6 Photos Every Couple Should Have In Their Wedding Album

 

You’ve looked at hundreds of photos for inspiration on venues, fashion, beauty, décor, and flowers to create the wedding of your dreams. The big day finally arrives, and everyone agrees, from start to finish, your wedding was more breathtaking than anything they had ever seen on Pinterest or Instagram. Now imagine after putting in all that time, effort, and money, the photos come back and none of your favorite moments or details are anywhere to be seen. Heartbreaking to say the least.

 

 

We’ve had the pleasure of working with NYC wedding photographer Susan Shek on many unforgettable occasions over the years. She understands that her couples want to look through their wedding photos a decade later and be able to relive the magic and love they felt on that day. Her images tell a dynamic story that plays out with beauty, personality, humor, and sincerity. For example, before James proposed to Bride & Blossom Featured Bride Claire (shown above), he talked about how they would arrive to their wedding in a vintage taxi. Susan included the escort car in many of Claire and James’ photos to express the couple’s fun side while underscoring their 1920s themed affair at Capitale. Here, Susan highlights the six photos every couple should have in their wedding album.

A Group Shot of Your Wedding Party Having Fun

You chose the members of your wedding party for a reason. They are the people you want at your side on one of the most important days of your life – a bond built on your best memories and experiences together led to this point. In addition to the formal couple and group portraits, be sure to get a few fun and genuine shots that capture just what makes this gathering of your best friends and family so special.­

 

 

 

The First Dance

The moment newlyweds take to the dance floor is like no other. I’ve seen couples who put on a show with choreographed dips and lifts along with couples who almost seem to be lost in embrace. Either way, the first dance is a singular moment that you’ll want to look back at together for years to come.

 

 

Ceremony Atmosphere & Décor

From the archway and chuppah to aisle candles to the programs, you put countless hours and work into creating your dream ceremony. My couples always appreciate photos of the décor details and accents. Looked at together, they become the exquisite pieces that tell your wedding story.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bridal Bouquet

Your bridal bouquet is such an intimate and personal component of your big day. You chose to carry these flowers down the aisle because their beauty and allure resonated deeply. Ask your photographer to include photos that highlight the flowers’ unique texture, colors, and form.

 

 

 

 

Reception Atmosphere & Décor

The reception will be the longest part of your wedding. The venue space and how you choose to decorate it sets the mood for the evening. Before the celebrations begin, I take photos of the reception atmosphere along with the centerpieces and any other décor details that the couple has incorporated to make the space pop!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Champagne Toast

Warning – many glasses will be raised in your honor throughout the night so be prepared. Depending on how deep into the party it is, some will heartfelt while others will be humorous and even slightly embarrassing! Ask your photographer to capture a fun champagne toast that memorializes the once-in-a-lifetime joy and excitement that is only felt after two people in love are married.

 

 

 

A big thank you to Susan for sharing her insight and advice with us! To see more of Susan’s work visit susanshek.com and follow along at @susanshekphotography As you can see, weddings are filled with fleeting vignettes of memories you’ll keep close to your heart for the rest of your life. By keeping an open dialogue with your photographer, many of these memories can be cherished forever in a photograph. Additionally, a little planning allows to you to be fully present in the moment rather than worrying about how the day is being documented.