As a professional Pennsylvania wedding photographer, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to witness and capture some of the most magical moments of a couple’s big day. 

While each wedding is unique and special, and no gallery will look the same, there are some must have wedding photos that you shouldn’t miss! Those timeless photos will be telling your story for years and years to come!

So in this blog, you’ll see my must have wedding photo list and I hope this gets you giddy for your own wedding day!

Must Have Wedding Photos

• Getting ready photos
• First look photos
• Ceremony & the kiss
• Wedding photos with family
• Group shots
• Newlywed portraits
• The reception
• The detail shots

Getting Ready Photos

All the anticipation, excitement and emotions leading up to the wedding ceremony are moments you’ll want to remember forever. 

Even if you are eloping just the two of you, you can still have intimate getting ready photos! Whether you are getting ready separately or maybe helping each other get dressed, they can still be SO special!

And if you have a wedding party, let’s capture those candid moments of laughter, nerves and sharing toasts together! Those are the memories that will last a lifetime!

The First Look

The first look might be one of my favorite parts to capture during the wedding day! 

It’s such an emotional and unforgettable moment, as the two of you see each oher for the first time on your wedding day. This intimate moment can be captured in a series of photos, showing all the emotions – the tears of joy, surprise, love and all the kisses!

I recommend taking your wedding rings to the first look, so you get some close up photos of exchanging them with each other!

Also, the first look is not limited to you and your future spouse! You can do a first look with your parents and your wedding party too, if you are not getting ready together.

Those special first look moments definitely don’t leave a dry eye in the room!

Ceremony & The Kiss

Whether you are doing an intimate vow exchange just the two of you or exchanging vows in front of all the people who love you, you definitely want to have it captured!

As a wedding photographer, I’m there to capture all the candid and important moments. The tears of joy of your loved ones, the smiles you exchange with each other, and THE KISS!

The first kiss is definitely a must have wedding photo! And to make it really great, communicate to your celebrant to take a few steps to the side as they announce the kiss. That way your celebrant won’t be photobombing!

Must Have Wedding Photos With Family

Weddings are a time to bring your families and friends together to celebrate love. Make sure to capture group shots with both sides of the family, as well as individual shots with parents, siblings, and grandparents.

Group Shots

Take some fun photos with your wedding party and wedding guests! Your photographer will help with fun and creative pose ideas to make some memorable must have wedding photos!

The Newlywed Portraits

Another must have wedding photos to add to your list are the newlywed portraits!

Although, you will be the stars of most of your wedding day photos, I definitely recommend allocating time in your wedding day timeline to go off and take candid and intimate photos just the two of you (and the photographer, of course!).

Not only will the photos make for beautiful memories, but it will also allow you to celebrate with each other and take in the day a little bit, without getting distracted by all the other wedding day shenanigans.

The Reception

The reception is where the celebration truly begins. I definitely recommend hiring your photographer for the full day, so that they can capture the toasts, the cutting of the cake, the first dance and the party!

There is nothing better than having photos of your best friends shaking their booties to the oldies but goodies 2000s playlist! It will be so sweet to look back at all those moment and be reminded of the happiness shared by your loved ones on your special day!

The Wedding Details

And last but not least on my must have wedding photo list are the wedding detail shots! It’s all those little moments and small details that make your day unique and special to you. 

From the details of the wedding dress and your grandpa’s handkerchief to the personalized wedding favors, these details tell the story of your love and all the effort you put into your wedding day.

Katarina Celine Photography | PA Wedding Photographer

Your wedding day will pass by so quickly in a blur of laughter, tears and unforgettable moments. By ensuring that your wedding photographer captures the moments in the must-have wedding photo list, you can relive the magic of your wedding day for years to come.

As a Pennsylvania wedding photographer, I help my couples preserve these precious memories! And if you are still looking for your photographer, I’d LOVE to help you too! You can get in touch with me here!