Top 50 Must-Have Images for Your Album

I am a wedding photographer at the AA Barn, Western Riviera, Devil's Thumb Ranch, Grand Lake Lodge, Point Park, Wildhorse Inn, Winter Park, Snow Mountain Ranch and several other places within Grand County (Grand Lake, Winter Park, Granby & Fraser)... I am completely infatuated with being a wedding photographer and for the past 6 (professional) years have learned a few things on the way and want to pass them on...

The Wedding's Over... Now What??
I get asked on almost all of my weddings... 'What images do we choose for the album?', 'I'm stuck on choosing images, can you help?', 'I'm completely lost and don't know where to start!'

Don't worry! It's not as difficult as the absolutely amazing wedding you just planned :)

First, in my photography business, I believe that the bride should be able to choose every single image that goes in to their album - it was their wedding so they get to choose all of them! Now don't see this as a daunting task - especially with the cheat sheet I'm about to give you :) Second, even if you don't know what to choose, a good start is pick the images that mean the most to you & your family. I can always fill in the blanks with images that I think will tell the story of that most magical day!

Here's the list of Top 50 Must Have Images for Your Album...

Page 1/2 - Getting Ready
1. Dress Hanging and/or the Shoes!
2. The Rings
3. Flowers, Flowers, Flowers!!
4. The Bride Putting the Dress On (PG Version please!)
5. The Groom's Boutennierre
6. The Groom Putting his Jacket On

Page 3/4 - The Ceremony Pt 1
7. Wide Shot of the (Stunning) Ceremony Site
8. Details & More Details of the Ceremony Site
9. The Groom Walking (or Skipping!) to the Alter/Standing at the Alter
10. Bride & Father Walking to the Alter
11. The Father Giving Away the Bride (Cue the Tears!)
12. The Bride & Groom Holding Hands

Pages 5/6 - The Ceremony Pt 2
13. Wide Shot of the Ceremony Site with Guests Seated, Bride & Groom Looking at Officiant
14. Side Shot of the Bride
15. Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Watching
16. Parents Watching
17. The Kiss!!!
18. The New Mr. & Mrs.
19. The Recessional of the Bride & Groom (Jumping? Maybe?)
20. Guests/Family Hugging & Smiling & Mingling with the New Mr. & Mrs.

Pages 7/8 - The Not-So-Formal, Formal's
21.  Mr. & Mrs. with the Groom's Family
22. Mr. & Mrs. with the Brides' Family
23. Mr. & Mrs. with all Family & Bridal Party
24. Groom with the Ring Bearer
25. Bride with the Flower Girl
26. Mr. & Mrs. with the Bridal Party (A Fun Shot if you Will???)

Pages 9/10 - The Husband & Wife Duo
27. Candids (It's a Specialty!)
28. Close Up of the Fantastic Duo
29. A Little Kiss? Why, Yes!
30. A Wonderfully Artistic Wide Shot? Done.

Pages 11/12 - The Pre Party
31. The Delicious Appetizers
32. The Tastey Specialty Drinks
33. Your Guests Enjoying the Heck Outta Themselves!
34. The Wonderfully Grand Entrance
35. Wide Shot of the Amazing Venue that You'd Spent So Long Dreaming About...
36. Parents Speech Letting you Know How Proud they are of You
37. Best Man & Maid of Honor Speech letting you know how Awesome you are!

Pages 13/14 - The Party Pt 1
38. A Gorgeously Wide Shot of the First Time You Dance as Husband/Wife
39. A Close Up of the Smiles & Tears whilst Dancing
40. One Fun Twisty/Twirly Shot of your Amazing Dance Skills
41. Father & Daughter Dance
42. Mother & Son Dance

Pages 15/16 - The Party Pt 2
43. The Hubby & Friends (Candid, of course!)
44. The Wifey & Friends (Yes, candid.)
45. Getting Ready to... cut the cake!
46. Cutting the Cake.
47. Smashing the Cake in the Groom's Face? OMG, Yes Please!
48. A Very Informal, last minute photo to remember the Bride & Groom in their Normal Fashion
49. Guests Dancing
50. More Guests Dancing (Hopefully not too plastered at this point!)


Now, of course, you might not have hired me for the entire 8 hour day to capture everything on this list - but no worries - you can always fill it in with more candids & more laughing :) Those are the best photos anyways!

And just a reminder, this is NOT a 'Photo List', this is a list to help you decide what photos to select for your album. This list came straight from the ol' noggin', so no list necessary when hiring me for the big day (Well maybe the list of Uncle Bob & Aunt Jo, The Cousins, The Aunts & Uncles, etc), but defintely not to capture the already-happening, happenings.

Hope the list is helpful, and please & always remember... I'm only a phone call/email away if you still need help - that's what I'm here for!!


Rachel Terry, Photographer in Colorado ;)
Stellar Photography

Errin & Colin : Wild Horse Inn

Errin & Colin got married on March 8th at Wild Horse Inn in Tabernash, Colorado. They, too, had an intimate ceremony & reception at this all-in-one beautiful location! The details, the smiles, and the amazing weather made for an exceptional day! Congrats!

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Rachel Terry, Wedding Photographer at Wild Horse Inn in Tabernash, Colorado

Christy & Jason : Western Riviera Events Center

Christy & Jason tied the knot in Grand Lake on August 13th at the beautiful Point Park. The reception was held at Western Riviera Events Center. Amazing food & floral design for the bouquets & centerpieces... This intimate group was one of a kind!

 

 

Rachel Terry, Wedding Photographer at Point Park & Western Riviera Events Center in Grand Lake, Colorado