This shot list is designed to guide the team in capturing the **full emotional arc** of a wedding day—from intimate pre-ceremony moments to the grand celebration—with a balance of
**classic must-haves, cinematic storytelling, and emotional depth.**

1. Pre-Ceremony – Setting the Emotional Scene

(Mood: Anticipation, Sentimentality, Quiet Reflection)

Bridal Suite

Cinematic Storytelling Shots

• Bride alone in soft window light, lost in thought.

• Hands clasping the dress before stepping into it.

• Close-up of delicate details (lace, buttons, veil draping over her hands).

• Bridesmaids reacting emotionally upon seeing the bride ready.

• Candid moment with bridesmaids** (laughing, toasting, fixing her dress).

• Building mystery, develop your character — Are there secrets in front of you? Clues to her style? Vows?

Classic Shots

• Full Bridal Portrait (Standing elegantly, holding bouquet).

• Mid & Close-Up Portraits (Bouquet at waist, soft smile, bridal gaze).

• Bouquet Close-Up (Hands gently holding it, texture and detail emphasized).

• Veil Placement (Mother or friend adjusting).

• Family & Parent Moments:** Please get a classic, camera aware shot of bride with mom/dad

• Father seeing bride for the first time (reaction shot).

• Mother or VIPS adjusting veil, jewelry, or dress.

• Look for generational opportunities (Bride, mother, grandmother holding hands).

Groom’s Suite

Cinematic Storytelling Shots

• Groom staring out a window, taking a deep breath.

• Cufflink or watch adjustment in a mirror.

• Quiet moment reading vows or letter from bride.

• Candid moment with groomsmen (laughter, joking, a celebratory toast).

Classic Shots

• Groom’s Portrait – The Gentlemen’s Shot** (Classic, confident, well-lit).

• Close-Up of Groom’s Hands Adjusting Cufflinks/Tie.*

• Groom Buttoning Jacket.

• Family & Parent Moments: Candid & Camera aware

• Father adjusting his tie or boutonniere.

• Mother straightening his lapel, kissing his cheek.

• Generational shot of groom with father/grandfather.

2. The Ceremony

Mood: Reverence, Emotion, Unity, Anticipation, Tears, and Joy

Cinematic Storytelling Shots

• Wide shot of the ceremony location before guests arrive.

• Groom waiting at the altar (anticipation).

• Bridal entrance from behind – veil floating, dramatic light.

• Groom’s first look (reaction shot).

• Over-the-shoulder shot of father walking bride down the aisle.

• Parent reactions (tears, smiles).

• Key Formal Shots – Wide, Mid, Close-Up for Depth

• Vow Exchange Wide (full scene), Mid (couple’s connection), Close-up (hands holding)

• Ring Exchange:** Tight shot on fingers as the ring is slipped on.

• First Kiss: Wide for full moment

• Recessional - Couple Walking Back Down the Aisle.**

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3. Post-Ceremony

Cinematic Storytelling Shots

- Couple’s First Private Moment Post-Ceremony

-Holding hands walking away from the ceremony site

- **Tears of joy, excited hugs from friends and family.**

- Bride lifting her dress slightly as she walks.

Classic Couple Shots

Full Body Bridal & Groom Portraits
— Walking, Bride look back, laughing & walking, snuggled in, both looking at camera

Bridal Portrait with Bouquet (soft gaze, natural pose).

Groom’s Classic Portrait (confident, well-framed).

Wedding Party Shots (Wide, Mid, Close-Up)

Formal Full Wedding Party Portrait

Candid Movement Shot (walking, laughing, celebrating)

Bride & Bridesmaids (Soft & Joyful)

Groom & Groomsmen (Confident & Relaxed)

Family Formals

• Bride & Parents

• Groom & Parents.

• Full Immediate Family Shots.

• Generational Shots (Bride/Groom with Grandparents)

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4. The Reception
Celebration & Connection

• *(Mood: Laughter, Nostalgia, Wild Joy, Warmth, Deep Bonds)*

  Cinematic Storytelling Shots

• - Wide shot of reception space before guests arrive (ambiance). Details of all design moments. Please be thoughtful of your f stop, let things be in focus that we want to see (f4 is great for tablescapes)

• - Close-ups of table details, florals, candles, menus.

• - Couple’s **first entrance – guests’ reactions.**

• - **Candid guest interactions** (laughter, toasts, embraces).

• **Key Formalities – Wide, Mid, Close-Ups:**

• - **First Dance (Full Wide, Emotional Mid, Intimate Close-Up).**

• - **Parent Dances

• - **Toasts (Speaker’s Expression, Couple’s Reactions, Guests Laughing).**

• Candid Reception Moments

• - Guests dancing (motion blur, energy).
  

• ✅ **Shoot Wide, Mid, and Close-Ups of Key Moments** for variety in storytelling.

• ✅ **Look for Emotional Layers – Reactions, Hands, Unspoken Expressions.

• ✅ **Use Creative Framing** – Through mirrors, over-the-shoulders, through objects.

• ✅ **Focus on Light Play** – Silhouettes, golden hour, cinematic shadows.

• ✅ **Capture Transitional Moments** – The quiet in between, the way people interact when they don’t know they’re being watched.