What To Expect From Your Photographer: A Complete Bride And Groom’s Guide.
Planning a wedding that reflects your elevated taste means every vendor choice matters—especially your photographer.
When you invest in creating something extraordinary, you deserve comprehensive coverage that captures every meaningful moment. This guide breaks down each moment that should be photographed on your wedding day—ensuring nothing precious is missed.
Details.
Wedding photographers capture the items that hold sentimental value. Your wedding dress is probably the most important garment you’ll ever wear, and your shoes and accessories complete your bridal look.
My husband’s most treasured accessory was his grandfather’s handkerchief. One of our favorite shots captures the touching moment when he gently wipes away tears from his eyes using that very handkerchief as I walk down the aisle.
The Dress:
Your wedding dress hanging or laid out, ready to be slipped on. The ‘dress’ doesn’t have to be a dress, of course. One of my favorite wedding looks is Bianca Jagger’s suit by Yves Saint Laurent.
The Bouquet:
A close-up of your beautiful wedding bouquet. The flowers are an integral part of your bridal look.
The Accessories, Wedding Bands and Invitations:
I arrange your jewelry, shoes, veil, cufflinks, wedding bands and wedding stationary for an aesthetically pleasing detail shot.
Getting Ready.
Getting-ready shots are an essential part of wedding photography, capturing the excitement, anticipation, and behind-the-scenes moments. One reason to book a photographer for the entire day is to ensure these moments are well documented.
Hair And Makeup:
Lounging in a cute and comfy outfit while getting your hair and makeup done.
Bridesmaids Getting Ready:
Your bridesmaids’ camaraderie makes for great candid shots.
Groomsmen Getting Ready:
It’s a great way to capture the bond between you and your boys, helping each other out with your bow ties and cufflinks.
Getting Dressed:
Your mother and grandmother assisting you as you put on your dress and accessories.
Pro Tips:
When planning your wedding, consider your getting-ready locations. Booking a hotel suite with ample natural light, for instance, can enhance the quality of the photographs.
If both bride and groom wish to have getting-ready shots captured, your photographer will need to team up with a second shooter.
First Looks.
Tradition says couples aren’t supposed to see each other on their big day until they walk down the aisle. Over time, as nuptials have evolved, a modern wedding ritual has emerged that challenges this longstanding custom: the first look.
During first looks, the bridal party, the father of the bride, and the groom see the bride for the first time in her wedding dress, before the ceremony and away from their guests’ eyes. These are intimate moments to capture heartfelt reactions.
First looks allow for a seamless transition into private vows and the couple’s shoot.
Whether to have a first look is a personal choice. My husband and I kept the surprise for the aisle.
Bridal Party First Look:
The bridesmaids catch their first glimpse of the bride in her wedding dress. Filled with admiration, they often come together for a warm group hug.
Father & Daughter First Look:
The father-daughter first look usually happens in the bridal suite once the bride and her bridesmaids are fully ready. It’s a significant moment as the bride prepares to leave her family and begin a new life with her husband.
Bride & Groom First Look:
The first look between the bride and groom is a special moment when they see each other for the first time on their wedding day. They may also toast with a glass of champagne.
Reception First Look:
Later in the day, the bride and groom walk through the reception area, admiring all the effort they put into designing their space.
The quiet exchange of private vows are captured with the same care and discretion as your public celebration.
If time permits, dedicate 15 minutes to an hour for a couple’s shoot before the ceremony starts. This session can also be split up throughout the day and allows the photographer to capture stunning formal and candid shots of you in your wedding outfits, looking your best.
Plus, these images will serve as the perfect centerpiece for your wedding album cover and the thank-you cards you’ll be sending to your guests!
Private Vows & Couple’s Shoot.
Solo Portraits.
Throughout your celebration, I'll capture individual portraits that highlight each of you at your very best—those striking images you'll want to frame and share.
These include both thoughtfully composed portraits and candid moments filled with genuine emotion: quiet reflection as you prepare, spontaneous laughter during cocktail hour, or a peaceful pause as you soak in the happiness around you.
Whether it's the bride in her stunning gown against the venue's architecture or the groom in a perfectly lit moment of quiet confidence, these solo portraits become cherished photos that capture not just how you looked, but how extraordinary you felt on your wedding day.
Group Shots.
