There are twelve wedding detail shots you must have. Each of these must have shots will remind you of the moments and small touches you’ll want to look back on for years to come.
• Dress
While there will be plenty of shots of you in your wedding dress, and you have probably snapped hundreds on your phone, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to have a beautiful shot of your dress hanging dramatically it’s feature moment.
• Rings
Wedding photographers have the skills and gear to take beautiful images of your wedding rings. They will likely never look as beautiful as they do on your wedding day. Take advantage of that!
• Shoes
Another must-have wedding detail shot is your shoes. They may not get as much attention as they deserve on your wedding day, but they really bring your whole look together. It’s probably the only day in your life that you’ll wear them.
• Special Mementos
Whether it’s a necklace, earrings or a special charm wrapped around your wedding bouquet to remember a loved one, these little mementos are something you’ll want to have documented.
• Getting Ready
From getting your hair and makeup done, to being zipped and buttoned into your dress, the getting ready shots are some of the most fun and sentimental shots. Some of my favorite wedding day moments were when the bride’s mother helped her with final touches.
• Notes and Gifts
Most brides and grooms exchange little love notes or gifts the morning of the wedding. I’ve seen everything from pre-wedding day jewelry, collectible bottles of whiskey, and boudoir images, exchanged prior to the first look or ceremony. And your to-be spouse surely would love to see your reaction to their gift.
• Bridal Portrait
Once your hair and makeup is perfectly done and you are dressed and ready for your walk down the aisle, you’ll want to take a few moments to get some classic portraits of just you. It’s your princess day!
• First Look
There is nothing quite like the expression your soon-to-be spouse gives when they see you for the first time all done up in your wedding attire. While the big reveal used to be left for the moment the bride walks down the aisle, a first look can really enhance this moment. The first look allows you to see each other for the first time without having to keep your composure in front of all your guests. It allows you for genuine and natural reactions and often incredibly beautiful moments.
• Reception Details
You’ve put so much time and thought into your reception– from the centerpieces to the cake to the memorial display and seating chart. Make sure your photographer (or his/her second photographer) is able to get into the reception prior to your guests arriving so they can capture the table settings, escort cards, guest books, etc untouched.
• Speeches
Not only will you want pictures of the person giving the speech, but you will also want yours and your guests’ reactions. I’ve been privileged to capture many super emotional moments and witnessed couples nearly fall over with laughter. The pictures of those moments will bring back all the joy and emotion you felt.
• Farewell
If you’re doing a formal exit or farewell, this is one thing you should definitely capture. Whether you are running out the door with your guests throwing flower petals or lighting sparklers, the sheer joy and celebration is this moment is beyond camera-perfect!
Sarah DeMaranville Photography is a luxury wedding photographer based in the Iowa/ Illinois Quad Cities. We love photographing outdoor weddings, as well as museum, country club, and mansion weddings. Our favorite places include The Morton Arboretum, Company 251, The Bend Event Center, The Armour House at Lake Forest Academy, Providence Vineyard, and the Drake Oak Brook.
SDP regularly books 18-24 months out. Please reach to check availability and learn about how we can make your wedding day portraits magical.
