Image Credit: Antelope Studios
Finding the ideal wedding photographer whose style matches yours is one of the earliest tasks to plan and book for during wedding planning. But preparation for the shoot beyond the gown and props is also key. While some photographers will guide you on the moments they plan on capturing during the actual day, it is important that you know what you want too. We round up 11 wedding photos you must include on your wedding day and our recommendations for the amazing people behind the lens.
1. Glam Squad
It is always the most exciting in the morning when the bride and groom, as well as their families, bridesmaids, and groomsmen, get ready for the festivities. The candid moments are best captured when the brides are glamming up with the hair and makeup professionals. It is the little details of the room and natural light that add to the storytelling factor of the photos with the brides in anticipation of the big day they've been planning so long for.
Image Credit:Loveinstills
Image Credit:Knottin' Visuals
Image Credit:iSnap Photography
Image Credit:Douglas Fun Photography
Image Credit:Chris Chang Photography
Image Credit:Antelope Studios
Image Credit:aMusephotographer
Image Credit:VISIO WORKZ
Image Credit: 1stJournal Productions
2. Beautiful Wedding Gowns
Wedding gowns are always one of the most important things for many brides and we can see why! With the gorgeous gowns presented in full glory, the beauty and intricate detailing of the dresses make for stunning photos that brides can also look back upon fondly. With their tresses and primping done, brides look breathtakingly beautiful next to their dress-of-choice in the must-have wedding gown shot.
Image Credit: VISIO WORKZ
Image Credit: The Forever Films
Image Credit: Loveinstills
Image Credit: Acapella Photography
Image Credit: Douglas Fun Photography
Image Credit: Chris Chang Photography
Image Credit: Antelope Studios
2. Before You Walk Down the Aisle #shoefie
Don't overlook the fashion shots of the beloved accessories that will accompany you on your big day! Second to the gown, your shoes also play an important role as they whisk you down the aisle to the groom. Bejewelled shoes are popular wedding shoes though it is always the classic styles in new modern colours that blow us away. Opt for a pair that goes well with your neckline; too many contrasting sharp angles or round silhouettes will break the look regardless of the wedding gown length.
Image Credit: Acapella Photography
Image Credit: 1stJournal Productions
Image Credit: aMusephotographer
Image Credit: VISIO WORKZ
Image Credit: Antelope Studios
Image Credit: Loveinstills
Image Credit: Knottin' Visuals
Image Credit: Depthofeels
Image Credit: Meteor Productions
4. Parents Send-off
A bittersweet moment often captured by seasoned and experienced photographers is of the parents' send-off before the bride meets the groom. This classic shot always tugs at the heartstrings because of the meaningful and sentimental notes behind it. Whether it's wearing the veil for the bride or other gestures, it's always the facial expressions that get us and score heartwarming points on the final wedding album.
Image Credit: Antelope Studios
Image Credit: Acapella Photography
Image Credit: Chris Chang Photography
Image Credit: Douglas Fun Photography
Image Credit: iSnap Photography
5. Floral Bouquet
It is not very often that the floral bouquets are showcased beside the bouquet toss; the trend of bespoke bouquets now warrants a new photo tradition of the artistic bouquets that come as unique as a bespoke gown or crafted shoes. With a vibrant pop of colour or chic detailing, floral bouquets are a must-have in every photo album. Get creative with your florist to create a bouquet that matches the boutonnière or corsages of your wedding squad.
Image Credit: aMusephotographer
Image Credit: 1stJournal Productions
Image Credit: Antelope Studios
Image Credit: Depthofeels
Image Credit: Loveinstills
Image Credit: The Forever Films
Image Credit: VISIO WORKZ
Image Credit: Douglas Fun Photography
Image Credit: Meteor Productions
6. Ring Bling
While your engagement ring took centrestage during the proposal and engagement shoot, don't miss out on shooting your wedding bands in a stylised set that you might use at the solemnisation ceremony. Not only will this stunning shot bedazzle your photo collection, it also adds to the flow and aesthetics of your wedding day. Popular shots are of the engagement diamond ring with the wedding bands on creative textures and eye-popping colours.
