The Ultimate Wedding Day Photography Checklist

Capture Every Moment

Planning a wedding is a whirlwind, and ensuring every precious moment is immortalized can be daunting. This unique checklist is designed to guide help you and your photographer in capturing the essence of the big day from start to finish.

1. Pre-Wedding Preparations

Bride’s Preparation:

• Detail Shots: Dress, shoes, jewelry, bouquet, invitation, and perfume.
• Getting Ready: Hair and makeup process, candid moments with bridesmaids, putting on the dress, mother/father assisting with final touches.
• Personal Moments: Bride reading a letter from the groom, a quiet moment of reflection, capturing the bridal look in a mirror.

Groom’s Preparation:

• Detail Shots: Suit, cufflinks, tie, boutonniere, shoes, watch, and cologne.
• Getting Ready: Tying the tie, putting on the jacket, candid moments with groomsmen, adjusting cufflinks, father/mother helping with final touches.
• Personal Moments: Groom reading a letter from the bride, a moment of calm or excitement before the ceremony.

2. Ceremony

Venue and Atmosphere:

• Exterior and Interior: Capture the venue, its décor, floral arrangements, signage, and seating arrangements.
• Guest Arrival: Guests mingling, signing the guestbook, taking their seats.

Processional:

• Family Entrances: Grandparents, parents, and other significant family members.
• Wedding Party: Bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, and ring bearer.
• Bride’s Entrance: Walking down the aisle, groom’s reaction, emotional exchanges.

Key Moments:

• Vows: Close-ups of the couple’s expressions, hand-holding, tears, and smiles.
• Rings: Exchange of rings, hands with new rings, officiant’s hands if significant.
• First Kiss: Multiple angles if possible, both close-up and wider shots.
• Exit: The couple walking down the aisle together, confetti, bubbles, or flower petals.

3. Post-Ceremony

Family and Friends:

• Group Photos: Immediate family, extended family, friends, and wedding party.
• Candid Moments: Hugs, laughter, and tears of joy during congratulations.

Couple Portraits:

• Traditional and Creative Shots: Posed portraits in various locations around the venue.
• Intimate Moments: Natural interactions, stolen kisses, shared laughter.
• Details: Close-ups of joined hands, the bride’s bouquet, and other personal touches.

4. Reception

Venue and Decor:

• Overview: Wide shots of the reception area, table settings, centerpieces, and decor.
• Details: Place cards, menu, cake, gift table, and special décor elements.

Festivities:

• First Dance: Different angles, close-ups of faces, wide shots showing the setting.
• Toasts: Reactions of the couple, guests laughing, and emotional moments.
• Cake Cutting: Action shots of cutting the cake, feeding each other, and cake details.

Guest Interactions:

• Candid Shots: Guests enjoying themselves, dancing, laughing, and mingling.
• Special Moments: Any planned surprises, performances, or cultural traditions.

Farewell:

• Exit: Grand exit shots, whether it’s sparklers, lanterns, or a unique getaway vehicle.
• Final Embrace: Last kiss or hug before departing, capturing the end of the celebration.

5. Creative Shots and Extras

Unique Perspectives:

• Drone Shots: Aerial views of the venue and surroundings if allowed.
• Reflection Shots: Using mirrors, water, or windows for artistic compositions.
• Silhouettes and Shadows: Creative use of lighting for dramatic effects.

Personal Touches:

• Heirlooms: Any family heirlooms or meaningful objects included in the wedding.
• Surprise Moments: Reactions to surprises planned by the couple or guests.

By following this comprehensive checklist, you can ensure no special moment goes unnoticed, creating a timeless collection of memories for the couple to cherish forever. Each wedding is unique, and capturing these moments with care and creativity will create amazing image galleries.

Have questions about how to create your own unique wedding day checklist? Contact Virginia Wedding Photographer, Angela Foushee Photography for a quick chat.