top10weddingphotos

Contributed by Lisa Merino of LisaAnne Photgraphy,
2015 The Knot Best of Weddings

1. Detail Shots

It’s your wedding day! I love capturing all the special additions that reflect a bride’s personality. Your photos should highlight what jewelry you wore, or the invitations you spent hours selecting – or making – or just how magical your wedding gown was.

It’s your wedding day!

2. The Dress

Putting on your wedding gown is one of the most elegant moments of your wedding day. The moment of … This feels real. The butterflies start to rise as you are in the final moments before you walk down the aisle. I love capturing the mother of the bride helping her daughter zip up her dress, or the best friend gazing with tear-filled eyes because she can’t believe this moment is here. The dress is the finale of the getting ready!

Putting on your wedding gown is one of the most elegant moments of your wedding day.

3. Just You

This might be an obvious photograph, but it is an absolute must-have for every bride. Don’t overlook getting tons of portraits of how you looked that day. From full-length shots to makeup details, this is the moment you should look and feel at your best. Spend time to make sure you get several unique, beautiful bridal shots.

Get tons of portraits of how you looked that day.

4. The Entire Group

I love getting the bridal party in one photo – it’s so fun to have all your closest friends and family in one room. Be silly. Be excited. And smile, smile, smile. Enjoy this day with the people you love and “cheese it up” for the photos.

Be silly. Be excited. And smile, smile, smile.

5. The First Look

As a photographer – and when I was a bride – the most romantic moment of a wedding day is always the “first look” photos. Many couples wait for the actual ceremony to see one another, but I always recommend taking a few moments away from all the guests, friends, and family, and capturing the groom’s first gaze upon his bride-to-be. Men react in so many ways. Tears, smiles, overwhelming emotions … it’s different for every couple.

The most romantic moment of a wedding day is always the “first look” photos.

6. First Kiss

Not only do the bride and groom anticipate their first kiss as husband and wife – so do their family and friends. Make sure to linger on that kiss so your photographer has enough time to capture that special moment. This photo is one of my favorites to revisit as a bride. Marriage starts at that point and it’s a beautiful symbol of the love you share on your wedding day – and in years to come.

Make sure to linger on that kiss so your photographer has enough time to capture that special moment.

7. Family Formals

Wedding days are about more than just the bride and groom – they are also about family. Plan ahead and list the family members you want pictures with. This can range from having an “all cousin” photo, one with Uncle Jon who is never in a suit, or having just one with your grandpa. You will never regret setting aside that time on your wedding day.

Plan ahead and list the family members you want pictures with.

8. Just You and Him

Every wedding photographer loves capturing these moments. Bride and groom portraits are always romantic. Stealing away from the crowd for a few moments … kissing your new husband … holding hands … having him pick you up … just being is the most beautiful part of your wedding day.

Steal away from the crowd for some photos of just you and him.

9. Candid Moments

From the start of the day to the ceremony and reception, there are hidden moments everywhere. I anticipate those unstaged moments the whole day. I spend most of my day watching for those special moments from afar or close by. Finding those big laughs, goofy faces, or soft tears are some of the most unexpected and treasured photos from your wedding day.

Watch for special, hidden moments all during the day. You’ll find them everywhere.

10. Send Off

After a joyful, emotional, tiring, and way too fast wedding day, you and your groom will leave for your honeymoon. Take a moment to be creative and end the night with a bang. Sparklers are one of my all-time favorite elements for a send off, but I have even seen ribbon wands, man-made tunnels, and fireworks be displayed. This is the finale, so end with a bang!