Image Credit: aMusephotographer
Image Credit: Antelope Studios
Image Credit: Chris Chang Photography
Image Credit: Douglas Fun Photography
Image Credit: Knottin' Visuals
Image Credit: VISIO WORKZ
7. Bridal Party
For the nearest and dearest people helping you out on your special day, your wedding squad deserves a mini shoot in between the ceremony and preparation. Be it a bridesmaid shoot to flaunt their new dresses, or a band of brothers lining up in their smart tailored blazers, it is exciting for the ladies and gents to get a shot with the stars of the day, for a sweet memento of the special event! This is when the colour or style coordinated bridesmaid dresses get to be fully showcased, or even the corsages and jewellery if planned. The combined shots of your best ladies and men would make a great framed addition to your new home too.
Image Credit: aMusephotographer
Image Credit: Antelope Studios
Image Credit: Douglas Fun Photography
Image Credit: Chris Chang Photography
Image Credit: Loveinstills
Image Credit: The Forever Films
Image Credit: 1stJournal Productions
8. Intimate Moments
It's easy to get caught up in the day's events but if you want something private and intimate, discuss with your photographer before hand so that you can allocate some time away from the preparation for a calm-amidst-the-chaos shoot in a interesting location at your wedding venue. These shots are not complicated, but rather, they capture the essence of the chemistry between you as a couple and are often the bare simplicity shots that do the most for your album. This is especially nice to have for those who did not plan for a pre-wedding shoot, but still want a small shoot away from the crowd.
Image Credit: aMusephotographer
Image Credit: Antelope Studios
Image Credit: Chris Chang Photography
Image Credit: Knottin' Visuals
Image Credit: VISIO WORKZ
9. Exchanging Vows
Although simple and not as exciting as the toast ceremony or the gatecrashing events, the exchange of vows and wedding bands has been a classic event included in every wedding photo album because of the union it symbolises. Be it a close up shot of the rings or a photo of the couple reading their vows, the moments they share before the onlooking witnesses of their matrimonial union is one for the books! P.s. brides can consider opting for a manicure that best suits their gown and their personal style as this series of photos will definitely close in on the ring exchange!
Image Credit: aMusephotographer
Image Credit: Antelope Studios
Image Credit: Depthofeels
Image Credit: Douglas Fun Photography
Image Credit: Meteor Productions
Image Credit: VISIO WORKZ
10. Tablescape
Be it the reception table or the wedding table setting, photos of your tablescape are a great memory to have. Not only do your aesthetic and wedding theme shine here, they are also elevated with photojournalistic styles and angles. It is one of the calmer shots of your big day, but it represents so much of the effort taken to decorate, the guestbooks, the details of the wedding table setting, and the wedding favours for your esteemed guests. This is a good idea to feature any commissioned boards or signages you may have created for your wedding hashtag or wedding date.
Image Credit: Acapella Photography
Image Credit: Antelope Studios
Image Credit: Chris Chang Photography
Image Credit: Douglas Fun Photography
11. Centrepieces
The main event is always filled with smiles and cheers, and we couldn't agree more. Not only does it show the couple in the main outfits of the day, it also celebrates the classic wedding elements and showcases your wedding backdrop. We love the champagne towers that lend an air of elegance to the series of the centrepieces on stage, but the multi-tiered wedding cake is a wedding album's must-have. Some couples have opted to add personalised cake toppers or requested for customised lettering on the cakes to make that classic shot unique to them.
Image Credit: Antelope Studios
Image Credit: Douglas Fun Photography
Image Credit: VISIO WORKZ
Image Credit: The Forever Films
Image Credit: 1stJournal Productions
And there you have it! Our 11 must-have shots to include in your wedding album. For more photography ideas, check out Hitcheed's full list of photographers you can engage for your wedding. Download hitcheed app on App Store and Google Play for more inspiration.