Your wedding photos are the main momento of your day so no doubt you won’t want to miss a trick. But don’t worry… experienced wedding photographers such as ourselves will go through a list of shots with couples to ensure all angles are covered. And at Donal Doherty Photography, we looooove the opportunity to get creative, so if there’s something else that you’re after, hit us with it. We relish the opportunity to do something different!

So that you know what to expect when it comes to wedding photography, check out our list of 10 essential wedding day photos.

1. Prep photos

Amongst the chaos of getting ready with the girls (or guys), the excitement for the day ahead builds, making it a fab time to capture some fun shots as you get ready. What we’re taking about here is hair and make-up prep, the bridesmaid dress reveal, the bride’s dress being zipped up and photos with a teary mum and dad. The morning prep also offers a wealth of detail shot opportunities including close up of the dress detailing, Champagne filled flutes, your wedding day bling and those killer heels.

2. Newlywed bliss

As your wedding day is all about you and your other half (in case you didn’t know), your photographer should set aside some time to steal you both away for some blissful photos together. These couple photos will most likely be the focal point of your wedding album so you’ll want plenty of options. If your photographer knows your venue, they’ll have tonnes of beautiful backdrops in mind.

3. Get your group on

Group photos come in two segments: family photos and wedding party photos. Both sets of group photos are pretty standard but what you need to think about is the combination that you want. Do you want photos with just your siblings? What about your parents? Or photos with your leading ladies? It’s great to decide these prior to the big day to ensure flawless coordination and time efficiency, affording you more time with your guests.

4. Cutting the cake

A popular photo op with guests, the cake cutting is one of the focal points of your reception and a welcome addition to any album.

5. Strutting moves

Some photographers offer packages in which photos finish before the first dance, but this is one shot we definitely recommend having. As one of the most significant moments of the day, and with the lights down low, this shot is effortlessly romantic.

6. Your gorgeous guests

Reactions of your guests captured without their knowledge make for gorgeous, natural shots and your photographer can work away unobtrusively to get these.

7. Delightful decor

No doubt careful planning and consideration has gone into every detail of your day, including those finishing touches, so make sure they’re caught on camera. Table decor, place settings, fabulous flowers and pretty props make for must-have photos.

8. The little ones

They say don’t work with pets and children but we’ve no problem photographing these welcome additions to your wedding. Make sure you let your photographer know if you’d like any shots taken, especially if they are involved in the wedding.

9. Let’s have some fun

Quirky, off-the-wall shots make for welcome additions to any wedding album, particularly if you wish to reflect your fun side as a couple together. Whether that’s jumping in the air or the groomsmen playing up to their sense of humour, fill your photographer in on your ideas as some of these types of shots require a little planning.

10. Photo booth behaviour

With more and more couples searching for something that little bit different for their wedding reception, we’ve filled that requirement with our brand new Roxbury photo booth, to tremendous response. You can get all the details on why it’s a welcome addition to any wedding here.