14Jun

The Ultimate San Diego Wedding Photography Checklist: Don’t Miss These Shots

By, June 14, 2023

At True Photography we know that above all your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life. We understand how important it is to capture every moment, big and small, so that you can relive the magic of your wedding day for years to come. That’s why we have created the ultimate San Diego wedding photography checklist, so that you don’t miss any of the essential shots.

Getting Ready

Firstly, the getting ready stage of your wedding day is full of excitement and anticipation. It’s also essential to capture the emotions of this special moment. Here are some shots that you should include in your wedding photography checklist:

  • Bride’s dress hanging up
  • Bride and bridesmaids getting their hair and makeup done
  • Bride putting on her wedding dress
  • Bride and bridesmaids putting on jewelry
  • Groom and groomsmen getting dressed
  • Groom tying his tie

Check out our getting ready gallery for more inspiration!

True Photography captures a shot from the Ultimate Wedding Photography Checklist San Diego

Ceremony

Your wedding ceremony is the heart of your wedding day, and because of this, it’s essential to capture every detail of this special moment. Here are some shots you should subsequently include in your wedding photography checklist:

  • Guests arriving before ceremony starts
  • Bridal party walking down the aisle
  • Groom’s reaction when he sees the bride for the first time
  • Bride walking down the aisle with her father
  • Exchanging of vows
  • Ring exchange
  • First kiss as a married couple
  • Signing the marriage license afterward

Take a look at our ceremony gallery for more images!

A shot from the Ultimate Wedding Photography Checklist photographed by True Photography

Portraits

Your wedding portraits are the images that you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Here are some shots that you should include in your wedding photography checklist:

  • Bride and groom alone
  • Bride and groom with the bridal party
  • Bride with bridesmaids
  • Groom with groomsmen
  • Bride and groom with their parents
  • Bride and groom with immediate family

Check out our couple portrait gallery for more inspiration!

Couple portrait in front of a living wall in San Diego photographed by True Photography

Reception

Lastly, your wedding reception is where the real party starts, and it’s essential to capture the fun and excitement of this special moment. Here are some shots to be sure you should include in your wedding photography checklist:

  • Reception venue overall decor
  • Bride and groom’s grand entrance
  • First dance
  • Parent dances
  • Toasts and speeches
  • Cutting of the cake
  • Bouquet and garter toss
  • Dancing and celebration

Browse through our reception gallery for more wedding inspiration!

The first dance from Ultimate Wedding Photography Checklist photographed by True Photography

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and your wedding photos are the perfect way to preserve the memories of this special moment forever. Furthermore, at True Photography, we understand the importance of capturing every detail of your wedding day, which is why we have created this ultimate San Diego wedding photography checklist. By following this checklist, you’ll be sure not to miss any of the essential shots, and you’ll have beautiful images to treasure for a lifetime.

03May

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun! | Bridesmaid Inspiration

By, May 03, 2016

Ladies, let’s be honest – the wedding day is a great excuse to hang out with your BFFs. With champagne flowing, music playing, and your girls decked out in their finest, there is nothing left to do but celebrate. It’s a perfect occasion to let loose, share a laugh, and enjoy the results of your planning.

As a bonus, there’s also that whole “getting married” thing :) Right now, though, it’s all about the ladies.

On the wedding day, we suggest starting the photography coverage early, before you change into your wedding dress. It’s fun to have images captured while you are relaxing with your bridal party, with the final touches of make-up being applied. This is a time for us to get creative, shoot details and candids, and capture the excitement in the room. Whether your crew is sophisticated, boisterous, or all-out silly, we’ll be there to create unforgettable images.

We hope you enjoy these recent bride and bridesmaid inspiration photos :)

Bridesmaids and Bride toss wedding bouquets up in air

While getting ready, Courtney’s bridesmaids surprised her with impromptu pillow fight (below), and we captured her priceless reaction.

Bridesmaids have fun pillow fight with bride in room

Before getting dressed up, Jaclyn and her ladies couldn’t resist a little taste of Del Taco (below). Still in her pre-bridal wardrobe, Jaclyn made sure to not get any hot sauce on her dress for her wedding day at Longshadow Ranch Vineyard and Winery.

