aisle! That reaction picture is my absolute favorite hands down. Another great one can be orchestrated by the bride and groom. On your way down the aisle leaving stop midway down the aisle and have him dip you for a kiss. It’s another amazing photo.
Formal Portraits:
- Bride and groom portraits (both together and individually)
- Bridal party portraits
- Family portraits (parents, siblings, grandparents)
Make a thorough list of all pictures you want. I know we ended up completely disappointed with our family pictures. Some family members wandered off and weren’t in any of them. Maybe have a bridesmaid who knows what family you want pictures of be in charge of rounding up the brides side and assign a groomsman the same responsibility for the groom’s family. This will help pictures go smoothly.
Reception:
- Venue decor and details
- Entrance of the couple
- First dance
- Parent dances
- Toasts and speeches
- Cake cutting
- Bouquet and garter toss
- Candid shots of guests mingling and dancing
If you’re doing an outfit change, make sure your photographer knows when it is happening in the timeline so they can get some reveal pictures of you entering in your new look.
Special Moments:
- Any cultural or religious rituals
- Surprise performances or special presentations
- Any unique traditions specific to the couple or their families
Make sure anything special is discussed ahead of time with your photographer so none of the special moments are missed!
Details Shots:
- Close-ups of table settings, centerpieces, and decor
- Food and drinks
- Signage and stationery
- Favors and gifts
The amount of time, money, and energy spent planning out every little detail perfectly needs to be documented!
Candid and Emotional Moments:
- Tears of joy, laughter, and hugs
- Candid interactions between the couple and guests
Get ready for a rollercoaster of moments coming your way every day! Those sneaky candid photos are the real MVPs that will end up holding the most significance for you. Candid pictures from my wedding are by far my favs!
Venue Shots:
- Exterior and interior shots of the venue
- Wide-angle shots capturing the ambiance and atmosphere
Make sure to emphasize with your photographer any areas of importance throughout the day so they can get pictures of the areas in the daylight prior to the ceremony or reception.
Exit(s) Staged and Real:
-Grand exit of the couple (sparklers, confetti, bubbles)
-Farewell moments with guests
If you are going to have the venue longer than the photographer, pick a time prior to them leaving to fake a sendoff. Trust me, the pictures will be worth it. Then you can go ahead and kick the party off again!
So in a nutshell:
Don't forget to have a detailed chat with your photographer way before the big day to make sure they're on the same page as you and can work their magic. Be overly adamant on anything that is of the upmost importance to you! Oh, and leave some room for those unexpected, wacky moments that are bound to happen on the wedding day. By being organized and keeping the communication flowing, you'll end up with a shot-list that captures all the crazy memories you'll want to relive over and over again!
MY PRO TIP OR RATHER A "LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES MOMENT"
Listen up, folks! Here's the tea from my actual wedding: Being a pro at snapping cute family pics doesn't automatically qualify someone as a top-notch wedding photographer. Oh no, no, no, I repeat, NO, NO, NO! Weddings are a whole different ball game, my friend. So, before you say "I do" to a photographer, do your homework! Whether you're into those dreamy, light and airy shots, the mysterious and moody vibes, or the raw and real documentary style, find yourself a snapper who's a master in that particular art. And hey, if you're all about that glow-up, make sure your photographer has got the gear to light up your world and let them in on your bright ideas when you seal the deal! Like make sure they OWN lighting (and aren't borrowing it and forgetting it) and are planning to bring it if your big day calls for it! The last thing you want at the end of your day is to hate your pictures the way I did after my wedding. In my house are pictures from a photoshoot not my actual wedding pics! So vet the photographers. Do not be afraid to ask the questions or check the references. And always look at their portfolios to make sure their shooting style aligns with your vision! 10 years from now you want to love your pictures!
Already had your big day? What photographer(s) did you use? What were your favorite pics? What shots do you wish you had and don't? Let me know below!
Happy Planning Y'all!
Photos from a styled shoot at Bullborne Ranch not my actual wedding! Here's the deets on them;
Photography: https://www.shehewe.com/
Venue: https://bullbourneranch.com/
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