Whether taken before or after the ceremony, these photos feature various combinations of family members, wedding party participants, and friends.
I summoned the courage to request a group shot of all 86 guests and ourselves on our wedding day. Our photographer, Zach, fearlessly positioned himself on the edge of Europe’s tallest sand dune so that he could capture everyone in the frame. It’s a testament to the dedication of great wedding photographers—they’ll go to any lengths to make it work!
Immediate Family:
Grandparents, parents, siblings, and significant others.
Extended Family:
If aunts, uncles, and cousins are important to you, consider a big group photo with each side of the family.
Bride With Bridesmaids And Groom With Groomsmen:
Individual shots with the bridal party.
Full Wedding Party:
Everyone together, including flower girls, ring bearers, and ushers.
The Venue & Decor.
I love to photograph the reception space before guests enter. This allows me to document the details in their pristine state. I focus on the overall decor and ambiance, and you may want to know that I have a sweet spot for florals. These photographs make for good pairings with pictures of guests in your wedding album.
The Venue:
Interior photographs, similar to those featured in architecture and interior design magazines, and whenever feasible, a wide-angle shot of the wedding venue from an outdoor perspective.
The Decor:
Floral arrangements, table settings, light fixtures, candles, menus, place cards, and any other bespoke details.
The Ceremony.
Each wedding ceremony is unique but these are the key moments you might want to have documented.
Pro Tips:
Having a second photographer for the ceremony can significantly enhance your photographs. With an additional shooter, you can seamlessly capture precious moments: the bride and groom exchanging vows, sweeping wide-angle shots of the venue, and intimate close-ups—all simultaneously.
If your ceremony is held outdoors, consider the time of day to make the most of natural light.
The Processional:
The bride’s entrance, the groom’s reaction, and the bridal party walking down the aisle.
Guests’ Reactions:
Teary eyes, smiles, and applause.
The Vows & Ring Exchange:
The couple’s expressions, hands, and meaningful glances.
The Kiss:
Don’t rush it! And do it again!
The Recessional, aka The Confetti Shot:
The married couple leaves the ceremony area with flower petals or rice thrown at them. This is the iconic confetti shot.
The Cocktail & Dinner.
The wedding reception is where the newlyweds and their guests come together to enjoy food and drinks. Joy, love, and a feast are on the table!
Champage Tower:
A champagne tower transforms the simple act of toasting into an artful moment worthy of editorial photography.
Speeches:
Family members, friends, and other guests share sentiments and wishes.
Guests:
Chatting and laughing, sipping cocktails, and raising their glasses. Now’s the time to capture as many of your guests as possible so that no one is missing from the wedding album!
Formal Table Shots:
You may want formal shots of selected tables.
Food & Drinks:
Maybe you put extra effort into finding a special farm-to-table caterer or a local distillery. Get some of the plates and drinks photographed.
First Dance & Cutting of the Cake.
The first dance is a moment to be cherished. It marks the newlyweds' first dance together as husband and wife. After the first dance, the dance floor officially opens to guests, kicking off the celebration.
Later in the evening, the cake-cutting offers an opportunity for stylish and memorable photographs. The bride and groom stand together behind the cake and cut the first slice, representing their commitment to sharing their lives together.
The Party.
The wedding after-party is when you finally let your hair down. The music is thriving, and the dance floor is packed with guests.
The bar is busy with people enjoying signature cocktails and toasting to the happy couple. There are plenty of delicious snacks and treats to nibble on, including a decadent cake that was cut earlier in the evening. Everyone is in good spirits and having a great time, sharing stories and laughing together.
The atmosphere is electric, and the party continues well into the night, creating unforgettable memories for all who attend.
Hi, I’m Sara Julia.
Born in Sydney, raised in Paris, and based between New York and Palm Beach, I bring a worldly perspective to capturing love stories.
My foundation in visual storytelling began at Parsons School of Design and deepened over a decade within the fashion industry, collaborating with publishing houses like Conde Nast and brands like Lanvin as I represented fashion photographers and cast campaigns and films.
My approach combines the editorial sensibility honed in fashion with an appreciation for life's most intimate moments. Whether capturing getting-ready shots at the Bowery Hotel in New York or a reception at the Four Seasons in Maui, I create imagery that feels both effortless and elevated.
If you believe the most beautiful celebrations are deeply personal rather than simply grand, then I'm the photographer for you.