Instead of working this morning, I decided to read wedding blogs. It makes me feel better and in light of yesterday's news, I feel mighty justified at slacking right now.
I was over at The Relentless Bride reading about her upcoming wedding photography gig. She asks about must-get shots. I had planned to post this later on, but thought I might do it now in order to help out Ms. Relentless as well as share some "must have shots" with other brides.
I found this list on iVillage, if you want to check it out yourself. It's the 88 must have wedding shots. Now, I don't think that all of these are really a must-have, especially for me. For instance, I won't be wearing a garter. We are not having a garter toss or a bouquet toss, so why would I need a shot of me putting one on? Below is the list. I've highlighted the ones I won't be needing.
I showed this list to my photographer Jonathon too. He wanted me to make sure I pointed out anything that was important, so he could make sure it happened. Since we have a teeny-tiny wedding party, a lot of these shots will be super-easy and super-fast. A lot of the shots are no-brainers for professional photographers. However, I think a discussion of shots you really want is totally legit. I know that the day will go by in a flash and I think that's why photographers are an integral part of The Big Show. The details will be recalled through his lens for the rest of our lives. You gotta like and trust your photographer. Happily, we do!
At our first meeting with JCP, Jonathon had a shot of a flower girl with her finger stuck in her nose. Or a flower stem. I can't remember, but she was sticking something in her nose. I thought it was hysterical. Jonathon tried to click past it pretty fast, but I made him go back so I could laugh at it some more. Some people would shudder at that kind of picture. I think it makes a wedding album complete! You gotta be able to share your vibe and your personality with your photographer. The Candyman and I have our engagement shoot this weekend. I think this will help me relax in front of the camera and will help the day of.
Here's the list. Relentless, I hope this helps.
GETTING READY
Bride's dress on the hanger or over a chair
Close-up of bride's shoes
Close-up of bride's bouquet
Bride in curlers or having makeup applied
Bridesmaids applying their makeup
Bride putting on garter
Mom and/or bridesmaids helping the bride arrange her dress, bustle the train, etc.
Close-up of dress details
Bride together with bridesmaids
Bride hugging mom
Flower girl(s) ready to go
Mom or bridesmaids putting finishing touches on bride, adding the veil, etc.
Bride spending moment alone, thinking quietly, praying or looking out the window
Full-length shot of bride all dressed and ready to go
Groom putting on tie
Groom with groomsmen
Ring bearer ready to go
Groom with dad, hugging or whispering advice
Bride and groom separately getting in the car, limo or cab
CEREMONY
Groom looking out the window, waiting for the bride to arrive
Car arriving with bride
Bride stepping out of the car
Wide shot of ceremony space from the back
Guests arriving (especially if they're using special transportation like a shuttle bus, boat or even escalator)
Ushers helping grandparents and special guests to their seats
Front and back shots of flower girl/ring bearer walking down the aisle
Close up of details (guest book, pew decorations, etc.)
Groom and groomsmen waiting nervously for bride to walk down aisle
Guests sitting down, waiting for ceremony to start
Bridesmaids walking down the aisle
Wedding party standing at the altar
Bride just before walking down the aisle
Back shot of bride (and escort) beginning to walk down the aisle
Full-frontal shot of bride (and escort) walking down the aisle
Close-up of groom's face when he sees bride for the first time (this can be done earlier, if photos are done before the ceremony)
Back shot of bride and groom together at the altar with officiant between them
Shot focusing on bridesmaids' bouquets, lined up as they hold them at the altar
Close-up of each hand as the rings are exchanged
Close-up of bride's face, as seen over the groom's shoulder
Close-up of groom's face, as seen over the bride's shoulder
Shot of both sets of parents' faces as they witness ceremony
The kiss
Happy couple walking back down the aisle together, as married couple
Guests getting ready to shower the couple with well wishes (and bubbles, birdseed, etc.) as they leave
Bride and groom walking out of ceremony space, hand-in-hand
BEFORE THE RECEPTION During the cocktail hour (These can be taken before the ceremony)
Full shot of bride and groom together, smiling
Full shot of bride and groom hugging
Full shot of bride and groom kissing
Bride being lifted or carried by groom or sitting on groom's lap
Close-up of couples' faces as bride is lifted, carried or sitting on groom's lap
Bride with her parents
Groom with his parents
Bride with groom's parents
Groom with bride's parents
Bride with bridesmaids
Groom with groomsmen
Bride with groomsmen
Group shot of bride, groom, family and wedding party
Groom leaning up against a wall with bride in front of him, kissing
Bride and groom walking toward the camera, holding hands
Bride and groom walking away from camera, holding hands
Bride and groom looking off in the same direction together
RECEPTION
Close-up of details (place settings, name cards, etc.)
Close-up of centerpieces
Wide shot of entire room before everyone arrives, even better if taken from above
Any special moments during the receiving line process
Bride and groom's first dance
Groom dipping bride
Bride dancing with her dad -- close-up of her face as seen over his shoulder
Groom dancing with his mom
Close-up of cake
Bride showing her new ring to the guests
Bride and groom hugging guests, close-ups of faces
Best man (or other guests) making a toast to the couple
Bride and groom's faces as they listen to the toast(s)
Guests smiling and clapping
Guests dancing and cutting loose on the dance floor. (Tip: Ask for a slow shutter speed to get a blurry/focused effect)
Wide shot of entire room after guests arrive, even better if taken from above
Close-ups of guests' faces, laughing and having a great time -- lots of these
Groups of friends sitting together at their table or dancing
I am an independent, outgoing, outspoken woman with too many interests and too little time. I travel the world extensively for my job (China, India, Vietnam, The Philippines). I'm high energy, controlling and slightly neurotic. Oddly, I met and fell in love with a man who can not only handle the crazy, but loves it too. How could anyone not love back? After a solid decision made years ago to never marry, The Candyman proposed. I couldn't help but say yes. I think I swooned too, but please don't tell anyone. It would ruin my rep. ;)
I'd love to hear from you so feel free to contact me at thethirtysomething bride {at} gmail.com!
YAY! You rock! What a great list!!! :) Printing this out NOW! (and updating blog!)
ReplyDeleteRelentlessBride
Rocking list Louise! I copied and edited this list for myself!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great list. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAwesome list. My photog has been pestering me to get this. Now it will be way less work!
ReplyDelete