Top 10 Must-Have Wedding Photography Tips for Your NJ Wedding

Hello there, brides and grooms to be! Welcome to the wonderful world of wedding planning! Yes, is thrilling. And nerve-wracking. And fabulous too. Now, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from officiating more weddings than I can count (and trust me, I’ve seen it all—from barefoot beach vows to black-tie ballroom bashes), it’s that your wedding photos are all you’re going to take away from that night, besides (of course…your wedding license and probably at least two air fryers! But your photos are the key to reliving every magical moment.

Now, you may be thinking, “But what if my photographer misses the shot of Aunt Karen’s tear-streaked face during the vows? Or worse, what if they forget to snap that perfectly planned confetti toss?” Well, first, you pick the best NJ wedding photographer! (We can lead you to some, so no worries!) And then here are the top 10 must-have wedding photography shots that will keep your wedding day alive forever, even after the cake is gone and your high heels are under the table!

1. Pick the right photographer

How do you find them? Consider your wedding venue’s preferred list, ask your other vendors (like your wedding officiant!) who they like to work with, look at websites, look at their reviews, (good and bad!), make an appointment to talk with them and see full wedding albums, not just cherry-picked shots. Ask about their philosophy and how they work. And ideally, schedule an engagement session so you can see not only their work with you in it, but whether your personalities mesh. On your wedding day, you’ll spend more time with them than with almost anyone else, so you want to work with someone you like!

2. Get a grip on your shot list

Here’s a radical thought; you really don’t need a shot list. Not if you have a great wedding photographer (and there are many terrific New Jersey wedding photographers) Oh, you’ve never heard of a shot list? Let’s just say that it’s the blueprint ensures every precious moment is captured. Imagine your photographer as an artist: the shot list is the canvas. This little gem is where you’ll jot down the shots that your wedding photographer might not know you want…

Don’t worry, they’ll know to capture that epic first kiss and the stolen glances during the ceremony. But here are some you might want to tell them about so they can do their best work!

• Arriving at the venue and the leadup to the “The First Look”
• The Ceremony Setup (before guests arrive—it’s your Pinterest dream come to life!)
• Honoring your parents during the ceremony; a moms’ tribute is a perfect example
• A moment of remembrance
• The first kiss (without your professional officiant in the background! (We know to move!)
• Special people they may not know to capture (deputized a person from each of your families who can find relatives/friends to make the portraits go quickly

3. Creative Venue Ideas: explore your NJ wedding venue~!

No matter what NJ wedding venue you choose (and there are some fabulous ones from charming NJ barns to chic downtown lofts) your venue is the backdrop for your wedding story. Now, here’s a tip from the trenches: consider your venue when choosing where to snap those pics. Does your venue have a hidden garden? Or maybe a rooftop with a view that will make your guests gasp? Scout it out and let your photographer work their magic. (This is one reason to pick a wedding photographer who has been to your venue before; they will know all the wedding backdrops!)

Storytime! One of my recent couples staged their ceremony in a quaint little chapel surrounded by soaring trees. Their photographer knew about the most enchanting little nook where the sun streamed through the leaves—utterly romantic. Their photos looked like a scene from a fairytale.

4. Timing is Everything: The Golden Hour, Your Best Friend

Every great NJ wedding photographer loves the magic of Golden Hour! Golden Hour—the dreamy period just after sunrise or before sunset—will bathe you and your love in the most flattering, ethereal light. Talk to your photographer about how to work these specific times into your overall timeline. it’s like nature’s gift to your wedding album. (They may need to pull you out of cocktail hour, but it will be worth it!)

And what if it rains? No worries! Some of the most swoon-worthy photos I’ve ever seen were taken in the rain. Think umbrellas, puddles, and reflections—utterly romantic! And rain on your wedding day is believed to be good luck!

5. Capturing Candid Moments: The Unscripted Magic

Now, let’s chat about the candid shots. Oh, the glorious, unplanned moments that are so full of life and love! It’s not just about the posed pictures, sweetheart—those in-between moments are where the magic happens. The tear in your partner’s eye during the vows, the flower girl giggling as she runs down the aisle, or that sneaky little kiss you share when you think no one’s watching. These are the moments that make your heart skip a beat every time you look at your photos.

A great NJ photographer will capture those little moments because they’ll watch for them and they’ll be confident enough to capture the posed photos and leave room for the unexpected.

6. The Role of a Second Shooter: Twice the Fun, Twice the Memories

Unless you’re having a very small microwedding, having a second photographer can make all the difference. While your main photographer is busy capturing the grand moments, the second shooter can grab those side-angle shots, the guests’ reactions, and the little details that might otherwise go unnoticed. Weddings speed by and you want to capture every moment.

Quick Story: At many of our weddings, the couples have their dog deliver the rings (okay, many times not the REAL rings, but SOME rings. Get your dog a flowered collar or a bowtie and as your guests focus on your beloved dog, the second shooter can capture the pure joy on the guests’ faces.

7. The Family Group Photos: Organized Chaos, But Worth It

Let’s not forget about the family group photos. I know, I know—coordinating everyone for these shots can feel like herding cats, but it’s so worth it. To make it easier, consider creating a list of who should be in each shot and designate someone from each side (a loud cousin works great) to help round everyone up. Allow for enough time and let your family know ahead of time. Your wedding officiant can also make an announcement at the end of the ceremony. And remember, your photographer is a pro at this, so let them take the lead.

8. Creative and Unique Shots: Make It Personal

Do you have a great vintage car? A motorcycle? Swarovski crystal covered hi-tops? Here’s where we get really fun—let’s talk about personal touches. Are you saying your personal vows during your first look? Let your photographer know ahead of time so they can take advantage of touches they might not know about.

Communication with your wedding photographer is the key to gorgeous, unique photos!

9. The Grand Exit: Ending on a High Note

Last, but certainly not least, is the grand exit. Whether you’re leaving under a canopy of sparklers, a shower of flower petals, or simply in a getaway car with a “Just Married” sign, this moment is one of pure joy and excitement. Again, communication with your photographer is key.

10. Let Your Photographer Do What They Do Best!

You’ll probably have several conversations with your wedding photographer over the course of your wedding planning. Use those conversations to work together as a team!

And there you have it! Follow these tips, and you’ll end up with a wedding album that’s not just a collection of photos, but a treasure trove of memories that you’ll cherish forever. Remember, your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event—make sure every glorious, love-filled moment is captured just the way you want it. Now go out there and get married in style!

With love and a camera-ready smile,
Celia