When it comes to planning a wedding, one of the most crucial steps is creating a photography brief that outlines your vision and expectations for capturing those special moments on your big day. While professional wedding photographers are well-equipped to anticipate what shots they should be taking, providing them with a detailed brief ensures that no important memories are left behind.

As your trusted guide, we’ve developed the ultimate wedding photography brief, packed with essential information to help you get the most out of your wedding photos. From pre-ceremony preparations to post-wedding celebrations, this comprehensive guide covers all the key moments and details to consider when planning your special day.

Pre-Ceremony

The Hair and Makeup

With hours of precision invested in your hair and makeup, you’re undoubtedly radiant. To capture this stunning look for future reference or inspiration, take close-up shots to highlight every detail. These images will not only serve as a visual record of your Wedding Day perfection but also provide valuable guidance if you want to recreate that striking contour look down the line.

The Bouquet

The Gown

When capturing the beauty of a wedding gown, start by setting the scene with a wide-angle shot of the dress hanging elegantly against a window or door frame. Next, zoom in on the intricate details that make this gown truly special – think delicate lace-work and exquisite embellishments. Don’t forget to capture the bride’s stunning silhouette from behind, showcasing the flowing train and romantic veil.

The Mother of the Bride

As she assisted you with dressing countless times during your childhood, the significance of this moment cannot be overstated. Capturing her helping you into your wedding gown for the first time is a memory that will forever hold sentimental value, and this photograph serves as a treasured keepsake.

The Groom

When planning your wedding photography, don’t overlook the importance of capturing moments with your groom and his trusted friends. To ensure you don’t miss this opportunity, we suggest having at least two photographers on hand to snap photos of your groom and his Groomsmen as they prepare for the ceremony. This way, you’ll have a unique record of these special bonding moments between your loved ones.

The Bridesmaids’ Shot

When capturing memories of your special day, it’s essential to prioritize getting some fantastic group shots with your bridesmaids and bridal party. But don’t stop there! Consider adding a unique twist by doing a ‘first look’ shot where your bridesmaids get their first glimpse of you dressed as the bride. We’re confident that the resulting expressions will be nothing short of priceless.

Remember, this is an opportunity to freeze time and create unforgettable moments with the people who matter most.

Your Other Main Man

While it’s undeniable that there will always be a special bond between you and your father, capturing the tender moment when he sees you for the first time as a bride-to-be can be an incredibly poignant and meaningful experience. This cherished moment deserves to be preserved for years to come, making it crucial that your photographer is able to capture its beauty.

The Details

While each wedding is distinct, it’s the intricately woven details that truly make it a reflection of the couple’s love and personality. From the delicate petals of the bouquet to the intricate designs on the Wedding rings, every aspect holds sentimental value. Even the smallest touches, such as custom cuff-links or personalized shoes, serve as reminders of the couple’s special day.

By capturing these moments with your photographer, you’ll be able to relive the magic and cherish the memories for years to come.

The Kids

Prepare for an explosion of adorable charm as the flower girl and page boy get into their finery. The excitement builds as they transform from sweet young things to radiant little stars, leaving no doubt that this occasion will be a visual feast of whimsy and delight.

The Gift

Capture the emotional moment when you and your loved one open the special surprise together. This intimate gesture is an opportunity to create lasting memories with the help of a keen photographer’s lens. Don’t forget to keep some tissues on hand, as this tender moment may evoke strong emotions.

The Getaway

When capturing memories, it’s easy to focus on the main event – but don’t overlook the little details that make a photo truly special. In this case, consider asking your photographer to capture more than just the exterior of the car. Requesting shots from inside the vehicle can add a new layer of intimacy and storytelling to your photos. Imagine having a series of images that show not only the cars themselves but also the joy and excitement of you and your dad riding in the backseat together.

This could be as simple as asking your photographer to take a few snaps with them sitting in the front seat, looking back at you two in the back, or even capturing candid moments as you chat and laugh together.

The Ceremony

Ceremony Styling

When capturing the essence of a wedding ceremony, don’t overlook the smallest yet most significant details that contribute to its unique atmosphere. Take notice of the ornate archways, elegant aisles, and exquisite floral arrangements that add texture and visual interest to the proceedings.

Ceremony Venue or Church Shot

When it comes to capturing the essence of your wedding ceremony, one key detail often gets overlooked: the long shots. While it’s easy to get caught up in the intimate moments between you and your partner, these wide-angle shots can truly ‘set the scene’ for your special day. Imagine being able to relive the magic of your Big Day by gazing out at the sprawling ceremony venue or historic church where it all took place.

