Your wedding day is one of the most epic, love-filled, and joyous celebrations of your life! And what better way to relive all the magic than through stunning wedding photos? To help you capture every beautiful, silly, emotional, and unforgettable moment, we’ve put together the ultimate wedding photography checklist. Think of it as a guide, not a rulebook—because at the end of the day, it’s YOUR love story, and your wedding photos should be whatever you want them to be!

Getting Ready Shots

• The dress, the shoes, the sparkle—oh my! (Aka, your wedding outfit and accessories)
• Candid shots of the bridal party hyping you up
• The groom adjusting his tie, cufflinks, or rocking his socks
• The wedding rings in all their shiny glory
• Sweet moments with parents, siblings, or best friends

First Look & Pre-Ceremony Moments

• The first look (if you’re doing one)—cue the happy tears!
• Bride making a grand entrance down the stairs or into the venue
• The groom’s priceless reaction when he sees the love of his life
• Wedding party portraits (because your crew deserves some love, too)
• Laughs, hugs, and emotional moments with family

Ceremony Highlights

• Venue looking all dressed up before guests arrive
• The excitement as guests start to mingle
• Bride walking down the aisle—ALL the feels!
• That first glance between the couple (seriously, it’s a moment to remember)
• Vows, rings, and the grand I DO!
• The first kiss (because obviously!)
• Walking back down the aisle as newlyweds—pure happiness! Seal it with a dip or kiss in the middle of the aisle! 

Family & Group Portraits

• Bride and groom with their nearest and dearest
• The entire wedding party looking fabulous
• Generational family shots with parents and grandparents
• Fun, candid guest moments (because spontaneous laughter is the best!)

Reception & Celebration

• The jaw-dropping venue décor and table settings
• That epic newlywed entrance (make it count!)
• The first dance—romantic or totally goofy, it’s your call
• Toasts and speeches (tears, laughs, and everything in between)
• Cake cutting (bonus points for cake-smashing fun)
• Dance floor shenanigans—because no wedding is complete without them

Romantic Couple Portraits

• Dreamy golden hour or sunset shots
• Sweet, intimate moments between just the two of you
• Epic wide-angle shots capturing you and your breathtaking venue
• Anything unique that screams YOU as a couple!

Final Moments & Send-Off

• Guests waving sparklers, throwing petals, or lighting up the night
• The big getaway—classic car, vintage bike, or running into the night!
• One last magical kiss to seal the day

Rachel Ily Photography

At the end of the day, your wedding is YOURS! This checklist is just a fun guide to help you think about moments you might want to capture, but if you want to skip some, add your own, or go totally off-script—that’s 100% okay! What matters most is that your photos reflect your love, your personalities, and the once-in-a-lifetime magic of your big day. We would love to document your special day! Contact us here!

Wedding Vendors:

Venue : The Press Room | Floral: Lisa Foster Designs | Cake: All Mixed Up Cakes | Wedding Dress: Vow’d | Catering: Spaces in the City | Signage: Scruffy City Lettering | DJ: DJ Squared Entertainment | Hair & Make Up: Tori Stewart Jackson | Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie | Groom & Groomsmen Wear: Men’s Warehouse | Photography: Rachel Ily Photo | Second Photographer: Jake Hicks