A wedding album tells much about the love story of a couple. Since each love story is unique, every wedding album is different. Yet, there are a few common threads between all amazing wedding albums.

Some key shots often make an appearance, albeit with subtle variations. And although these keyshots are the same or similar, they still look very different across wedding albums. That’s because there’s always room for personalization and creativity. Additionally, the tastes, cultures and personalities of every couple add a special flavor to these shots.

A lot goes into planning and preparing for a wedding, and although it’s good to trust your chosen photographer, it’s better to discuss and map out the shots. If you’re getting married soon, and want to preserve the magic of those fleeting moments, make sure that your photographer captures these essential shots:

Getting Ready for the Special Day

Before the wedding, when you’re getting ready for each other, you’re likely to feel equal parts of excitement and nervousness. You’re not just getting ready for a day, you’re getting ready for commencing your new life. These moments will be incredibly special.

Since it’s most likely that you and your partner will be getting ready separately, in two different rooms if not two entirely different locations, you’re going to need two photographers for these moments. The photographer must have a skilled helper, or you may need to discuss and arrange the timings with your photographer so that no moment from any side gets missed.

During these moments, your partner will most likely not be around you, capturing these in the form of photographs is essential so that you can share these behind the scenes with each other after the wedding. Apart from the process pictures, it’s also essential to get some portraits that capture the details of your individual style when you’re freshly ready.

Walking into the Next Chapter of Life

Another set of must-have photographs are the arrival shots. When you arrive at the venue, your significant other may not be present to witness the moment, and therefore capturing these moments is essential. These are the first steps toward your new life.

Then there’s the grandeur of the moment when the bride walks down the aisle towards the groom eagerly waiting for her. The photographer must capture the bride making her way to the love of her life, and the groom as he prepares to receive her. From the start to end, this is a walk to remember, and it adds a touch of cinematic flair to the wedding album.

Whether it’s your arrival for the ceremony, or at the venue for reception, the photograph must capture the motion as well as the emotion of these moments. Photographs of such moments will help flesh out the story of your most special day.

The Magical First Look

Only you and your partner will know the thoughts and feelings that will rush through you when you first lay your eyes on each other. The person you cannot wait to spend the rest of your life with, is there decked out in their finest attire, presenting their absolute best for you, with a look of love that’s making you melt and burst with joy; that’s a moment you WANT to capture with more than just your eyes and mind. You want to preserve it to be able to relive it whenever you want. There might be a few tears of joy, or a gasp of awe, or expressions that elicit some awwws from the audience consisting of your loved ones. This is a moment of magic and connection. You will be among people, yet this will be a very private and intimate moment. It’s a secret you will share, which although other people will witness, they will never truly fathom the depth.

Sealing the Promise

The first kiss is a moment filled to saturation with the deepest emotions. This is a moment not to be missed, even by mistake, while capturing the wedding photographs. It’s better to have multiple shots of the moment, rather than risk not capturing it. It’s a moment that can’t be repeated and replicated.

Capturing the first kiss is more than just mere documentation of a moment, it is about immortalizing the height of love and commitment. The first kiss marks the end of the ceremony and the start of the journey as a married couple. It is the first kiss that reflects the real raw emotions. It’s a moment when the walls come down and true feelings shine through. Not just you and your partner, but even your loved ones look forward to this moment. A photograph taken at the right time will preserve this moment of pure unadulterated love. From a photography standpoint, this moment presents endless opportunities for creativity and artistic expression. The photographer can really turn this moment into a work of art.

The Joyous First Dance

Your first dance together will be a poignant and cherished moment holding immense significance. In a way, it’s symbolic; these will be your first steps in harmony as a married couple. The first dance is an expression of unfiltered pure emotions. You will be out there on the dance floor creating memories of a lifetime. And your photographer will get a variety of movements to choose from and click. The romantic atmosphere, the lighting and the typically sweeping movements make for brilliant photo opportunities. The pictures from the first dance add some action and depth to the story depicted by the wedding album.

The First Meal as Husband and Wife

Although this is not in the conventional list of shots, it should have a permanent spot in the key shots. That’s because, the first meal you share as a married couple, holds much significance. It’s a representation of intimacy and celebration. Besides, it will add much to the depth, richness and visual interest of your wedding album. Also, because of the hustle and bustle of the wedding day, you’re unlikely to pay much attention to what you’re eating, or you may not even be able to eat much. It would be nice to be able to see your wedding spread peacefully in pictures later, since you probably spent months planning it. Even if you were able to enjoy the flavors and textures of the wedding food, you would want pictures that can help you savor the moments again.

Whether it’s a buffet or a plated dinner, the menu will consist of carefully curated dishes that reflect your preferences. Food may also be representative of your theme; for instance, you may have included steak and lobster surf and turf, not just as a show-stopping entree, but as a dish that enhances your beach theme and reflects the harmonious union of distinct elements (symbolic of the coming together of two different lives in matrimonial union). The first meal may also include some cultural elements or hold special cultural significance. In some cultures, it’s customary for the husband and wife to feed each other the first morsel of food as a mark of love. Wouldn’t you want all such special and symbolic moments and items captured in pictures?

Toward Happily Ever After

You’re finally married to your special one. The walk away from the venue, and with your new spouse, marks the end of the festivities but the commencement of your new shared journey. The smiles on your faces during these moments will reflect your joy and anticipation. These will be moments of transition and transformation, of closure and a simultaneous beginning.

As you make a graceful exit with the cheers of your loved ones in the background, you’re stepping into a shared future and walking toward your happily ever after. These moments are deserving of immortalization in photographs.

Wrapping Up

This list of key shots can encapsulate and preserve the essence of your special day. They will form the backbone of your wedding album. Although these shots share the framework with other couples, it’s your love story that will breathe life into them.

Every smile and tear will add authenticity and depth to the photographs. A carefully created wedding album will allow you to visually share your love story with those who may have missed it or couldn’t attend and revisit all those memorable moments fondly.

Note that these must-have shots focus on the couple only. It might be a good idea to create a separate list of shots for capturing family and friends attending your wedding.