When all is said and done, it’s the photos of your big day you’ll cherish. We asked photographer Karen Segrave of Photography by KES Weddings to share the ten can’t-miss moments you want to document forever in our latest issue. Every bride-to-be definitely needs to read these!

1. Engagement Portraits

An engagement session is a great time to see how well you and your photographer work together. Spending a few hours taking engagement portraits is the perfect way to really get to know one another.

2. Bridal Portraits

Your wedding day is not the time to experiment with hair and makeup! Bridal portraits are an excellent opportunity to try on your dress, break in your shoes and see if a certain hairstyle or makeup trend will work for you.

3. Getting Ready

The fun, candid and casual photos of brides and grooms hanging out and getting ready are some of my favorites of the day. It really sets the tone for the day and gives you a chance to get to know the bridesmaids and groomsmen.

4. The First Look

In all my years as a wedding photographer, I’ve never had one client regret doing the first look, but I have had a few that didn’t and wish they had. First look photos can really help you relax if you’re nervous about walking down the aisle and seeing your spouse-to-be for the first time with 200 pairs of eyes on you.

5. Family and Bridal Party Formals

My style of wedding photography doesn’t focus too much on formally posed images, but everyone needs and wants at least one traditionally posed photo of themselves as a couple, their families and the bridal party.

6. Bride with Father

In the moment before she walks down the aisle, it’s often just the bride and her dad. Their body language often shifts, and you can tell by his looks and expressions that he is looking at his daughter as a little girl once again. I like to stand back, use a long lens and just wait for the emotions.

7. Walking Down the Aisle

I position myself where I can capture the look on her face, and then swing around and capture the look on his face. I’ll continue this until the moment when the bride, groom and father are at the end of the aisle. Often, her father turns to shake the groom’s hand and then turns back to kiss his daughter. Sometimes it’s a simple kiss; sometimes it’s a big hug; sometimes there’s a high five involved. Whatever the case, you want that shot.

8. The Ceremony

My must-haves in the ceremony are at least one prayer, the ring exchange, the kiss and the recessional. However, lighting the unity candle can pose a few challenges because often, the couple has their backs turned. I always suggest you walk around back and light the candle facing forward so you can see your guests. That way, you’ll also have a great photo of a beautiful moment.

9. Leaving the Ceremony

I always prefer the grand departure to be done at the end of the ceremony rather than the end of the evening. Choosing this option, you’ll have lots of light and lots of guests throwing rose petals, blowing bubbles or waving pom-poms. Waiting until the end of the evening can leave you with poor lighting and few guests.

10. First Dances

Whomever you choose to dance with—be it husband, father, stepfather, grandfather or brother—make sure your photographer captures this at every angle. First dances are often some of the most emotional photos at a wedding. The same goes for the groom—he and his mother deserve just as much attention.

Photography by KES Weddings, Little Rock, (501) 607-0090, kesweddings.com

Thanks for sharing these great tips! Karen also has a wedding featured in this issue on page 30, so don’t forget to flip thru our digital edition.

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