It’s a powerful way to recapture the emotions and atmosphere that made your wedding day so unforgettable.

The Guests

When planning your special day, consider having two photographers to capture every moment. Assign one photographer to accompany the Bride and another to focus on the Groom at the end of the aisle. Before the ceremony commences, have this second photographer snap a few shots of the guests as they arrive or take their seats. This is a great opportunity to capture candid moments and interactions between loved ones that would otherwise go unnoticed once the ceremony gets underway.

The Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

To capture some memorable moments before the ceremony, don’t forget to snap a few shots of the Bridesmaids as they make their way down the aisle. Additionally, get some great candid photos of them at the front of the church, perhaps interacting with the Groom or simply preparing for the big moment. On the groom’s side, ask your fellow Groomsmen to pose with you at the front of the aisle and, if possible, capture a few moments where we chat before the ceremony gets underway.

The Groom

There’s something truly special about the look on the Groom’s face as he gazes down the aisle at his soon-to-be wife. It’s a moment that fills many a wedding photographer’s heart with joy, and one we can’t get enough of! From the subtle smile to the genuine excitement, capturing this moment has always been a priority for us.

The Bride

As the big moment approaches, capturing the essence of the Bride’s journey from the altar to her awaiting partner is a crucial aspect of preserving cherished memories. The iconic image of the Bride gliding down the aisle, often accompanied by the soft rustling of her dress and the warmth of the wedding party’s smiles, serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of this moment.

The Flower girls

There’s something undeniably charming about capturing the antics of flowergirls and pageboys during the wedding ceremony. Their innocent and playful nature has a way of bringing joy and levity to the proceedings, making them an absolute must-have in any wedding photographer’s repertoire.

The Dad and Groom

As your father removes the veil, symbolically handing you over to your newlywed partner, the emotional weight of this moment becomes palpable. The air thickens with anticipation, making it ripe for capturing a breathtakingly candid shot that freezes the joy and excitement in perpetuity.

The First Kiss

The essence of the piece is a celebration of love and passion, as it takes us on a journey to explore the complexities of human emotions. The title, ‘It’s all about the romance, baby!’, sets the tone for what’s to come, inviting readers to immerse themselves in a world where romance and drama take center stage.

The Documents

During the wedding ceremony, it’s essential to capture the emotional moment when the Bride and Groom put their signatures on the legally binding documents. To make these images even more special, don’t forget to ask for close-ups of the actual documentation, showcasing the witnesses’ signatures as well. This will add a personal touch to your photo album or wedding slideshow.

The Other Aisle

As the newlyweds make their way down the aisle, the recessional shot freezes the moment in time when joy and love are palpable. The cameras capture the radiant smiles, the tearful eyes, and the gentle hand-holding that embodies the essence of their union. It’s a poignant reminder that this moment – the culmination of promises made and vows exchanged – is one to be cherished forever.

Post-Ceremony

Group Shots

While traditional posed group shots of the bridal party are undoubtedly essential, don’t forget to prioritize capturing more relaxed and candid moments that reveal each person’s unique personality. These unscripted interactions can lead to some truly unforgettable and authentic photos that showcase the genuine connections between your loved ones.

Solo Shots

For a unique and visually appealing take on traditional bridal party photos, consider asking your photographer to capture solo shots of each member in the same location. This will enable you to create a memorable collage featuring all the bridesmaids and groomsmen, reminiscent of the classic Brady Bunch style.

The Family Portrait

Capture the essence of your family bond by inviting your loved ones to participate in some fun and relaxed photo shoots together! Don’t worry about being too posed or perfect – the goal is to showcase the genuine chemistry between you and your family members. By embracing a more candid approach, you’ll end up with some wonderful memories that you can treasure for years to come.

The Landscape Shot

When it comes to capturing the essence of a wedding day, one of the most important shots is often overlooked: the long shot of the Bride and Groom. This sweeping perspective not only frames the happy couple but also showcases their surroundings, creating a stunning visual that you’ll want to display proudly in your home for years to come. It’s the kind of image that will become a treasured keepsake, a reminder of the joy and love that filled your special day.

Bride and Groom

Get ready to unleash your creativity and showcase the unique bond between you and your partner! For an unforgettable Groom’s Fairies photo shoot, gather a collection of images that capture your affectionate moments together. Think romantic kisses, tender hand-holding, and playful interactions. To add an extra layer of whimsy, consider incorporating props like balloons, sparklers, or confetti.

