I had the best photographer when I got married in 2005. His name is Paul Vincent de los Reyes (www.paulvincentphoto.com). He is a true artist, a real pro, and has a keen eye for beauty and detail. Yet, the obsessive-compulsive side of me still couldn’t keep from drawing up my own list of shots that I want captured on my wedding day. Not just the essentials like the bridal march, the kiss, the bouquet toss, and the newlywed portrait. The wedding day being of great value to me and my husband, we want even the countless other moments captured so much that we even hired a back-up photographer. Below is a list of traditional shots that wedding coordinators normally give their clients. Choose what’s applicable for you and feel free to add whatever other creative ideas you may have in mind. 

HOTEL/HOUSE PREPARATION

1. Bride’s hair and make up being done
2. Wedding gown on mannequin and/or spread on the bed
3. Bride’s shoes, headdress and jewelries
4. Wedding paraphernalia – arrhae, Bible, nuptial candle and matches.
5. Bride’s bouquet, bridesmaids’ bouquets
6. Bride’s mother helping the bride with her gown/veil
7. Bride now in her gown
8. Bride with parents
9. Bride with parents and siblings
10. Bride with bridesmaids
11. Groom putting on one detail in his outfit, like a tie, a watch, or spraying musk/cologne.
12. Groom with his father
13. Groom with parents
14. Groom with parents and siblings
15. Groom with the best man
16. Groom with the groomsmen

THE CEREMONY 

1. Signage leading to the venue, if there are any
2. Exterior, interior shots of the venue
3. Candid, random shots of early guests
4. The altar
5. The topiaries, flowers, other decorations
6. The bridal car
7. Bride as she gets off the bridal car
8. Grom while waiting for the bridal march
9. Bridal entourage during bridal march
10. Both sets of parents as they march down the aisle
11. Close up of bride as she starts to march down the aisle
12. Bride during the bridal march
13. Groom’s reaction as he anticipates the bride’s arrival
14. Bride’s father/parents as he/they give her away to the groom
15. The pastor/priest/officiating minister
16. Bride and Groom at the altar
17. Wide shot to show the guests during ceremony
18. Both sets of parents watching the ceremony
19. Special moments such as lighting of the candles, putting on the veil and cord, during readings and speeches, the elements during the Holy Communion
20. Bride and groom as they recite their wedding vows
21. Exchange of rings
22. Unveiling the bride
23. The kiss
24. Newly weds right after the kiss

AFTER THE CEREMONY 

1. Newlyweds with the officiating minister
2. Newlyweds with bride’s parents
3. Newlyweds with groom’s parents
4. Newlyweds with both sets of parents
5. Newlyweds with male principal sponsors
6. Newlyweds with female principal sponsors
7. Newlyweds with both male and female principal sponsors
8. Newlyweds with male secondary sponsors
9. Newlyweds with female secondary sponsors
10. Newlyweds with both male and female secondary sponsors
11. Newlyweds with best man and maid/matron of honor
12. Newlyweds with groomsmen
13. Newlyweds with bridesmaids
14. Newlyweds with the minors in the entourage: Bible bearer, coin bearer, ring bearer, flower girl/s
15. Newlyweds with entire immediate family of bride
16. Newlyweds with entire immediate family of groom

BEFORE THE RECEPTION 

1. Exterior, interior shots of the reception venue before arrival of the guests
2. Reception details: gazebo, newlyweds’ table, guest tables, place cards, menu, centerpieces, table settings, buffet settings, champagne bottle and champagne glasses
3. Wedding cake
4. Other details such as the ice carving, chocolate fountain, guest wish sheets, if there are any
5. Favors/souvenirs for guests and/or wedding entourage

THE RECEPTION

1. Arrival of the guests, signing of guest books
2. Arrival of the newlyweds
3. Popping of party poppers
4. Candid, random shots of guests, the newlyweds
5. The host and other entertainers
6. Newlyweds during table hopping
7. Newlyweds’ first dance
8. Bride dancing with her father
9. Groom dancing with his mother
10. Wedding party dancing
11. Slicing of the cake
12. Newlyweds taking a bite of the cake
13. Newlyweds sipping champagne
14. Bouquet toss, garter toss
15. Speeches
16. Newlyweds leaving the venue