My top 10 must-have wedding day photos (and how to catch them naturally)
Discover 10 less obvious wedding photos that capture the real emotion and intimacy of your big day, plus tips to help them unfold naturally.
Your wedding day will be filled with magical moments—some big and obvious, like the first kiss or the first dance, and others smaller, quieter, and just as meaningful. While every wedding gallery includes the classic must-haves, it’s the less-expected shots that often carry the most emotion and tell the full story of your day. These are the photos that transport you back to the specific moments of your day, letting you relive the joy, nerves, and excitement over and over again.
Here are 10 of my favourite must-have wedding day photos and how I work to capture them as they happen naturally.
1. Bride taking a quiet moment to breathe
Before or after stepping into her dress, there’s often a quiet moment where the bride pauses to take a deep breath. It might happen while gazing out the window, holding her dress, or sitting for just a second to soak it all in. These still, emotional moments contrast beautifully with the fast-paced energy of the day and showcase the bride’s anticipation.
How to catch it: I’ll step back and let this moment happen organically, keeping a watchful eye for those serene expressions and subtle movements. The key is to stay unobtrusive, allowing the bride to fully be in her own headspace without feeling watched.
2. Bride (and groom) under the veil
There’s a reason veil shots are so timeless—they create an ethereal, romantic vibe unlike any other. A bride alone under the veil feels soft and intimate, while adding the groom for a stolen kiss adds a layer of playfulness and deep emotion. These photos often end up being a couple’s favourites because they feel so tender and unique.
How to catch it: We’ll take just a few minutes to play with the veil—guiding it gently over the bride’s face or draping it around the couple. I’ll use soft, directional light to create a dreamy glow, letting the fabric and emotions take center stage.
3. Maid of honour’s loving touches
While most people think of wedding day intimacy as something shared solely between the couple, it’s often just as special to see those tender moments unfold between the bride and her closest friends or family. Whether it’s your maid of honour helping to smooth your dress, perfect your lipstick, or adjust your veil, these small, supportive gestures carry so much love. They reflect the bond you share and the important role your loved ones play in your wedding day.
How to catch it: These moments usually happen naturally as everyone gets ready, but I always make sure to keep my eyes on the small interactions that bring out the heart of the day. If there’s a particular friend or family member you know will be helping with these personal touches, let them know ahead of time to take their time—it’ll allow me to document these moments more fully.
4. Quiet time right before the ceremony
The minutes leading up to the ceremony are filled with raw and obvious emotion—nerves, excitement, and anticipation all rolled into one. Whether it’s a quiet moment for the bride to pause alone or share with her partner or loved one, these shots are always some of the most emotionally-charged from the day.
How to catch it: I’ll keep my distance and photograph these moments as they unfold. It’s important that these minutes leading up to the ceremony remain private and uninterrupted by photographs. This approach makes the moment feel more authentic, giving the couple space to breathe and allowing their nerves to settle before the big moment.
5. An extra kiss coming back down the aisle
The first kiss is a magical moment, but the second kiss—shared while walking back down the aisle—feels just as special, if not more. It’s filled with pure joy and celebration, with the couple’s guests cheering them on in the background.
How to catch it: I’ll encourage you ahead of time to pause halfway down the aisle for a quick, spontaneous kiss. It’s a simple moment that feels anything but forced, and your guests will absolutely love it!
6. Candid moments with grandparents
There’s something so special about the connection between couples and their grandparents. Whether it’s the first hug of congratulations, a sweet kiss on the cheek, or a wrinkled hand on your arm, these moments feel even more precious as time passes.
How to catch it: I’ll make sure I know who the grandparents are, and keep an eye on them throughout the day, especially during the ceremony and reception. These moments often happen naturally, so I’ll be ready to capture them without intruding.
7. Golden hour couple photos
Golden hour—just before sunset—is one of the most magical times of day for photos. The soft, golden light creates a romantic, glowing backdrop that elevates any image. At this point during a wedding day, couples often feel more at ease, and the energy shifts—there’s less pressure and more natural, genuine connection between them. This combination of perfect light and authentic emotion creates some of the most beautiful, timeless photos of the entire day.
How to catch it: We’ll plan ahead to set aside 10-15 minutes during golden hour. I’ll guide you through a few simple poses while leaving room for you to move and interact naturally.
8. Couple sharing a whisper during dinner
While clinking glasses and public kisses are fun, there’s something so intimate about the quieter moments shared between a couple during dinner. A whispered joke or a quiet “I love you” creates a moment of connection that’s so sweet to capture.
How to catch it: During dinner, I’ll keep an eye on the two of you from a distance. These moments often happen when you think no one is watching, making them all the more genuine.
9. Late-night reception flat lays
Flat lays aren’t just for the morning! Gathering a few meaningful details from the reception—like leftover cake, half-empty cocktail glasses, or even a pair of discarded heels—creates a unique, moody image that screams “party time”.
How to catch it: I’ll gather a few details from the reception and use flash to create a dramatic, nighttime aesthetic. These photos feel completely different from the morning flat lays and add a fun, unexpected touch to your gallery.
10. Kids being kids
Kids bring honesty and hilarity to weddings, whether they’re sneaking extra cake, dancing wildly, or looking totally bored. These moments are endlessly entertaining and bring so much personality to your gallery.
How to catch it: I’ll make a point to locate the kids throughout the day, watching for those genuine, funny, or touching moments that only children can create.
Every wedding is so different, and I love finding the little details and emotions that make each one unique. These less obvious moments—like a quiet glance during the main course, a heartfelt laugh from your grandpa, or an unplanned hug from your flower girl—are some of my absolute favourites to capture because they tell the most honest and beautiful parts of your story.
Let’s make sure all the moments are captured!
These 10 moments are just a few examples of the shots I love to capture on a wedding day. While it’s impossible to document every little detail, my goal is always to photograph the most meaningful ones—the moments that feel uniquely you.
If you’re planning a wedding in Niagara or anywhere in Southern Ontario, I’d love to hear all about your plans and how we can work together to create a wedding gallery that truly reflects your love story. Let’s make magic happen together—reach out anytime!