- Getting all dolled up If you can, get to your bride before her mascara is on and long before she slips on her heels. During hair and makeup, she’s usually surrounded by the most important women in her life and it’s some of the most peaceful moments of the whole day. Be a quiet, non-disturbing observer as she puts on her earrings or adjusts a sleeve. These are the moments you will love to capture. MUST READ these may save the day- 10 Extras To Have In Your Bag When Shooting a Wedding
- With her ladies Not only do you want formal photos with all of her bridesmaids, but you should also capture her with each individual woman, too. Icebreaker tip? Ask them how they know each other!
- Daddy’s Girl As long as her father is in the picture and they have a good relationship, you’re bound to capture a special moment of them together. I sometimes will set up a “First Look”-type moment with Dad seeing her in her dress for the first time. Another great opportunity for daughter-and-dad moments is right before they walk down the aisle.
- Walking down the aisle I have to admit one of my favorite groom moments (more on these in our next section!) is capturing him watch her walk down the aisle to meet him, especially if it’s the first time he has seen her all day. But don’t forget about the bride! She’s got her arm in her dads (or her moms, a special loved one or maybe she’s walking proud and independent alone). She may be taking in all of the guests standing to her side or she may only have eyes for her groom. Whatever the case, this is a pretty special moment.
- A glamour shot There’s only one day that your bride will ever dress up this fancy and have the entire day be all about her and her groom. She’s got the makeup, the dress and a little bit of excitement and anxiety. Grab a moment with her alone and snap a few pictures of her in this moment. Have fun with it and try to capture as many details from the day with it as well – flowers, jewelry, dress details, etc. (We’ll talk more about detail shots in Part Nine!).
- Candids tell the story More than anything else the candid moments are guaranteed to make your couple happy! Dancing, laughing, messing up vows or wiping cake from her nose – these and a thousand other candid moments are going to happen. They’re some of my favorite images and some of my clients’ favorites, too!
Wedding Photography — Start to Finish
Today is part 5 of 10
Navigating the journey of wedding photography from engagement session through thank-yous
Enjoy our multi-part blog series on wedding photography:
- An engagement session to set the scene- 6 Tips for a Successful Engagement Session
- A successful day starts with a timeline – Creating a Wedding Timeline to Avoid a Disaster
- Communication and creativity with other vendors- Brilliant Ideas for Working with Wedding Vendors
- To First Look or Not to First Look- The Great Debate: A First Look or No First Look
- Must-Have Pictures of the Bride – 6 Must Have Pictures to get of the Bride
- Capturing Moments with the Groom- 5 Pictures to Capture of the Groom
- Quick and Easy Family Portraits – 6 Tips for Quick and Easy Family Portraits at a Wedding
- Keeping Bridal Party Photos Smooth and Fresh – 6 Tips to Keep Bridal Party Photos Smooth and Fresh
- All About the Little Things — Details of the Day 68 Details To Photograph at a Wedding
- Wrapping it up with kindness and care 6 Tips Photographers Need to put the Final Touch on a Wedding
Don’t miss: Over 80 Tips to Read Before You Shoot Your First Wedding

Wendy is a Jersey Girl at heart creating adventures with her hubby and two kids (Zack-5 and Addie-3) in Rochester, NY. When she’s not capturing love stories with her Nikon, she’s reading, sipping coffee and chasing new adventures!
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