This One is for The Relentless Bride

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

Bride and groom whispering to each other

Parents (or even better, grandparents) dancing

Kids dancing or playing around

Close-up of band or DJ

Bride and groom cutting the cake

Bride and groom feeding each other

Bride and groom in back seat of getaway car

Back of car as it drives away