Weddings

22 unforgettable wedding photo ideas you’ll want to capture on your special day

North East wedding photographer Rachael Fraser shares her checklist of special moments for your wedding photo album.

Written by Rachael Nichol
Published 31.01.2023

advertisement feature

As they all say your wedding day will ‘go in a flash,’ but what keeps those precious memories alive forever are your wedding photos.

Once your special day has passed your wedding album is something that you’ll treasure and show the future generations of your family.

So, of course, it’s very important to get them right and for you to be portrayed as yourselves. There would be nothing worse than looking back on your wedding photos and cringing at how awkward or posed you both look.

Natural, timeless and exquisitely romantic is what every bride and groom dreams of for their wedding photos. And this is exactly the style that professional North East wedding photographer Rachael Fraser follows.

From the emotional getting ready moments to your first dance as husband and wife, Rachael Fraser is there capturing the most candid, romantic photos of your wedding day.

Bringing her creativity and flair, her expert eye, and an extra helping of chill vibes to make you feel at ease, Rachael Fraser will capture the highlights of your wedding day without you even noticing she’s there.

We caught up with this North East photographer for some inspirational wedding photo ideas to make sure you get your dream wedding photo album that captures the smallest romantic moments to the biggest life changing moments on your big day.

GETTING READY WEDDING PHOTO CHECKLIST

1. The special details

The details are important as there’s a lot of thought that has gone into them. Make sure you gather these special details when your photographer arrives to make sure nothing is missed.

2. Bride getting ready

Getting ready is such a fun part of the anticipation on a wedding day. Try to keep your room clean and tidy and choose somewhere with lots of natural light near a window.

3. Bridesmaids in robes

Make time for a fun moment of celebration with your bridesmaids by popping some champagne, especially if you have special matching pyjamas or robes.

4. The first look

The first look isn’t just important with the groom, a reveal with your dad or bridesmaids is also a really special moment.

5. Groom getting ready and buttonholes

As a bride, you miss what your other half’s morning is like. Make sure your photographer takes a photo of your groom getting ready, too – you’ll see how nervous he looks!

6. Groom with groomsmen

A photo of the groom with his chosen groomsmen before the ceremony is always a favourite and one that they will all treasure.

7. Bridal portraits

After being all glammed up and only getting to  wear the wedding dress of your dreams once, of course, you want to capture your finished bridal look before the ceremony. Aim to get ready 15-20 mins before leaving.

8. Bride with bridesmaids

One of the advantages of getting ready earlier is you can get some photos with your girls in their dresses and with your bouquets before you head to the ceremony.

WEDDING CEREMONY PHOTO CHECKLIST

9. Bride and wedding party entrance

This is the most important moment when the bride walks down the aisle. Some venues have specific rules about where your photographer can stand during the ceremony so it’s worth discussing prior.

10. The first kiss

Another key moment is when you are declared husband and wife and kiss each other for the first time as a married couple. Although it can be something people are nervous about don’t rush the first kiss if you want a photo of the moment!

11. Vows and ring exchange

You just have to focus on getting married and be in the moment and leave it to your photographer to capture the most important part of the day (and your life!)

12. Confetti

This is Rachael’s favourite photos of the day and you can have so much fun with this. The more confetti the better to make this photo really amazing, if you use larger petals or biodegradable tissue confetti the pieces will float in the air around you and look amazing in photos.

THE JUST MARRIED PHOTO CHECKLIST

13. All your guests

After the ceremony is usually the best time to get your formal photos. If you ask your wedding coordinator to announce a group photo this will run smoothly and for a spot where your photographer can capture everyone in the photo.

14. Family photos

Rachael says she will always ask for your family photos list ahead of the wedding as it would be a shame to forget something important. She recommends having a small list as you don’t want to limit your time with your guests.

15. Couple Portraits

This might be the only time on your wedding day when you are together just the two of you. Rachael tries to keep it relaxed and fun and capture photos of you together naturally.

16. Groom Portraits

As well as bridal portraits to capture all of the details of the bride looking her best, it’s nice to let the groom take centre stage for a few photos to capture them looking smart and suave.

THE WEDDING RECEPTION PHOTO CHECKLIST

17. Table and room details

The table set-ups at your reception venue are something you will have put a lot of thought into and Rachael loves capturing how people can make a space their own.

18. Speeches

A perfect time to capture all the emotions, tears and laughter of you and your guests while listening to the speeches.

19. Bouquet toss

This is always a fun part of a wedding. This is always easier if you have already let people know that it will be happening and maybe have your bridesmaids help gather everyone.

20. Golden hour portraits

Depending on the time of year and weather of your wedding having a golden hour portrait session is a must. The hour before sunset when the sun is low in the sky the light gets soft and golden and it creates magical photographs of you and your new partner.

21. First dance and dancing photos

Hit the dancefloor for the first time as a married couple before letting your guests join you for lots of laughs and great energy. Try and get your guests up dancing from the get-go while your photographer is still there to capture it.

22. Sparkler exit

Sparklers bring magic and energy to a wedding as well as bringing people together one more time towards the end of the wedding day. If you want to get the whole wedding involved you can set people up in lines while you walk through the middle.

To see more of Rachael’s gorgeous wedding photos and to find out more about her wedding photography packages, visit her website and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Other stories by Rachael Nichol
14.09.2023

Cheese wedding cakes are trending – here’s everything you need to know

Rachael Nichol
EB Bridal Alnwick choosing wedding dress
14.09.2023

Everything you need to know before wedding dress shopping

Rachael Nichol
14.09.2023

The Unique Tent Company shares the ultimate outdoor wedding inspiration

Rachael Nichol
14.09.2023

6 multi-award-winning countryside wedding venues near the Yorkshire Dales

Rachael Nichol
14.09.2023

Timeless, elegant and sea views – tying the knot at the Grand Hotel Tynemouth

Rachael Nichol
12.08.2023

Medieval architecture, grand gardens and romantic scenes: Inside the newest Northumberland wedding venue

Rachael Nichol