(And a Few You’ll Regret Skipping)
Let’s cut through the fluff: not every wedding photo is a keeper.
You’re going to end up with hundreds—maybe even a thousand—but in the end, just a handful are going to make it onto your walls, your holiday cards, your phone’s lock screen. The rest? Beautiful memories, sure, but not necessarily frame-worthy.
So, if you’re planning your wedding and wondering which moments you really want your photographer to nail—this is for you. These are the shots my couples ask for, tear up over, and actually come back to years later.
1. The One Right Before You See Them
There’s this quiet moment—right before the first look, or before walking down the aisle—when it all becomes real. You’re holding your breath, your heart’s pounding, maybe your hands are shaking a bit.
That emotion? Pure gold.
It’s not about makeup or perfect posture. It’s about anticipation. If I could bottle that energy, I would—but a photo’s the next best thing.
2. The Real First Look (Even If You Don’t Do a “First Look”)
Not every couple wants a staged reveal. That’s totally fine. But the first real moment you lock eyes—whether it’s during a private reveal or at the ceremony—that’s a photo you’ll keep forever.
There’s something about the rawness. One couple I shot in Key Largo held it together all morning, then just melted when they saw each other. That image? It’s now in a frame above their fireplace.
3. That Unscripted Laugh
The “say cheese” smile? Cute. The real, mid-laugh one where your nose crinkles and your eyes are half-closed? That’s the keeper.
It could happen during a toast, or when your partner flubs their vows, or when your grandma makes a wildly inappropriate joke. Doesn’t matter. That burst of real joy? That’s the stuff people feel when they look back.
4. The Ceremony Shot That Shows Everyone
Yes, the kiss is important. But you know what’s even more powerful? The wide-angle ceremony shot—you two at the center, with your people surrounding you.
It tells the whole story: who was there, how it felt, the setting, the light, the mood. Whether you’re under a banyan tree or in a ballroom, this is the photo that captures the moment, not just the couple.
5. You Two, Just Existing
Here’s something no one tells you during planning: the quietest moments often end up being the most beautiful.
After the ceremony, I try to sneak couples away for 5–10 minutes. No posing. No audience. Just breathing. Holding hands. Catching up. That’s where the magic happens. You’re finally alone (kind of), and your guard drops.
Those photos? They’re the ones that say, “This is us.”
6. Parent Emotions (Even the Subtle Ones)
It’s not always big tears or dramatic hugs. Sometimes it’s just a proud smile, a nervous fidget, or a hand on the shoulder. The good stuff is often in the background.
One of my brides told me her favorite photo from the whole day was of her dad watching her from a distance, trying not to cry. That single image said everything she needed to remember.
7. The One That Feels Like a Movie Poster
Let’s be honest—you want at least one epic shot. The kind of photo that makes your friends stop scrolling. Maybe it’s a beach silhouette. Maybe it’s sun flares through palm trees. Maybe it’s you dancing barefoot on the lawn with wind in your hair.
Whatever it is—it should still feel like you. Not overly posed. Just cinematic, in a real way.
Bonus Tip: Schedule an Engagement Shoot (It’s Not Just About Cute Save-the-Dates)
Here’s something couples don’t always think about: your engagement session isn’t just about having a few extra photos to share on Instagram (though, let’s be real, that’s a nice bonus).
It’s really about comfort.
Spending a little time together before the wedding helps you get used to being in front of the camera—and more importantly, around me while you’re in front of it. We’ll figure out what makes you both laugh, what angles you like, and how you naturally interact.
By the time your wedding day rolls around, we’ve already built that trust. You’re not starting from zero. You’re just picking up where we left off—and it makes everything feel easier, more natural, and way less awkward.
Plus, you get photos you can use for save-the-dates, your wedding website, or just because it’s a special chapter in your story.
And a Few You Might Regret Skipping…
Not to get too “I told you so,” but here are a few shots that couples have told me they wish they had:
-
The venue before guests arrive
(especially if you put a lot of thought into décor)
- Close-up
of your bouquet or details
- Candid
group shots—not everyone smiling at the camera, but laughing,
hugging, reacting mid-convo
They’re easy to miss if your photographer’s too focused on the timeline. So bring them up if they matter to you.
Final Note (From Your Photographer Who Cares Deeply About This)
Listen—I haven’t shot 1,000 weddings. I’m not some huge studio with assistants and interns editing in the background. I’m me. I shoot a limited number of weddings every year because I want to know your story, notice the moments that matter, and give you photos you’ll actually come back to.
If any of these frames sound like something you’d want on your wall—or on your heart—I’d love to talk. Let’s make something beautiful together.
📩 Reach out here. I’d be honored to help tell your story.