Moments You Don't Want to Miss: Top 5 Shots for Wedding Photographers

1. The Dress. How you photograph the dress is up to you, and chances are pretty good you'll be getting more than just one shot at it. The most important thing, however, is that you create an image that truly showcases this symbol of marriage. A bride imagines this dress her whole life, and often goes to great lengths to find the one that matches the one in her dreams. Your winning image might simply be the dress hanging in the hotel room. Even with no one in the frame, the magic of this image can carry the emotion of the day. It might be the moment the bride gets into her dress. No matter the angle you choose, your bride should be able to look back at your photograph and remember what it looked like, and how it felt to wear it.
2. The Venue: The location a couple chooses for their wedding celebration speaks volumes about their sense of style and their desire to share their special day with those close to them. Great thought is put into the flowers, the catering and all the little details that add to the magic of the day. With so much going on during their wedding, many couples don't have the chance to see the ceremony site or reception site minus all the guests. Your role as the photographer is to document the beauty of the venue so the bride and groom can continue to appreciate all the care that went into setting the scene for the most important day of their lives.
3. The Groom: Do your best to document the groom getting ready with his groomsmen. The same goes for capturing the groom's expression as his bride first appears at the other end of the aisle. Guys may not dream of the tux they're going to wear on their wedding day, but the joy in a man's face on his wedding day is truly priceless.
4.The Kiss: It can sneak up on you, and it only happens once! The great wedding photographers of our day have documented the first kiss in many creative ways. The most important thing is simple. Don't miss it!
5. The First Dance: After the declaration of marriage at the altar, this is the second moment when all eyes are on the bride and groom. Make sure you're there to photograph it from several angles. Capture the look in their eyes. Show the incredible backdrop of the reception and the crowd of captivated wedding guests.