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Must-Have Photo's At Willow Oaks Weddings & Events

Oct 5

8 min read

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Don't forget these must-have photos at Willow Oaks Weddings & Events on your day!





You’ve been planning this day for months, and it is almost here! Here at Willow Oaks Weddings & Events, the day you finally get to marry your best friend. You have every detail in place, so many painstaking hours making the decisions that all lead up to this day! You have chosen the perfect secluded venue with views of the Smoky Mountains and a private lake, wedding gown, gentleman's attire, and flowers. You have even decided on the most amazing photographer to utilize the grounds, and now you have to think about the photos you want your photographer to take on your wedding day!


Photographers will often have pre-made shoot lists to help give you an idea of what photos brides want on their wedding day. This list can also be helpful for you to know what to expect, photograph-wise, ahead of time so you are not surprised on the day of your wedding. This list might not have everything you're looking for, so don’t be afraid to ask your photographer for specific photos you would like. Your photographer will do their best to make them happen for you.   In doing so, be mindful of how helpful it is to have a second shooter.  This maximizes the time set aside for photography on your special day.


We wanted to share Willow Oaks Weddings & Events' favorite must-have wedding photos list. Remember, this is just a guide, not a setlist. If something does not fit, let your wedding photographer know. We want you to have all of your dream wedding photos and plenty of detailed pictures to look at for years to come! Remember, you spent so much time planning these details; we are here to document them for you!


Let’s get started!


1. The Stationary


Make sure you bring all of your wedding stationery with you! This includes you saving the dates, invitations, RSVPs, and even your menus for your wedding day. This is how your wedding planning started, and set your wedding theme for your guests. They can incorporate other details when you have your wedding stationery with you. For example, they can add flowers from your bouquets or even your wedding accessories to showcase your wedding stationery.   








2. Getting ready


Having your photographer in the bridal suite to take pictures of you and your ladies (or gents) getting ready is always a good idea! It is an excellent place for photographers to catch candid shots of you and your best friends getting ready together, whether it be the final hair and makeup touches or getting into your amazing wedding dress or attire! Be sure to get that picture of one of your bridesmaids or your mom zipping you in!




Photographer: Mother of Mayhem Mementos

3. Bridal Accessories


As little as they might seem, you spent the time picking out the perfect wedding accessories that deserve to be showcased. Do your accessories incorporate typical wedding traditions, like something borrowed or something blue? Is one of your accessories a family heirloom? We want to see necklaces, earrings, and garters all! Photographers are creative people, and they love laying out your accessories beautifully!  What a great way to document them being part of your wedding day!



4. Wedding Shoes


Heels, flats, the perfect pair, and we love them all! Wedding shoes are a very important decision when it comes to your wedding attire! You chose these shoes for a reason. Whether it be for comfort or because they fit your aesthetic there was a big decision made! They make the must-have photo list for these reasons. You might get rid of them at some point but you will always have those cherished photos!


Photographer: Mother of Mayhem Momentos


5. Bridal Portraits


This is your day to shine and feel like the model you are! You look amazing, and it should be; we want to show it off! This is a perfect time to get comfortable in front of the camera and learn how to move around your dress. It is also a great way to help you shake off any pre-wedding jitters. 


6. The Veil or Hairpiece  


Veils and headpieces complement your wedding dress, and photographers love to use them as props and take pictures with them! Your veil or headpiece can make a dramatic statement in your wedding look, so they make the must-have wedding photo list! They are great details and can be used for some beautiful photos.


Photographer:


7. Bridal Bouquet


Flowers are one of those wedding details that can be hard to hold on to, especially if you use fresh flowers. Let's be honest: flowers die, and even if dry, they quickly fall apart. This is why your photographer takes pictures of your bridal bouquet! They want you to be able to admire the stunning bouquet you carried on your wedding day! Your wedding bouquet is also often used as a prop when doing other detailed photos.  

Photographer: Nunn Photography


8. Bridal Party


This makes the must-have wedding photo list for an apparent reason! You chose these people to stand by your side on your wedding day for a reason! They are your best friends, and the love between you should be captured! Candid shots getting ready to pose wedding shots, insert bridesmaid pose here—photographers love to get them all! They want you to have fun with these photos and the people in them with you!




9. The Grooms Accessories


The groom's accessories are also important! From the boutonnieres to his watch, photographers want to capture the groom's wedding style. They especially love the little touches like a cool pair of socks or cufflinks. 


10. The Groom


It’s his turn to feel like a model! He looks handsome all dressed up, and it needs to be documented! Who knows when you will get him dressed up like this again? This is also an excellent place for him to loosen up and get a little more comfortable in front of the camera!

