Hi, I’m Alan Ruiz, a wedding photographer based in Kinross-shire. I’ve been lucky enough to photograph several weddings this year, each one different, each one teaching me something new. I thought it might be useful (and hopefully a bit entertaining) to share what I’ve learned about the so-called “must-have” wedding photos from my side of the lens.
Ask Google what the “must-have” wedding photos are, and it’ll hand you a list of about eighty suggestions, everything from the dress on a hanger to the first dance. The correct answer, in my opinion, is simple: whatever is important to you. But there are a few exceptions.
Some photos aren’t really for you at all. They’re for your parents and grandparents, the generation that still treasures a good, formal family photo proudly displayed on the mantelpiece. Those images matter just as much as the fun, relaxed shots of the day.
My full-day package includes around ten hours of coverage. That’s a long time to be photographing people and “things,” so I like to have a clear plan of what I’m aiming for.
The Details
Not everyone’s favourite, but I love photographing the little things. They might seem simple, but they tell the story of the day just as much as the big moments. The dress hanging up, the shoes, the rings, the flowers, even the perfume, all reminders of how it felt to get ready. I’ll also capture the venue, the ceremony setup, the reception tables, place names, and of course, the cake.
When I’m at someone’s home for prep photos, it’s not just about the people, it’s about the setting too. Years from now, I want my couples to look back at those photos and remember both the people and the places that held so many memories.
Bridal Preparations
These are often some of the most enjoyable parts of the day. Don’t worry, I always make sure everyone is appropriately dressed before I start shooting. No one needs a surprise like that on their wedding day.
The atmosphere during prep is usually a mix of nerves, excitement and laughter. The moment when the bride is helped into her dress by her mum or maid of honour is one of those shots that can’t be recreated.
I love the smaller moments too, putting on earrings, slipping into shoes, that quiet pause before heading out. A “first look” with dad (or whoever is giving the bride away) can be especially emotional. Sometimes there are tears, sometimes laughter, sometimes just a shrug and a “you look lovely.” Not everyone is sentimental, and that’s perfectly fine, every family is different, and that’s what makes those photos so meaningful.
Groom and Groomsmen Preparations
This part of the day tends to be more relaxed, and occasionally chaotic in a different way. There’s less makeup and more “how do you actually tie this?” moments. Kilts, cufflinks and sporrans can cause mild panic, but it’s all part of the fun.
I encourage grooms to let me capture a few of their details too. Aftershave, watches, cufflinks, they might not seem important at the time, but they’ll make great memories later on. A few portraits with the best man and groomsmen usually round this part off nicely.
The First Look
If you’ve never considered doing a first look, hear me out - it’s a brilliant idea. It gives you both a few calm, private minutes together before the ceremony. You can take a breath, have a laugh and let those nerves settle. It’s also a great opportunity for relaxed couple portraits before the busy part of the day begins.
And if you’re worried you’ll burst into tears when you see your partner walking down the aisle, trust me, you still might, but the first look gives you space to experience that moment without hundreds of eyes watching.
The Ceremony
The ceremony is full of little moments that can easily be missed, guests chatting before it starts, the nervous glances, the deep breaths. Then comes the walk down the aisle, the vows, the exchange of rings, the first kiss and the signing of the marriage register.
Every one of those deserves to be captured, and yes, that’s why photographers turn up with far more backup equipment than seems reasonable. It’s also about the guests’ reactions, the kids who steal the show, and the proud looks from parents.
After the Ceremony
One of my favourite parts of the day is the recessional, that joyful walk back down the aisle as a married couple. I usually encourage guests to come forward, hug, kiss and celebrate so I can capture all those genuine, happy moments.
Cocktail hour is when we’ll usually take the family formals, the couple portraits, and a few relaxed group shots. I have a detailed questionnaire that helps couples tick off who they want photographed, so no one is accidentally forgotten (especially grandparents, trust me, that’s not a conversation you want to have later).
The Reception
This is where the party starts. The grand entrance, the speeches, the toasts, the candid shots between courses - all part of the story. Then there’s the cake cutting, the first dance, the father-daughter dance, and occasionally a bouquet toss that turns into a rugby match.
Once the dance floor opens, I like to switch things up with some direct flash to capture that lively, colourful atmosphere. If the timing works, I’ll sneak the couple outside for a few sunset photos or a sparkler farewell if that’s your style.
A Final Thought
Every photographer has their own approach, but my advice is simple: make sure your photographer understands what matters to you. Skipping preparation photos might not ruin your day, but missing family formals could leave a few disappointed relatives. And not taking any couple portraits means you’ll miss out on memories that only happen once.
If being in front of a camera makes you nervous, tell your photographer. A good one will help you relax and feel like yourself. After all, if the photo is taken, it’s yours forever. If it’s not, that moment is gone for good.
Thanks for reading, I hope this gives you a little insight into how I see a wedding day through the lens. If you’d like to see more of my work or chat about your own wedding photography plans, you can find me at www.alanruizphotography.co.uk or on Instagram at @alan_r_photos.
