Being an amateur photography enthusiast, I can say—with a little bit of shame mixed in with some self-loathing—that I want to clone myself so that I can stand next to the photographer at my wedding. I would point out, "Oh look, there!" and "Quick, quick, quick; they're having a moment!"
Don’t judge. You know you kinda wish you could, too.
So when I read on various wedding blogs that this magical must-take photo list actually existed (and it was not at all considered to be obnoxious), I was ecstatic, to say the least. Read on for the wedding photo ideas I'm dying to steal!
Photo courtesy of Joey Allen
1. My dress hanging on its own
This baby cost me two months worth of work, so needless to say, she better be getting quite a bit of attention in front of the lens.
Photo courtesy of Joey Allen
2. Our rings
This snapshot is probably the most cliché, but I do think that out of the entire wedding process, the rings don’t get paid as much attention as they should. They will bind us as husband and wife from that day forward.
Photo courtesy of Timecut Photo
3. My man looking nervous
Who doesn't love a picture of the groom, pre-ceremony, looking pensive about life and nervous as a little chicken? It makes my heart flutter to think of Luke’s face a few minutes before I’m about to head down the aisle.
Photo courtesy of Joey Allen
4. “Getting ready” shots
The opportunities are endless, here: Shots of me putting my gorgeous accessories on, mirror shots of us girls delicately applying mascara, "getting ready" shots that ooze that precious nervous-happy feeling. I've coined this term myself, and I can't wait to put it in practice three weeks from now, on my wedding day!
Photo courtesy of We Do Photography
5. The Big Kiss
What would wedding photos be without The Kiss? I sometimes wonder what our kiss will be like; we’re not going to practice (yes, some couples do that) or talk about it because we really want the emotion to come through spontaneously.
Photo courtesy of Kurt Boomer
6. Soles Only
What with my red shoes and the boys wearing red socks, it would be crazy if we didn’t have a “just feet” shot. My mother finds it hard to understand, but really, read enough wedding blogs and websites, and you’ll get my drift!
Photo courtesy of Gabrielle Touchette
7. Headshots
Since we are only having 20 people at our wedding, I want headshots of everyone present. I think it’s super cute and will be awesome to show our kids (way down the road) all of the guests who turned up to Viva Las Vegas for Mom and Dad’s wedding!
Photo courtesy of Hoffer Photography
8. Silhouette of our first dance
Why silhouette, I don’t really know. I saw it once, ages ago, and it stuck in my head forever. Something about it felt so serene. Maybe it was because in the silhouette you couldn’t see anyone but the bride and groom’s shadows, and that made it very intimate.
Photo courtesy of Rabbat Photography
9. Dance with my Daddy
I'm a big daddy’s girl and I know I will cry…he’s also probably going to shed some tears. This is why I love him—he always taught me that showing emotion doesn't make you weak. I know that without a doubt, somewhere in the three minutes that we’ll be dancing, there will be a photo I will treasure for the rest of my life.
Photo courtesy of Joey Allen
10. Luke and I, married — finally!
As this list went out of control (like most of my lists do), I came across the most beautiful photo of a married couple, just looking into each other's eyes. Married; nothing more. It seemed to hit home that this is what the entire day is really about.
Full disclosure: You didn’t really think I’d only have 10 photos, did you?
Alright, alright. One last one for good measure!
Photo courtesy of Todd Pellowe
***11. Cutesy shots.
I just adore these shots of the couple looking like two grade-school kids heading off on a big adventure. Don't you?
Theresa Asks: What photos did I leave out? Leave a comment and help me add to my list!
—Theresa Misso
Theresa Misso is a real bride who originally hails from Singapore, but is currently living in Australia. This vintage-loving college student is getting married in Las Vegas (nearly 9530.99 miles away!) in an intimate, 30-person ceremony. Expect pops of color and lots of clean lines in her untraditional November 2011 wedding to fiancé Luke William Anthony.
