When it comes to documenting your wedding day, it’s easy to see why you want everything to be perfect. Your hopes are high for every moment and every wedding photo – and rightfully so!

After all, you only get one wedding in your lifetime. Don’t you deserve that to be truly magical?

I mean, we all know that weddings are magical moments filled with laughter, tears – and enough chaos to make even the most organized person break a sweat. Together, these will lead to a handful of meaningful & special moments – and give you incredible memories that you’ll never want to forget.

And that’s where wedding photography comes in – capturing those precious moments that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

But here’s the thing – with all the chaos and excitement, it’s easy to miss out on some key shots. That’s why going over your wedding photography checklist with your wedding photographer is a crucial part of planning your big day. It ensures that no magical moment goes unphotographed – and that you’ll have a treasure trove of memories to look back on.

So, I’m here as your favorite wedding photographer from North Carolina to give you the most important types of wedding photos that you should definitely not miss out on on your wedding day.

Pre-Wedding Preparation Pictures

The first few hours of your wedding day – the calm before the storm. Except this storm is fun. It’s beautiful. And will easily be the best “storm” of your lives.

But how will you feel – before it all goes down in a blink of an eye?

This is the time when your anticipation is still building, your excitement is brewing, your nerves are jangling – and hairspray spraying (okay, maybe off the point). As a wedding photographer, my job is to capture these pure moments as beautifully and as authentically as possible.

So, first things first, let’s talk about the bride’s domain – the getting ready room.

Ladies, I know it can get pretty chaotic in there with hairdryers, makeup brushes, and a hundred hairpins floating around like confetti (we’ll have to wait a few more hours for the real confetti). But don’t worry – embrace the chaos of getting ready for your big day. And let me tell you, those candid shots of you surrounded by your fabulous squad will be absolute gold.

Gents, don’t think you’re off the hook either. Your getting ready room is just as important (even if it’s not as chaotic). From tying those perfect knots on your ties to exchanging some last-minute words of wisdom with your buddies, these moments are worth capturing too.

Now, here’s a little tip for everyone: lighting is everything. Since natural light works best, try choosing a room with large windows that flood the space with that soft, dreamy glow. Trust me, it’ll make filters almost unnecessary – since you’ll look like you stepped right out of a romantic movie anyways.

Oh, and details matter! So don’t forget to capture those stunning wedding rings, the delicate embroidery on the dress, and all those little things that make your day uniquely yours. Feel free to use props (like champagne, balloons, or even cigars), accessories, or heirlooms to create genuine moments that reflect who you are.

Afterwards – if you’re up for it – it’s time for you two to have your first looks. Let’s find a perfect location and capture every smile, every teardrop, and every emotion as you see each other for the first time on your special day. It’s a beautiful experience, so I highly recommend scheduling it in before you embark on your epic adventure together.

Ceremony Shots

Alright, it’s time for the main event – your wedding ceremony! This is where the magic truly happens, where hearts flutter, and tears flow (only happy tears – duh).

First up, we have your grand entrance. Imagine the doors swinging open. There you are, walking down the aisle, radiating pure elegance and grace. Your mom wipes a tear off her face, and your partner’s eyes light up with sheer adoration…

Speaking of your partner, let’s not forget about their reaction as you make your way towards them. Those stolen glances, the anticipation building in their eyes – blissful moments that scream “pure love”. These are the shots that will make your heart skip a beat.

Now, let’s talk about the exchange of vows and rings. I’ll be there to capture your genuine reactions to each other’s heartfelt words, so get ready for some intimate close-ups that will make your heart melt.

And what’s a ceremony without that triumphant moment of “You may now kiss the bride”? Let’s capture that loving first kiss that ultimately seals the deal – and marks the beginning of your beautiful journey together. Cheers, applause, and happiness. You did it – I now pronounce you man and wife.

Afterwards, imagine stepping back down that aisle as newlyweds, surrounded by your loved ones showering you with confetti or petals. There’s nothing left to do but celebrate your love & joy. So get ready for shots that will capture the infinite happiness surrounding you as your guests greet you for the first time as a married couple.

It’s my job to capture these ceremonious beautiful moments – all of them. After all, your ceremony is when most of your guests get to see you for the first time on your big day; it’s the emotional peak of every love story (including yours); and it’s when you might realize: “holy shit, this is actually happening”.

Now, it will all be over before you fully realize it’s happening – so, wouldn’t it amazing to have your memories captured, to relive them over and over again?

Portrait Photos

Your wedding portraits are your best chance to shine, and to really showcase your love & connection in front of the camera. In case you’re not a natural-born poser – don’t worry, you don’t have to be! I’ll be there behind my camera, offering gentle guidance whenever you need it.

Okay, so first up, we have your couple portraits. So, let’s find a picturesque location that reflects your unique style and personality. From lush gardens to urban landscapes, the possibilities are endless.

Now, this is where you get to be the stars of the show, basking in each other’s love and radiating pure happiness – so when you look back at these photos, you’ll be reminded of that incredible chemistry you share. It’s important to note that if you chose to have a first look session, you may decide to do your couple portraits there too (instead of having a separate couple’s photoshoot later on in the day).

Afterwards, let’s not forget about your amazing support system – your family and wedding party – either. After all, these are the people who have been by your side through thick & thin, so it’s essential to capture their love and support as well. We’ll gather everyone together for some group shots – and then divide your guests into smaller groups as well.

Now, despite what you may have heard about portraits, there’s a little secret that can make all your photos a thousand times better. The best portraits are often the candid ones; the real ones; the unscripted ones. So, don’t be afraid to let loose, laugh, and be yourselves. I’ll be there with my camera ready to capture those genuine moments that truly reflect who you are as a couple.

And as always, lighting is key here too! Golden hour can be an absolute game-changer for portrait shots – and give you photos that could easily rival a fairytale.

Other than that, have fun and actually focus on the experience of living in your moments – and let me worry about capturing them.

Wedding Reception Photographs

Now that the sentimental parts of your big day are over, it’s time to loosen up and just delve in all the good vibes of this beautiful day. So, get ready to bust out your dance moves and celebrate in style because it’s time to capture all the magic of your wedding reception!

Now, this is about way more than just capturing the beauty of your wedding venue…
…there’s also more to it than simply pointing my camera at Uncle Bob as he makes all those awkward faces on the dance floor.

Your wedding reception photos are all about capturing you – as a newly-wed couple – having the time of your lives with the people most important to you.

So, from all the heartfelt or goofy speeches with high emotions, laughter, proud smiles, and tears

– all the way to your first dance, when your two souls dance as one to the same tune…

…this part of the day is all about joy, laughter, and creating unforgettable memories with your friends & families.

And sure, as the evening unfolds, I’ll be on the lookout for those candid, unscripted moments that truly capture the spirit of your celebration.

Whether it’s Grandma busting a move on the dance floor or your friends sharing a hilarious inside joke – these are the moments that add some flavor to your wedding story.

Before I wrap up this blog post, I have one last tip for you.

Don’t worry about trying to make everything perfect. Instead, soak in all the excitement, anticipation, and perfect imperfections of your beautiful day. Focus on embracing each and every moment; feeling each and every emotion; and just taking it all in the best you can.

After all, it’s gonna be one epic adventure – one that you only get to experience once in your life. So don’t worry about looking perfect throughout it all – that’s my job. And I’m pretty good at it, too.

And hey, if you’d like to bring your wedding photography dreams to life and capture your love story in all its glory, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s create magic together and turn your precious moments into timeless treasures.