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Why You Can Skip The Wedding Photo List

Wedding Tips, Weddings

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You’ve just changed your status to engaged and chances are now you’re bombarded on social media with lists to go through and details to obsess over. One thing you’ll read over and over in that abundance of info is all about the wedding photo checklist. But did you know that you don’t actually need to write almost out for your photographer to capture on your wedding day? Now I am a big proponent of writing out lists, especially when it comes to wedding details, but let me explain why this is one list you have permission to skip!

1. You’ve done your research and you found a photographer that’s perfect for you. You’re obsessed with their style, they’ve shown you plenty of galleries and examples of their work, and BONUS: you really like them as a person! You know that they are someone you can trust to capture your day perfectly.

2. Everyone starts somewhere, but chances are your wedding is not your photographer’s first time shooting one. After all, you did your research and they showed you examples of their past work before booking them! Photographers shoot a LOT of weddings and there are simply photos that are captured at every wedding, no matter what. They are staple images that would be really hard to forget! I know I’m going to be capturing you getting into your dress. I know that I need to capture you with your bridal party.  I’m going to prioritize a lot of portraits of just the two of you. And I know to be set and ready during the ceremony to capture your first kiss as husband and wife! Trust me, I have it all memorized!!

3. Having a gigantic list to follow is very restrictive for a photographer. It limits their ability to be creative throughout the day. If we’re worrying about checking off every detail on the list, we’re not focused on capturing your day as it authentically happens. I feel like this is a big disservice to my couples! So many couples tell me they love my work because it is natural and fun. Having a list to follow would naturally change how I focus on making my couples feel comfortable and getting those authentic images. And again if I’m worrying about a list all day, I might miss beautiful moments as they naturally unfold that I want to be captured as a part of your story!

Now that I’ve been explaining the reasons having a giant photo list is something you should skip, there is one point of the day that I always make sure I have a list for my couples. And that is for family formals! One month before the wedding I sent a questionnaire to my couple so they can choose the family photo combinations that they want during that time. This time of day can be so chaotic, so it is the one time I make sure I always walk in with a plan and a list!

Want an idea of the wedding list I have memorized in my head? Here’s a look at all the things I’ve planned out in the timeline to be able to capture at every wedding!

Bridal details: wedding dress, veil, shoes, earrings, necklace/bracelet, bridal bouquet, invitations, family heirlooms, special gifts

Getting Ready: the bride getting hair and makeup done, the bridesmaids hanging out, a robe shot or champagne toast, the bride getting into her dress, mom buttoning her dress, the groom hanging out with the guys, final touches of him getting ready, mom pinning his boutonniere

Portraits: first look, bridal portraits, groom portraits, bride and groom portraits, full bridal party portraits, portraits of the bride with the bridesmaids, individuals of the bride with each bridesmaid, portraits of the groom with the groomsmen, individuals of the groom with each groomsman

Family Formals: all the combinations of family photos the bride and groom gave me ahead of time

Ceremony: the ceremony space, ceremony details, the processional, the groom seeing the bride as she comes down the aisle, hugs/kisses as the bride is given away, guests as they watch the ceremony, both sets of parents at the ceremony, a wide shot of the ceremony, the bride and groom exchanging rings, the first case, the recessional, hugs with family and friends after the ceremony

Reception: exteriors of the reception venue, reception room, reception details, guests arriving/signing the guest book, entrances, toasts, first dance, specialty dances with moms and dads, cake cutting, bouquet toss, garter toss, a fun exit, open dancing

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