The Ultimate Wedding Photography Checklist: How I Document Your Big Day
Imagine having a personal storyteller on your big day, flawlessly capturing those magical moments of love! That's been my mission for almost 20 years, and with over 500 weddings in the books, I'd say mission accomplished. But I know wedding planning can conjure up its own kind of mayhem, from vendor scouting to picking your decor. After all, you deserve a delightful, stress-free day that's all about you, your love, and those unforgettable memories, which is why I've prepared this ultimate wedding photography checklist. Let's cut to the chase and make the photography part a breeze! You can also check out our guide to making the Perfect Photography Timeline here!
The Ultimate Wedding Photography Checklist
1. Pre-Wedding Photos
Capture the magic before the big day even arrives with pre-wedding photo shoots! When you choose me as your wedding photographer, I cover all the bases to give you a 5-star photography experience. From swoon-worthy couples portraits to playful shots with your bridal party and tender family moments during preparations or first glimpses, my pre-wedding checklist guarantees memories you'll treasure for a lifetime.
Getting ready photos of the couple
Portraits of the bride
Portraits of the groom
Bridesmaids photos
Groomsmen photos
Intimate family photos (first look with dad, mom zipping up bride, mom of groom pinning boutonniere, father of groom helping get ready)
2. Ceremony
I provide a hands-off and candid approach to capturing your wedding ceremony, allowing you to savor every magical moment of your union without ever feeling like you have a camera in your face. From capturing joyful tears and laughter along with posed portraiture to candidly catching every heartfelt expression exchanged between you as you say your vows - I aim to preserve every precious moment of your wedding ceremony.
3. Post-Ceremony Photos
Once the ceremony wraps up, it's time to capture the day's magic with unforgettable portraits featuring the newlyweds in all their glory. From family photos and lively pictures with the wedding party to tender moments between the couple, I will seize the joy and emotion of your celebration. And rest assured, these picture-perfect memories will be captured promptly, ensuring a smooth transition into the evening festivities. On my post-ceremony wedding photography checklist, you'll find these essential elements:
Posed family photos (following the ceremony)
Wedding party photos - including any additional bridal party photos (bride with guys, groom with girls, etc.)
Couples portraits - this could be during a first look, otherwise after the ceremony. Alternatively, since I’ve shot all the other photos beforehand, I can just focus on the bride and groom during the cocktail hour.
Optional: cocktail hour photos - the couple and their guests
4. Reception Photos
Reception time holds a certain magic, as it unveils the genuine happiness and excitement of the wedding day while offering an ideal setting for stunning couples portraits. Playing with the venue's lighting and decor adds a touch of creativity to these images. Packed with emotion-filled moments, from laughter-filled speeches to tears of joy, receptions genuinely deserve to be eternalized through photographs. To ensure no important moment goes uncaptured, I meticulously follow a wedding photography checklist that guarantees every detail is preserved.
Reception: speeches, cake cutting, couple’s first dance, formal dances, parent and family reactions
Details and full room photo - I usually get pictures of the bride/groom in the room as well.
Dance floor photos - guest photos and group shots, couples slow dancing
Night shots - epic night photos that are creative
5. Other Memorable Moments
Whether it's candid or posed photos - whatever you plan on your big day, count me in to capture every second! A few examples include:
Attire and accessories
Candids throughout the day
Emotional reactions during crucial moments, like the bride walking down the aisle
Portraits with pets
Venue highlights
Decor details
Couple’s exit (with sparklers or confetti)
Celebrate Weddings With Robb McCormick Photography
Imagine a day filled with unforgettable moments, surrounded by the ones you love and all the beautiful emotions they evoke. My mission is to capture those genuine experiences authentically by taking each step of the day at your pace and focusing on creating memorable photographs rather than simply crossing them off a list. From getting ready with your close friends to the heartfelt family dinner, I'll be there to seize every laugh and tear, whether it's in a candid or posed shot. Because when you look back on your photos 20 years from now, the essence of your special day should be vividly alive, bringing back those cherished memories that only grow more valuable with time.
If you or someone you know is looking for a senior portrait photographer, you can contact me right away! To get in touch with me, you can also send me an email or call me at (614) 834-4956. In addition to senior portraits, I also photograph weddings and engagement sessions. To see more photos, you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
