lisa smith photography

Tips to help you tell the full story of your wedding day

One of the most exciting parts of the wedding photography process comes after the wedding day: designing your album! I know it can feel overwhelming to narrow down hundreds images into just one curated collection, but this part is truly about reliving your day, piece by piece, and creating something you’ll treasure for decades.

When it’s time to select your album photos, my biggest tip is this: think about the story.

Yes, it’s very tempting to pick only the most perfectly posed portraits of the two of you, your wedding party, and family. And of course, we’ll include plenty of those. But your album should do more than just show who was there. It should bring back how it felt to be there.

Start with the flow of the day

The best albums read like a visual narrative. Begin by selecting a handful of images from each part of your wedding day:

• Getting ready: the quiet, emotional moments, special items, and candid laughs
• Details: flat lays, rings, florals, signage, and anything you carefully picked out
• First look (if you had one): emotional reactions, anticipation, and connection
• Ceremony: wide shots, close-ups, vows, and that first kiss
• Cocktail hour: candids of guests, drinks, and little interactions you may have missed
• Reception: speeches, dinner, dancing, and the overall vibe
• Sunset portraits or evening shots: a dreamy close to the story

Aim for around 40 images that give you a full view of your day, almost like chapters in a book.

Then fill it in with your favorites

Once the core of the story is there, go back and fill in with the moments that feel the most you. For many couples, this includes:

• Romantic portraits
• Emotional moments with parents or loved ones
• Laugh-out-loud reception moments
• Candid interactions with guests
• Dance floor energy

These are the pages that will spark memories every time you flip through your album. The way your partner looked at you during the vows. The way your dad smiled during your first dance. The hugs, the clinking glasses, the joy.

I’ll let you in on something personal. I didn’t order an album from my own wedding because I was trying to save money. I figured I’d design one myself later using a cheaper service. That was over 12 years ago… and I still haven’t made it. Our photos are sitting on a hard drive, and we rarely look at them.

That’s why I want to help my couples create beautiful albums now, while the memories are still fresh and the excitement is still real. You deserve to have a beautiful, lasting reminder of your day. Photos that don’t live in folders on a computer, but right there on your coffee table to flip through anytime you want.

Choosing your wedding album photos shouldn’t be stressful. It should be joyful. It’s one last chance to walk through the day, relive it, and wrap it up into something you’ll treasure forever.

Still looking for a wedding photographer? I’d love to chat with you about your day and share more about my wedding photography packages.

Your wedding day is filled with unforgettable moments, from the excitement of getting ready to the joy of the dance floor. With so much happening, having a well-thought-out wedding day shot list ensures that every important detail is beautifully captured. While an experienced photographer will know what to look for, communicating your must-have moments helps make sure nothing is missed. Here’s a guide to your must-have wedding photos.

Getting Ready Shots

The pre-ceremony moments are filled with anticipation and excitement. Key photos to include in your wedding day shot list:

• Details! The wedding dress, suit, shoes, and accessories.
• Bride and groom getting ready, including final touches.
• Candid moments with bridesmaids and groomsmen.
• Parents’ reactions as they see the bride or groom.
• A quiet, reflective moment before the ceremony.

The First Look (If You Choose to Have One)

A first look can be an incredibly emotional moment. If you’re planning one, consider capturing:

• The groom’s reaction as he sees the bride.
• A private moment for just the two of you before the ceremony.
• A first look with parents or the bridal party.

Ceremony Must-Haves

The ceremony is the heart of your wedding day. Be sure to include:

• The venue and décor before guests arrive.
• The processional: wedding party walking down the aisle.
• The bride’s grand entrance.
• Reactions from the groom, family, and guests.
• Exchange of vows and rings.
• The first kiss as a married couple.
• The recessional as you walk back down the aisle together.

For expert tips on making your ceremony photos even more stunning, check out 5 Secrets to a Picture-Perfect Wedding Ceremony!

Post-Ceremony Portraits

Once the ceremony is over, it’s time for formal portraits. This part of your wedding day shot list should include:

• Newlywed portraits.
• Full wedding party shots.
• Immediate family portraits (parents, siblings, grandparents).
• Extended family and special group shots.
• Candid moments between you and your partner.

Reception Moments to Capture

The reception is where the celebration truly begins! Be sure to capture:

• Venue and table details before guests arrive.
• The grand entrance of the newlyweds.
• First dance, parent dances, and special performances.
• Candid guest reactions and interactions.
• Toasts and speeches.
• Cake cutting and dessert moments.
• Dance party!
• A memorable send-off, like a sparkler exit or champagne spray.

Want to make your grand exit unforgettable? Check out 5 Tips for a Sparkler Send-Off + Fun Alternatives!

Special or Personalized Shots

Every wedding is unique, and your wedding day shot list should reflect that. Consider adding:

• A golden hour or sunset session for glowing, romantic portraits.
• Cultural or religious traditions unique to your celebration.
• Private last dance for just the two of you.
• Any surprise moments planned for the day.

Your wedding day will fly by, but your photos will last forever. Working with a photographer who understands your vision and captures every key moment is essential. By creating a thoughtful wedding day shot list, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your most cherished memories are preserved.

Looking for a photographer who will capture every detail beautifully? Let’s connect and make sure your wedding day is documented just the way you envision!

Planning the perfect proposal is exciting, nerve-wracking, and filled with details—but one thing you won’t want to overlook is hiring a proposal photographer. This once-in-a-lifetime moment deserves to be captured in a way that lets you relive every emotion, from the surprise on your partner’s face to the joy that follows. But how do you find the right photographer to document this special occasion? Here are five tips to help you choose the perfect proposal photographer for your big moment.

1. Look for Experience with Surprise Proposals

Proposals are unlike any other type of photography session. They require stealth, quick reactions, and an understanding of how to capture the moment naturally. When researching photographers, check if they have experience with proposal photography. A seasoned photographer will know how to stay hidden when necessary, anticipate the right angles, and adjust for different lighting and locations—all without interrupting the moment.

3. Consider Their Knowledge of the Location

If you’re proposing in a specific spot—whether it’s mountain views, a city park, or a meaningful location for you both—your proposal photographer should be familiar with it. Photographers who know the area can suggest the best angles, help with timing based on lighting conditions, and even recommend the perfect hiding spots to stay unnoticed until the big moment.

4. Ask About Their Approach to Capturing the Moment

Some photographers take a documentary-style approach, staying completely out of sight and letting everything unfold naturally. Others may give you some guidance, like where to stand for the best lighting. Talk to your proposal photographer about their approach and what will make you and your partner feel most comfortable.

5. Make Sure They Offer a Plan for What Happens Next

After the big “YES,” you’ll want to celebrate! A great proposal photographer will capture not only the moment itself but also the immediate excitement afterward. Some offer short engagement sessions following the proposal, while others help coordinate a second session later. Ask about what’s included and when you can expect your final images.

Ready to Book Your Proposal Photographer?

Your proposal is a moment you’ll never forget, and having the right photographer ensures you’ll have beautiful images to cherish forever. If you’re planning to pop the question and want a proposal photographer who will capture every emotion, I’d love to help! Reach out, and let’s make your vision a reality.