The must-have wedding photos mapped out

The must have wedding photos in card A wedding day consists of a countless number of beautiful moments that you would like to store deep in your heart forever. Even later, you will be only too happy to look back on these unforgettable moments. We map out for you the must-have wedding photos that absolutely must not be missing in your wedding album!

Photo (above, from left to right): Photographer: Imperish Photography / Photographer: Anneleen Jegers / Photographer: Born To Capture

A wedding shot list

To avoid forgetting to capture any important event, it is useful to work with your photographer to create a shot list in advance. A shot what? - we hear you thinking. A shot list is a detailed, chronological list of all the moments you really want to capture on your big day. You can think of it as a kind of shopping list where you list together the must-have wedding photos of the most important events. Below are a few moments that are indispensable on your wedding shot list!

Making up

Those intimate moments in which you prepare from the crack of dawn undoubtedly deserve a place in your wedding shot list. Think of breathtaking photos of you in your wedding dress or costume, in front of a window with beautiful light. Or your bride-to-be sneaking a first drink with his or her best friends. This is also the perfect time to photograph small details in your accessories, your flowers or bridesmaids' children.

Maarten from Lux Visual Storytellers says: ‘When preparing the bride(egom) and their entourage, detail photos should not be missing. For example, we always take a close-up of the wedding rings against a beautiful background. Furthermore, the wedding dress and the wedding costumeare also photographed up close."

The first look

The first look is the moment when you will soon see each other in your wedding clothes for the first time. Your first look will be a particularly emotional event for both you and your entourage - a moment to cherish forever. So these beautiful first look images are definitely among your must-have wedding photos!

The ceremony

A church ceremony, or a civil wedding? Mighty moments for taking wedding photos.... Think of the bride stepping to the altar with her father, that very first kiss as a married couple and the rain of rice descending over the head of the brand-new couple. Spontaneous moments like these undoubtedly make for unique images. When doing so, do not forget to take plenty of photos of the people present. Their sincere reactions at the first appearance of you as a couple is something you don't want.

The official photo shoot

Meanwhile, the time has come to move on to the official photo shoot. First, have some romantic pictures taken of the two of you as a couple. After this, it is the turn of your closest family and friends. Think carefully beforehand about which combinations you would like to see in your wedding album. For example, a separate photo with your parents or parents-in-law should definitely be included.

The reception

Perhaps not everyone who attended your ceremony can also be invited to the evening party. Would you still like to have some photos with these attendees? Then be sure to add the reception to your shot list. Drinking champagne, eating nibbles and having fun memories? Check!

An extra golden hour photo opportunity

The famous ‘golden hour’ is the short period just before sunset. This moment is therefore an ultimate favourite among photographers. So too with Elisabeth of Elisabeth van Lent Photography. "The couple decides which moments they like to see photographed. I just ask if I can have 15 minutes at the end of the day, an hour before sunset, for a short golden hour shoot. After all, the golden sunlight at that time is breathtaking. These few extra minutes often yield the most beautiful images."

The long-awaited evening party

Finally, as icing on the cake, comes the long-awaited evening party. Here, too, there are lots of moments that the photographer should not miss. From an emotional speech and toast to the couple, to that one uncle who - with his tie tied around his head - makes a scene. Your opening dance is also an indispensable element in your collection of wedding photos. Again, don't forget the details at this part of the wedding! Think of the beautiful table decoration, the table setting and the cosy furnishing of the venue. Silke from Imperish Photography stresses not to forget to photograph the catering as well. "Photosof every dish served or the tasty buffet should definitely not be missed. Even the moment when the cake is cut by the couple makes for nice pictures."

Trust your wedding photographer

Elisabeth of Elisabeth van Lent Photography likes to give another golden tip in the end. "Trust your professional photographer. A shot list that is unilaterally determined by the couple is a difficult one, for your photographer. Thus, other spontaneous, beautiful images might be missed because the concentration is on that list. Trust that your photographer will absolutely capture your most important moments. Even if they are not on your shot list. However, are there a few unique photos you would like, which might be a bit different from the images that would be taken on a wedding day? If so, be sure to let us know."

Read more on this topic via these links

• How to find the right wedding photographer
• The ABC of the photographer at your wedding
• This is how to pose confidently at your wedding!