Photographer: Nunn Photography


Photo by: Nunn Photography


11. The First Look


The first look is always the best! Photographers love them both, whether you are walking down the aisle to your partner or deciding to do a first look before your ceremony. Seeing each other for the first time in your wedding attire is exciting, and they love to capture those first looks. The raw emotion that is brought out between the two of you can make anyone's heart swell. We couldn’t miss the first look on this must-have wedding photos list!


12. Candid Photos


Candid moments are often the most cherished photos. As hard as it might be to be yourself while the photographer is snapping photos of you two, try your best to do so. They love to see you in your natural state, interacting as a couple. Also, ensure your photographer knows you want them to take candid shots throughout your wedding day! This can also include candid moments of your wedding guests. Photographers are here for those candid photos, which is why it is a must-have wedding photo list!


Photo by: Nunn Photography






13. Portrait Photos Together

Not only are these amazing photos that you will cherish for a lifetime. This is also a great time to sneak away, just the two of you, and revel in the moment that you are freaking MARRIED! The post “I do” glow is real, guys! Photographers love to capture this moment for you! Something to think about when doing a venue walk-through: scope out a private, beautiful spot to sneak away to. 


Photographer: Violett Co Photography




14. The Wedding Party


The wedding party photos make the must-have list because these people have been integral to your wedding day. There are the typical everyone-in-line bridal party photos. But there are so many other fun wedding party photo options! Incorporate the getaway car, have the groomsmen carry the bride, etc. Have fun with these photos! They are with some of your best friends, after all!


Photographer: Nunn Photography


15. Flower Girl & Ring Barrier


These little (or big) cuties make the list also! Whether you choose the typical ring bearer and flower or girl, or you choose to have a fun flower man, these photos are something you will want to look back on! 


Photo by: Nunn Photography


16. Ceremony Location With and Without Guests


Your beautiful ceremony site is one place that photographers love to photograph! They also love taking photos with and without guests present. Photographers want you to be able to remember every single detail of your special day! 


17. The Walk Down The Aisle


This is one moment you will treasure forever. Take the walk among your friends and family to where you will get to say "I do" to your best friend. Whether you take this walk with one of your parents or alone, it is a significant moment during your wedding day.



18. Exchanging of Rings


Wedding rings symbolize endless love and commitment to each other. So, the exchange of rings makes the list of must-have wedding photos!  


19. Moments of Laughter


Genuine laughter over posed smiles is always a great choice! Weddings have serious moments, but they should also be full of moments of laughter. Remember to relax and have fun at your wedding and have plenty of laughter!


20. Your First Kiss


This one is obvious!! Your first kiss as a married couple is one of those moments you will want to look back on. It is a photo that embodies the love, commitment, and connection of you as a couple on your wedding day. Make sure to have a conversation with your officiant or ask your photographer to mention having the officiant step out of the frame. That way it is not a picture of the two of you and your officiant!


22. Cocktail Hour Mingling


While the cocktail hour can be used to accomplish all of the family photos after your ceremony.  It can also be a great place to capture your guests and even you mingling together and having a great time! A second photographer can help capture these moments if you choose to do family or portrait photos during the cocktail hour.


25. The First Dance


Keep your photographer around long enough to capture those first dance pictures! This is a great place to capture some candid, must-have wedding photos. Don’t worry about how you dance, have fun with it, and enjoy this moment with your honey.


27. Cake Cutting


As mentioned above, ensure your photographer gets photos of your cake before you cut it. Cake cutting is a fun, must-have wedding photo; you never know what might happen! To cake smash or to not cake smash that is the question.


28. Dance Party


Um, these photos are 100% a must-have! Photographers want to document the party, you letting loose and having the time of your life. This is a great opportunity for your photographer to include more photos of your wedding guests also!


29. The Big Exit


Wow, that was a ride. Your wedding day has been amazing, and now it's time to head to the next part of your night! Why not leave your wedding with a bang? Fun things to include (if your venue allows) are sparklers, smoke bombs, or confetti! Make your exit an event in itself, picture this… Walking out of your venue down a row of your friends and family, stopping mid-way to do a dramatic dip-kiss with sparklers all around! Talk about dreamy. 


Photographer: JinFin Photography

30. Bonus Pro Tip


If you don’t have your photographer until the very end of the night and you still want an exit photo, you can do a mock exit. Include your wedding party and a few select guests and plan it to happen when you can sneak away without your guests noticing. This might be while guests are finishing up dinner and before the party starts. Be sure to talk to your wedding photographer about this ahead of time to make sure this is a possibility. This way you still get the dream shot even if your photographer isn’t there until the very end! 









Just a shout-out to all my locally and privately owned venues across our great nation!




Oct 5

8 min read

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6