Sometimes the idea of creating a shot list can be overwhelming since there are so many different aspects to your wedding. We don't want you to miss a moment, detail, or person. Your wedding photographer will be able to give feedback, but ultimately this will help you sort out all of the details and even streamline your wedding timeline.

I have created an example below for you to use to get ideas to use when you start planning. Each wedding will be different, so don't worry if your list has more or less than what the example has. Some couples want to focus on the family that has supported them, so they have a larger list for family photos, while other couples may want a smaller and intimate ceremony, and their family photo list will only have a few close relatives.

Each couple will have their own style, organization, and photo priorities. To keep things organized, some couples have used Excel to create their shot list. Some couples like to take a more visual approach and create a Pinterest album full of inspiration images to go off of. As a bride, it helped me to get everything on paper and then transfer to a digital format. Use whichever method that makes sense to you, and make sure your photographer gets ALL the info they need. :)

Get Creative!

Like I mentioned, Pinterest is a great resource, especially if you have no idea on where to start. As your photographer, I can take inspiration from the images you like and make it uniquely yours. This is also the time to pick your "must have" photos! If sunset photos are something that you really want, we will make time for it. If you'd rather enjoy yourselves at the reception and don't really mind if you don't get those pictures, that is completely up to you.

Get Detailed!

The more detail there is, the easier it will be, especially if you have a lot of family who you want to get a posed photo with. If you are able to provide a list of names and who they are to you will help your photos go smoothly. I photographed a few weddings where there are several sets of grandparents on each side, and without knowing who they were, it created a lot of confusion on who's turn it was. Think of this as a baseball line up, we can get everyone in order and ready to go before their turn at bat.

I recommend also writing down the lineup for each photo as well; for example: Groom and groomsmen, bride and bridesmaids, bride and groom with Cousin Eddie. This helps make sure we don't miss anyone, but also get through the family images as quickly as possible. We don't want to go searching for a brother who has wondered off to the open bar or a flower girl playing with Grandma and Grandpa. Once family knows that they are done with the photos that they need to be in, they can head to the reception without fear of missing out on an important photo or holding up the timeline.

Get Personal!

Your wedding is not the first or even the last chapter of your love story, you have already shared so many adventures and have grown together as a couple, let your wedding showcase that! I photographed a couple who loved putting Legos together. Their wedding cake topper was them as Lego people and the groomsmen had boutonnières made out of Legos to look like flowers. Another couple loved to spend their free time riding four wheelers out on trails. Their venue was actually located where they had their first date and where the groom proposed. For their grand exit, they left on one of their four wheelers. This is your day, and we should celebrate what makes you the amazing couple that you are. Letting your photographer be aware of these special details only helps you shine in your pictures.

Example Shot List

Our lovely couple, Travis and Taylor, have planned a big family wedding and don’t want us (their photographers) to miss a moment! They have provided this detailed list to make sure we can smoothly go from the first kiss to the grand exit in their getaway car. 

Before The Ceremony

• Taylor and bridesmaids getting ready 
• Travis and groomsmen getting ready
• Taylor and her mom zipping up her dress
• Taylor’s first look with her bridesmaids
• Taylor’s first look with dad
• Travis’ first look with mom
• First Look- There is a staircase in the venue with a corner where they would be able to hold hands and not see each other.

Details

• Florals
• The cake
• Bride’s jewelry
• Invitation layout
• Detail shots of the rings
• Photos of the getaway car
• There will be a lot of details for Travis’s love of football and Taylor’s love of music. 

Bridal Party

• Bride and Bridesmaids
• Taylor, Blake (MOH), Selena, and Brittany
• Bride with each individual bridesmaid
• Taylor and Selena
• Taylor and Brittany
• Taylor and Blake 
• Bride and Groomsmen
• Taylor, Jason (Best Man), Patrick, Chris
• Bride/Groom and wedding party
• Taylor/Travis and Selena, Brittany, Blake, Patrick, Chris, Jason
• Bride/Groom with bridesmaids
• Taylor/Travis and Selena, Brittany, Blake
• Bride/Groom and groomsmen
• Taylor/Travis and Jason, Patrick, Chris
• Groom with groomsmen
• Travis and Jason, Patrick, Chris
• Groom with each individual groomsman
• Travis and Jason
• Travis and Patrick
• Travis and Chris

Ceremony

• The first look from Travis POV
• The first look from Taylor POV 
• Bridal party entrance
• Flower cats (Meredith, Olivia, and Benjamin)
• Flower girls (Travis’ nieces)
• The unity ceremony
• Will involve locking love letters and a bottle of wine in a box to be opened on their 10th anniversary
• Exchange of rings
• First kiss
• The exit from the ceremony

FAMILY PHOTOS

• Bride and Groom
• Taylor and Travis
• Bride/Groom and Bride’s Parents
• Taylor/Travis and Scott/Andrea Swift
• Bride/Groom and Groom’s Parents
• Taylor/Travis and Ed/Donna Kelce
• Bride/Groom and Grandparents
• Taylor/Travis and William/Kathy Swift
• Bride/Groom and Grandparents
• Taylor/Travis and John/Elaine Smith
• Bride/Groom and Grandparents
• Taylor/Travis and Wayne/Sharon Kelce
• Bride/Groom and Grandparents
• Taylor/Travis and Matthew/Susan Johnson
• Bride/Groom and Bride’s Siblings
• Taylor/Travis and Austin Swift
• Bride/Groom and Groom’s Siblings
• Taylor/Travis and Jason/Kylie Kelce
• Bride/Groom and Groom’s Family
• Taylor/Travis and Kelce Clan
• Bride/Groom and Bride’s Family
• Taylor/Travis and Swift Family
• Bride and Parents
• Taylor and Scott/Andrea
• Groom and Parents
• Travis and Ed/Donna
• Bride and Siblings
• Taylor and Austin
• Groom and Siblings
• Travis and Jason
• Bride and Dad
• Taylor and Scott
• Groom and Mom
• Travis and Donna

Photos of the Couple

• Wearing their matching friendship bracelets
• Photos of the couple in their getaway car
• With the flower cats
• Travis carrying Taylor away
• Get some solo shots of the bride
• Get some solo shots of the groom. 
• The couple would like a few posed images, but mainly want to be in the moment. Prompts are good as Travis might be a little nervous and feel awkward. They love to dance and want to have an intimate feel to these images. 

Reception

• Bridal Party Entrance
• Couple’s first entrance
• First Dance
• Father/Daughter Dance
• Mother/Son Dance
• Anniversary Dance
• Make sure to get photos of Jason, there is a good chance he will do something off the wall
• Toasts:
• Blake (MOH)
• Jason (Best Man)
• Ed Kelce
• Scott Swift
• Travis and Taylor
• Bouquet toss
• Football toss (Instead of a garter toss)
• Everyone dancing
• Taylor will have a wardrobe change at the end of the reception, get the grand entrance for that dress.
• Grand Exit- Getaway car (Travis’ convertible)