Your wedding day will go by in the blink of an eye—but your photos last forever. That’s why picking a wedding photographer you really trust is so important—someone who’ll capture every special moment without you having to stress about a thing. But there are so many photos that go beyond the typical couple portraits and ceremony moments you’ll want to be captured.
As a wedding photographer based in the beautiful Vancouver area, I’ve seen first-hand which images couples treasure the most. From the first look to the late-night flatlay, here are the 10 must-have wedding photos Vancouver couples consistently love and request.
1. Getting Ready Moments
The getting ready part of the day is full of excitement, nerves, and those little details that make your wedding truly yours. It’s not just about the bride—photos of the groom, bridesmaids, ring bearers, and flower girls getting ready are just as important.
Think candid laughs, heartfelt moments with family and friends, and those small but meaningful details like the dress, rings, bouquet, and accessories. These shots capture the anticipation and joy before the big “I do,” giving you a beautiful behind-the-scenes look at the start of your wedding day.
2. The First Look
The first look moment is pure magic—those raw, emotional reactions when you see each other for the first time before the ceremony. Whether it’s just you and your partner, a special moment with your dad, your bridesmaids, or even your furry friend, these reactions are genuinely priceless and completely unique to every couple.
Including a first look in your timeline has some great perks: it can help calm nerves, create an intimate moment away from the crowd, and free up more time later for photos so you can enjoy your cocktail hour and reception stress-free.
If you decide to skip the first look, no worries! Alternatives like seeing each other at the altar or a private moment right after the ceremony work just as well—just remember to have your photographer ready to capture those genuine emotions, whatever form they take.
3. Editorial Wedding Party Photos
Inspired by fashion magazines, these posed-but-natural shots often feature intentional lighting, unique compositions, and a bit of drama—hello, wedding day vogue moment!
Inspired by the world of fashion magazines, editorial wedding party photos bring a stylish twist to your big day. These shots strike the perfect balance between posed and natural, using intentional lighting and creative compositions to add a touch of drama and flair. Think of it as your wedding party’s very own vogue moment—bold, polished, and totally unforgettable. It’s a fun way to showcase your crew’s personalities while giving your wedding album a modern, fashion-forward edge.
4. Guests During the Ceremony
Most ceremony photos focus on the big moments—you walking down the aisle, exchanging vows and rings, and the overall setup. However, one thing that often gets overlooked is capturing the guests themselves. Your ceremony is one of the most meaningful parts of your wedding—when you’re officially pronounced married! And your friends and family? They’re feeling all the emotions, from happy tears to big smiles and even those funny moments you didn’t expect. Those candid shots of your grandpa wiping away a tear or your best friends’ faces as you walk down the aisle add so much depth and warmth to your wedding album. It’s a perspective that many couples absolutely love to look back on after the big day.
5. Posed Group Family Portraits
Let’s be honest—family portraits on the wedding day can feel a little rushed and chaotic. It’s hard enough just getting everyone in the same place, let alone perfectly posed. But instead of running through a long list of individual shots, why not switch things up with a large, styled group portrait? Think beyond the typical “stand in a line” setup. With a bit of creative direction and a beautiful backdrop, you can capture a full family moment that feels timeless and elegant. After all, how often is your entire family together in one place? Probably not often—so take the opportunity to freeze that moment in a way that feels intentional, elevated, and genuinely special.
6. An Aerial Reception Image
Want a true “wow” shot? Don’t skip the aerial reception photo. Whether it’s taken from a balcony, loft, or drone, this wide-angle perspective beautifully captures the full scale and design of your celebration—from the layout of the tables to the dance floor and lighting ambiance. It's the kind of photo that makes you stop and say, "We really did that." It also shows off the hard work of your planning team, florist, and designer in a single, stunning frame. Plus, years down the line, you’ll love looking back at the big picture—literally—and seeing all your guests mingling, laughing, and dancing from above.
7. Reception Space Reveals
One of the most underrated but emotional moments of the day? When the couple sees their reception space fully set up for the first time. After months (or even years!) of planning, seeing everything—from the florals to the lighting to the personalized touches—come together is a powerful moment. Whether it's a quiet walk-through before guests arrive or a joyful surprise reveal orchestrated by the planner, this moment deserves to be captured. The reactions are always genuine: teary eyes, huge smiles, and sometimes even a stunned silence. It’s the perfect mix of pride, relief, and excitement—and a beautiful reminder of just how much thought and love went into creating the celebration.
8. The Table Kiss
We always see those iconic reception moments—cake cutting, teary speeches, and wild dance floor shots—but don’t overlook the quiet, romantic ones. One of our absolute favorites? A sweet kiss at the sweetheart table. It’s such a simple moment, but it captures the just-married glow in the most authentic way. I make it a point to get this shot at every wedding because it’s timeless. Even as trends come and go, there’s something about that candid kiss while sitting side by side that perfectly captures the love and joy of the day. It’s not flashy—but it’s one of those heartwarming photos you’ll treasure forever.
9. Reception Outfit Change Reveal
If you’re planning a second look for the reception or after-party, make sure the reveal gets its own spotlight. Whether you're swapping your gown for a glam jumpsuit, a sleek mini, or something fun and unexpected, this is your time to shine—again. These shots are perfect for capturing your guests’ surprised reactions, your partner’s double-take, and a mini portrait session that shows off your new vibe. In 2025, more couples are treating the outfit change like a mini runway moment, and honestly? We're here for it. It’s not just a wardrobe swap—it’s a whole mood shift and totally worth documenting.
10. Late-Night Flatlay
By the end of the night, your bouquet’s a little wild, your shoes have hit the dance floor, and your lipstick’s definitely been reapplied a few times—but that’s exactly what makes a late-night flatlay so fun. This photo captures all the beautifully “lived-in” details of your day—think heels kicked off, lipstick-stained napkins, wilting florals, tossed jewelry, and maybe even your vows or invites crumpled just right. It’s artsy, a little chaotic, and a perfect snapshot of the real, romantic aftermath of your celebration. Vancouver couples especially love this one—it’s like the after-party in a single frame.
Still Searching for the Perfect Photographer?
There are so many incredible moments you’ll want captured on your wedding day. And hiring a talented photographer that you can trust to capture all these special moments is key—that’s where I come in. When you book a session with me, it’s all about having fun and capturing those natural, documentary-style moments with a touch of editorial elegance.
Ready for a fun, personalized photography experience? Let's chat. Send over your wedding day details, and let’s set up a free consultation. I can’t wait to work with you and create lasting memories together!