Photography

The wedding is over - the flowers have withered away the bridal gown has beencleaned and packed away. What is left? Memories! And these memories are preserved in your wedding photographs. A picture is the tangible evidence of your most joyous day, and the picture has the power of evoking memories. As the years pass the wedding photographs assume a larger and larger importance, not only to evoke memories, but because they become of interest to the children and grand-children. Your wedding photographs are an integral part of the wedding ceremony, and should be planned in consultation with your photographer.

Choosing your photographer is one of your most important decisions. A good professional photographer can be booked a year or more in advance, and for this reason it is suggested that you locate your photographer early. While it is true that there are good amateur or semi-professional photographers in existence capable of producing acceptable work, it is strongly suggested that you do engage the services of a full time professional photographer. There is nothing more disappointing than having the photographs of your most precious day turn out to be less than acceptable.

Advise your photographer on the budget amount available for all photography requirements (which will normally include proofs, custom prints, albums, enlargements, duplicates and accessories). Your photographer can then advise you on the wedding package most appropriate to your needs.

Photographs which may be taken in your house of worship, and during the ceremony, vary from clergyman to clergyman. To avoid embarassment, rules relating to the taking of these photographs should be determined beforehand, and your photographer so advised.

Immediately after the ceremony and preceding the reception is normally the time for the taking of many major photographs. The time allotted will depend on the number of photographs to be taken. The key thing to remember is, should the session last any length of time, do not leave guests waiting in uncomfortable quarters. Discuss with your photographer the necessary length of time required between the end of the ceremony and the beginning of the reception, prior to finalizing reception arrangements and invitation particulars.

The wedding day is usually a hectic day but, here, when being photographed, do remember to do your best to relax. It takes time to pose properly. Follow the directions of your photographer, for these photographs may last for lifetimes. One of the loveliest gifts bestowed on the attendants and families is an album of candid photographs expertly prepared.

Many couples have their wedding day memories preserved by video taping. The same guidelines used to choose your photographer should apply to the person selected for this important assignment. Again, we recommend the engagement of an experienced professional in this specialized field.

Photography Checklist

Your wedding memories are going to last a lifetime with proper attention to photographic details. Capturing on film special groupings, events and guests requires careful thought and planning. The number of photos requested will determine costs. Many photographers offer package plans or will tailor one to suit your budget. Allow the following list to guide your individual photography needs:

Photographer
Phone
Budgeted Cost
Actual Cost
Formal Portraits Date
Appointment

Following is a list of possible photographs to consider.

Bride dressing for ceremony
Bride, full-length solo
Bride with parents
Bride with mother/father separately
Bride with grandparents
Bride with sisters/brothers
Bride with maid of honor
Bride with attendants
Bride with ring bearer, flower girl
Garter being put on
Groom, full-length solo
Groom with parents
Groom with mother/father separately
Groom with grandparents
Groom with sisters/brothers
Groom with best man
Groom with groomsmen
Groom, bride's parents being seated for ceremony
Bridesmaids walking down aisle
Flower girl, ring bearer walking down aisle
Bride and father approaching altar or canopy
Bride's father giving her hand to groom
Exchanging of vows
Ring ceremony
Recessional
Formal bride and groom together
Newlyweds and parents
Newlyweds and entire bridal party
Close-ups of bride's and groom's hands clasped together
Receiving line - guests and bridal party
Cake table
Bride and groom cutting/ feeding each other cake
Best man toasting newlyweds
Newlyweds toasting each other
Cake and punch servers
Musicians
Newlyweds' first dance
Guests dancing
Bride tossing bouquet
Groom removing garter
Groom tossing garter
Guests throwing rice
Newlyweds getting into limousine or car
Post-reception party
Bride's mother assisting her into going-away costume
Bride or groom alone with new stepchildren