Wedding photos are one of the most important features of the day! With all the work you put into the event, you don’t ever want to forget it. The day goes by quick and small details can be overlooked. I believe a talented photographer is a key investment and crucial part of a wedding.

A skillful and experienced photographer will be able to catch every photo opportunity while also making you feel calm and comfortable. Tim, from TDM productions, does just that. He serves all of southern California and has a dramatic/vibrant photo style. While Tim captures all the special moments, he makes sure everyone has fun doing it! 

I teamed up with Tim and he let me know the must have photos! There are so many moving parts on a wedding day and it’s comforting to know your photographer will be capturing all those wanted shots and poses. Below is a list of photos you are going to want!

Getting Ready: While emotions are high, you want to make sure your photographer is capturing all the details: The invitation suit, hair and makeup shots, the dress, jewelry, shoes, bouquets, corsages, family shots, bridal party, wedding rings, bride and groom close ups

First Look: If you decide to do a first look, you will want some photos of this magical moment!

Ceremony: The ceremony is filled with details you will want to remember. Capture the love and these moments: The venue grounds, groom and groomsmen, the guests, the bride arriving, bride and bridesmaids, bridal party entrance, bride entrance, groom’s reaction, giving away of bride, vows, first kiss, the recessional, newlywed shot

Cocktail Hour: This is when the party gets started! It’s a great time to get photos of the guests and venue. Get photos of groups of friends (college friends, teammates) and guests eating, drinking and chatting.

Family Photos: While your guests enjoy cocktail hour, you will most likely be taking photos with your family. Be sure to get these photos: The couple with each set of parents, siblings, extended family

Wedding Party Photos: Your wedding party consists of your closest friends and family! Have fun capturing these moments: Couple with bridesmaids/groomsmen, the whole wedding party, bride with maid of honor, groom with best man, couple with any children in wedding party

Bride and Groom Photos: You know these photos will be hung up in the home for years to come, so make them count! Enjoy posing and making each other laugh. Candid photos are my favorite!

Reception: Before guests enter the reception area, have your photographer get some shots of the design, details and overall venue space. You took so much time into making this happen, you won’t want to forget it with these shots: The seating chart or escort cards, centerpieces, menus, guestbook, place setting, the cake, tables, flower arrangements and wedding favors

Grand Entrance: If you choose to do a grand entrance, let your personality shine! It’s a great opportunity to get some fun photos with your bridal party and new spouse.

First Dance: This is a huge photo opportunity! As you focus on your dance moves and loved one, the photographer will take care of the rest. Don’t worry about anyone else around you, truly enjoy this moment.. it’s one of the few calm moments of the day!

Father/Daughter Dance & Mother/Son Dance: This sweet tradition will want to be captured! Again, don’t worry about the people around you! Enjoy the time with your parents, take in the moment and let the photographer work their magic.

Toasts: Have your photographer be present for toasts. Have them get shots of the best man speech, maid of honor, parents and guests reactions.

Bouquet/Garter Toss: If you include any fun traditions, make sure your photographer gets some shots! It’s another opportunity to show some personality with your guests.

Cake Cutting & Eating: Whether you choose to get messy or not… you will want this memorable moment for years to come!

The Send Off: No matter how you choose to do your send off, you will want to capture the perfect ending to a perfect day.