As your wedding photographer, it’s my goal to tell the whole story of your day.

In fact, one of the first things I’ll do is get to know what’s important to you. What are the moments you’ll most want to look back on? What are your photo priorities?

You may have some things in mind: The hilarious candids, the touching moments, the big events, and the little details. And of course, you want all the special moments captured.

But there are a few specific moments from your wedding day that I think you’ll especially love looking back on 5, 10, 20 years from now. 

In no particular order, here are some of my recommended “must-haves.”

First Look 

Not everyone chooses to do a first look, but I highly recommend one for about a million reasons. You can read five of them in my post, Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Do a First Look at Your Wedding. 

A first look is your moment together. And it’s one of the only moments you’ll have together (alone) for quite a while. It’s the perfect opportunity to share a few minutes basking in some “OMG, we’re about to tie the knot!!” vibes. 

It gives you time to connect, shake off pre-ceremony jitters, and spend a little time just being yourselves together. And, of course, you’ll want to check each other out! 

You’ve spent so much time preparing for this day. Why not spend a few extra minutes savoring the excitement and anticipation before it all goes down? 

If you choose to do a first look, we’ll find a quiet location that allows you to share some time together. And I’ll be there to capture the rush of excitement before you see each other and everything that comes after – the tears, the smiles, the fingers intertwined, maybe a twirl or two. Whatever feels natural.

Special Moments with Older Loved Ones

 I have somewhat of a soft spot for grandmas. But, unfortunately my grandmother wasn’t able to attend my wedding. I’m not the kind of guy who tears up easily, but when I see the bride or groom’s grandmother attending their wedding and being a part of that special time in their lives, it chokes me up a little. 

And so maybe I’m biased about labeling these moments as “must-have” photos, but I think you’ll agree. Because time isn’t something we get back. So spending a few precious moments with older loved ones on such a meaningful day isn’t something anyone will regret. 

You could give your parents/grandparents a gift before the ceremony, or we could set up a parent’s first look. This would be handled exactly like a traditional first look but instead of your spouse seeing you, it would be your dad or mom. Or both! You could even surprise a grandparent. First dances with parents and grandparents are also special captures.  

The Quiet Moment Before Walking Down the Aisle

Even if there’s music playing and people whispering, there’s a stillness to that moment right before you step into the ceremony space. I love capturing those moments – the in-between times – because they become cherished photos. 

You’ll look at that photo, see your face, and remember exactly how you felt at that moment. Whether you were standing with your parent at the foot of the aisle or waiting at the altar in anticipation for your partner, you’ll see yourself in those photos and remember:

The music playing

The goosebumps on your skin

Your heart racing

So when that moment happens, let it all sink in, savor it, be in it fully. Take a minute to squeeze your dad’s hand and say, “I love you,” or whisper, “Thank you,” to your best man. 

Even aside from getting the photos, you won’t regret being mindful during this time. 

Just Married Walk

Walking down the aisle for the first time as a married couple is pure bliss. Why wouldn’t you want it captured?!

You’ve officially tied the knot, all your closest people are ready to celebrate, and there’s a ton of dining and dancing to do. All the joy and excitement of what’s happening and what’s to come will be bubbling like champagne inside of you. Let it! And do whatever feels fun to you as you walk the aisle with your forever person. Hold hands, throw them in the air, dip and kiss, dance your way to the exit – whatever! 

Second Line

Wedding second lines are some of the most badass things to be invented. Essentially, they’re brass band street parades that you can hire for your wedding. You and your people walk (or dance) through the neighborhood streets while the band plays. It’s a great way to transition from one venue to the next AND makes for some awesome photos.

It’s easy to get lost in the moment. You and your guests are laughing, having a good time, marching to your destination as the music plays. You’ll have the memories in your mind, but it’s such a great feeling when you can see them in a photo. Especially all the moments you didn’t catch. Your sister posing, your little nephew having the time of his life, your cousin getting low to the trombone.  

Second lines don’t come around very often. You’ll probably only experience it once in your life. So get the photos! 

Last Dance with Your Guests 

It’s the end of the night, and you’re turning into a pumpkin, but this is it. The last hurrah of the celebration. The DJ has just put on the best.song.ever, and you’re going to give it all you’ve got.

You grab your spouse, your friends, and you have one last dance as a cheers to the day. Hands are in the air, hair is flipping, your bestie is twirling, even Grandma is feeling it. 

This is a not-to-be-missed moment. A fleeting moment that you’ll love looking back on in photos. Because you’ll be too busy shaking it on the dance floor to notice everything going on. But I’ll be here and there capturing the laughter and bad dance moves.  

Whatever you want captured on your wedding day, I’m here for it. Just send me a quick note, and we’ll set up a time to discuss the details.