You could also opt for items that hold special meaning to your relationship, such as cowboy boots, leather jackets, ‘his’ and ‘her’ crowns, or even sneakers that reflect your personalities.

Reception

Reception Styling

You invested time, effort, and resources into planning a memorable wedding celebration. It’s only fitting that your guests go home with more than just memories – they should also leave with tangible mementos to commemorate this special day. After all, you didn’t spend all that money on décor, place cards, and florals for nothing!

Centrepieces and Tables

Capturing the essence of your special day requires a meticulous approach to photography. This is particularly true when it comes to showcasing the intricacies of the table settings and centerpieces. To truly do justice to these details, close-up photographs are essential. By focusing in on the textures, patterns, and colors of the tables and centrepieces, you’ll be able to appreciate the intricate beauty that often goes unnoticed.

The result is a visual narrative that tells the story of your celebration with precision and flair.

The Wedding Stationery

While some Brides may not give much thought to capturing images of their wedding stationery, doing so can be a wonderful way to hold onto the essence of the special day. Not only does it provide a tangible representation of the theme and style that was incorporated into the celebration, but it also serves as a lovely keepsake for years to come. Just like a photograph captures a moment in time, an image of wedding stationery can evoke memories of the happy occasion.

The Entrances

When planning your wedding, it’s essential to include a special moment that captures the excitement and joy of the day. This can be achieved by requesting your photographer to take photos as the bridal party makes their grand entrance into the reception area. This moment is often filled with laughter, tears, and sheer happiness, making it a fantastic opportunity for your photographer to capture some truly memorable shots.

The Guest Book and Wishing Well

When capturing the memories of your special day, don’t forget to include thoughtful shots of the wishing well and guest book. These visual records will allow you to relive the smallest yet most meaningful details for years to come.

Food and Drinks

The Wedding Cake

As couples pour their heart and soul into crafting the perfect wedding celebration, the pièce de résistance is often the majestic wedding cake. Its visual appeal is a crucial aspect of this memorable experience. To commemorate this sugary masterpiece, be sure to capture photographs not only before the cake is devoured, but also at the exact moment the newlyweds take their first bite together. The nostalgia and joy captured in these moments will make for treasured memories.

The Entertainment

When planning a memorable event, it’s easy to overlook the crucial role that your chosen entertainers play. From talented musicians and skilled DJs to mesmerizing dancers, every aspect of the evening’s programming contributes to the overall atmosphere and enjoyment of your guests. As such, be sure to document the fantastic reception entertainment you’ve brought together, as this can help bring back fond memories for those in attendance.

The First Dance

Capturing the magic of the first dance can be a challenge for even the most seasoned photographers. With the bride and groom’s emotions running high, it’s easy to miss those special moments that make the memory truly unforgettable. This is why having a wealth of photographs from this momentous occasion is crucial.

Father-Daughter Dance

The significance of capturing memories of a loved one is undeniable, and it’s often easy to overlook the impact that photographs have on our lives. The idea that you can’t take too many photos of someone who plays such a vital role in your daily routine is a notion worth exploring further.

The Speeches

As you’re capturing the special moments of your loved ones’ speeches, don’t forget to also freeze the priceless expressions on your own face and that of your new husband. The way you both react to hearing those heartfelt words is a big part of the story you want to tell through your wedding photos.

The Bomboniere

When it comes to capturing the memories of your special day, don’t forget to snap some stunning photos of the thoughtful touches that show off your personal style. Whether you’ve spent hours crafting DIY favors or picked out a unique gift for each guest, these little details are sure to make for Instagram-worthy moments.

The Dance Floor

Capturing memories of loved ones having a blast on the dance floor can add a whole new level of joy and warmth to your wedding album. The laughter, music, and sheer excitement of the moment can be relived for years to come through carefully selected photos. Whether it’s a spontaneous conga line or a group getting down to their favorite tune, these unforgettable moments deserve to be preserved in a beautifully crafted wedding album.

Bouquet and Garter Toss

When incorporating the traditional bouquet and garter toss into your wedding celebration, it’s essential to communicate your plans with your photographer in advance. This will enable them to strategically capture the special moments and memories you’ll cherish for years to come.

The Newlyweds Exit

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky transformed into a canvas of breathtaking beauty. The final moments of sunlight cast a warm glow on the scene, making it feel like the perfect ending to an unforgettable night.