Photography Shot List

Found this in a great book title "Style Your Dream Wedding" by Susie Coelho. This is one of the books that I use for my inspiration. This is a list of Photograph suggestions that will add to your bridal portfolio.

Getting Ready

Bride's Clothes hanging on the wardrobe, on the bedpost, or over a chair.

Bridesmaids doing bride's hair and make-up.

Bride and Bridesmaids getting dressed, applying makeup.

Mother/maid of honor/aunt/others helping bride with one last detail, such as veil.

Full-Length Shot of bride in gown checking herself out in the mirror.

Detail of clothing, shoes, garter, something borrowed, something blue.

Bride with parents/stepparents

Bride with siblings

Bride Hugging honor attendants

Bride with Bridesmaids

Bride with all the women.

Groom getting ready with dad and pals (tying the tie is a classic)

Groom with Parents/Stepparents.

Groom with Siblings

Groom with his arm around Best man

Groom with all the groomsmen

Groom with all the groomsmen smoking cigars

Groomsmen putting on boutonnieres or bow ties

Dad's last-minute advice to groom

Groom Ready to Go

Bride Ready to Go

Bride and Groom separately making their way to the ceremony (in a limo, hailing a cab, walking down the street/hall/stairs

The Ceremony

Guests streaming into the site

Ushers escorting guests to their seats

Ushers escorting Moms and Grandmother's to their seat

Close up of groom's adorably nervous mug waiting for his other half

Bridesmaids and groomsmen walking down the aisle

Flower girl and/or Ring bearer entering

Honor Attendants walking down the aisle

Honored Guests being seated before the wedding

Wedding Party waiting at the alter

Groom Walking down the aisle

Bride and dad/escort/parents walking down the aisle

Close up of Bride just before she makes her entrance

Bride and Groom at the alter

Alter from the back during the ceremony

Wide shot of audience during ceremony, from Bride and Groom's point of view

Faces of Bride and Groom as they exchange vows.

Close up of Bride's and Groom's hands as they exchange rings

The Kiss

Bride and groom preceding up the aisle, guests' smiling faces at their sides

Bride and Groom outside ceremony site

Congrats shots; bride and groom hugging, laughing, with good Friends and family.

Bride and Groom leaving ceremony site.


Before or Immediately after Ceremony at the Church

Bride and Groom together

Bride with her parents

Bride with her entire immediate family

Groom with his parents

Groom with his entire immediate family

Bride and Groom with all Parents

Bride and Groom with immediate family members from both sides

Bride and Groom with groomsmen

Bride and Groom with Bridesmaids

Bride and Groom with whole wedding party


The Reception

Shot from outside reception site (to set the tone)

Family Tables

Guests' Tables

Reception Details such as the place cards, guest book, centerpieces, decorations, table settings, favor tables, and champagne glasses

Bride and Groom Arriving

Receiving line moments

Close-up of Friends and family making toasts

Bride and groom sipping champagne

Bride and Groom chatting up the guests

Bride and Groom's First Dance

Parents dancing

Kids playing or dancing

Musicians or DJ doing their thing

Guests going nuts on the dance floor.

Bride laughing with bridesmaids

Cake Table

Bride and Groom cutting the cake.

Bride and Groom feeding each other

Dessert Table

Bouquet Toss

Tossing and catching of the garter

Bride and Groom leaving waving form getaway car's backseat

Rear of Car departing.

I hope this is helpful. Also just a tip contract with your Photographer for the event not a 3 or 4 hour time period. You will be be so happy that you spent the little extra time to capture all of the wonderful reception.

Clay