The Ultimate List of Must-Have Wedding Photos

When it comes to wedding planning, the photographs are arguably the most important aspect. Of course, being a wedding photographer myself, I may be a little biased but, hear me out. What good is an amazing ceremony and reception if there’s no record of it? As photographers we aren’t just taking pictures. We are capturing emotions, moments, and memories. That’s why we have put together this list of must-have wedding photos. From bride and groom portraits to family shots and beyond, these photos will make your special day unforgettable!

Planning Your Shoots into your wedding timeline

As the saying goes, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” And that is why people hire experienced wedding planners. This is also why I always ask to speak with whoever is planning the wedding at the earliest possible time. In my experience most weddings run behind schedule and the day is going to fly by fast for everyone. Having key shots scheduled into your wedding timeline means you won’t miss those key shots. It always means you have time to have fun and enjoy your day and your mini photo sessions.

The Details – Ring, Dress, Shoes, etc.

Your photographer will want to shoot all of these at the very beginning of the day while everyone is just beginning to get ready. Try to have all the key elements you want captured in one place for them. Your photographer will take them and style them into amazing images for you.

Wedding Preparation

Bridesmaids and groomsman are getting ready for the big day. So many fun, touching and candid moments happen during this time. Your photographer should be there capturing the moment.

Individual Portraits of Bride and Groom (Separately)

*** Schedule 30 to 60 minutes in wedding timeline.

The calm before the storm. The makeup and hair are fresh, and you are all dressed up. It’s not long before one of the biggest and most special moments in your life. These moments are precious and must be captured.

The First Look and/or First Touch

*** Schedule 30 to 60 minutes in wedding timeline.

Some couples don’t want to see each other before the ceremony. In that case, do a first touch which can be a really touching moment. If we have a first look, we will take some shots of candid moments and then take the couple and take some amazing images before the ceremony. These images usually end up framed on the wall or in the wedding album.

Wedding Party Photos

*** Schedule 45 minutes in wedding timeline.

Your bridesmaids and groomsmen have been with you every step of the way leading up to this momentous occasion. Have fun with these photos; take silly poses or try something unique like incorporating props into them. This is another one of those that can be before or after the ceremony. Just make sure you specifically schedule time for these.

Family Photos

*** Schedule 30 minutes in wedding timeline.

Not only should you get pictures of just the two of you, but also take plenty of shots with your families too! This includes both immediate family (parents, siblings) as well as extended family (grandparents, aunts/uncles). Then there are honorary family members like the best friend that spent as much time at your house growing up as you did. Then if time permits other close friends for some candid portraits.

Reception Shots

The reception is one of the most memorable parts of any wedding for guests—so make sure you get lots of great shots from those moments throughout the night too! Have your photographer capture candid interactions between guests; let them document people dancing on the dance floor or enjoying some delicious food from a buffet table; get pictures taken while making speeches or cutting the cake; and more!

Bride and Groom Portraits – Timing is everything!

! – Determine when sunset will be the day of your wedding

*** Schedule for 1 hour before sunset for 1 hour in your wedding timeline.

This is a time for you and your new spouse to break away from it all for some intimate and special moments together. This needs to be down before any changing of clothes takes place so make sure any planning takes that into account.

To Sum It All Up

When you total up all these minutes, it adds up to a chunk of time on an already busy day but, you must ask yourself what is important to you. If you really want to capture it all and have beautiful and timeless images to frame or put into a wedding album, then having a plan in place is crucial to make it all work well. Having it planned will also accomplish two other things. First, it will minimize stress because you know what happens when and you know you have plenty of time to do it. And second, in a way it also gives you a little break to catch your breath a few times during the day when you are doing your solo and couple portraits away from everyone else.

At DFW Pro Photo, we know how special your wedding day is for you, your friends, and your family. You want someone that you can count on to be dependable and to fully own just how important it all is. That’s how we approach every wedding. We know what the stakes are.

With weddings there is only one take, so getting the right photographer for you is a huge deal. If you are looking for a great wedding photographer in Dallas, then we would love to speak with you and see if we are a good fit for you on your big day.