Bride and bridesmaids grab a bite of del taco before putting on the wedding dressBride and bridesmaids toast with craft beers

During Brooke and Matt’s wedding at Rancho Valencia, we noticed an empty golf cart near Brooke’s room, and had the ladies hop in for a fun cruise around the venue (below). We are constantly keeping an eye out for unique photo opportunities, and ways to to transform everyday items into creative props.

Bride drives her bridesmaids in golf cartBridesmaids throw rose petals around Bride after ceremonyBridesmaids Eat Apples in Old TownBridesmaids share mirror with bride on wedding dayBridesmaids hold up mirror for Bride to reveal herself

Another great benefit to having your ladies helping out before the ceremony are fun moments like the one above, taken during Katie and Gene’s wedding at the Coronado Cays Yacht Club. As Katie stepped into her dress, we had her bridesmaids hold up a mirror for a grand reveal. We love the ecstatic, candid smiles of Katie and her girls, and the genuine reactions all around.

Bridesmaids and Bride show off fun rustic cowboy bootsBridesmaids toast with a shot of tequila before wedding ceremony Bridesmaids blow bubbles at camera before wedding ceremony Bridesmaids pose with bride and show off fun striped socksBridesmaids make it rain as they toss money in the air before wedding ceremonyThings got a little “en fuego” before Rachel and Jason’s wedding at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Spa (above), as the ladies brought out the cash and made it rain dollar bills.

Bridesmaids lay with Bride on bed in circleBridesmaids blow kiss towards brideBride and bridesmaids pose with pink robes before wedding ceremony

Let guests know who your bridesmaids are!  At Mariam and Farhad’s Wedding at Maderas Golf Club, Mariam’s bridesmaids rocked yellow sunglasses, which were gifted to them to match their wedding attire (below). By gifting your ladies with colorful robes or matching glasses, your squad will rule the day in style.

Bridesmaids pose with Bride and wear yellow sunglasses Bride and bridesmaids eat burgers from In N' Out during reception Bridesmaids make fun grand entrance and dance during wedding reception

For their grand entrance during Shannan and Mathias’ wedding at Beverly Mansion (above left), the bridesmaids had a little surprise up their sleeves. Serenading the crowd with air guitar skills, the ladies brought out their inner rock stars, and kicked off the party in high gear.

Bridesmaids pose with Bride as they wear Harry Potter props Bridesmaids pose with props in photobooth

Check out more ways to have fun with your bridesmaid photos :)

15Mar

Dressed to Impress | Groomsmen Getting Ready

By, March 15, 2016

We love witnessing the bromance between the groom and his buddies on the wedding day. While the bride is squared away with her ladies, our second shooters typically head over to the groom and his fellas. By having two photographers on the wedding day, our crew is able to divide and conquer, and capture the early moments of the day from both perspectives. The guys often create hilarious and unpredictable moments, leading to unforgettable images to enjoy for years to come.

When we first arrive, the groom and his buddies are usually getting dressed to impress. Once they are prepped and ready, there may be time to kick back, talk smack, or play a competitive game of pool with a beer (or two) to celebrate. We enjoy finding creative ways for the guys to let loose and show off their personalities.

For a stylish collection of dapper dudes preparing to tie the knot, check out some of our favorite pre-ceremony moments.

Groomsmen fix ties in front of mirror

With so many groomsmen and only one mirror (above), we had to get a little creative. After spotting this awesome multi-paned mirror in the lobby, we made sure there was enough prep room for all the guys at Vanessa and Justin’s wedding.

Modern groom before wedding ceremonyGroom buttoning up jacket Groom's watch and bowtie

We love when grooms pick fun, vibrant details to match their personalities. When we noticed Anton getting a bowtie assist from one of his buddies on his wedding day (see above), we couldn’t resist capturing a photo in hopes of learning a trick or two ourselves.

Groomsmen relax and cheers for a beerGroomsmen have fun during pre-ceremonyblack-and-white photo of groom putting on shoesGroom open gifts from Bride

Sometimes, couples exchange a special pre-ceremony gift, such as during Begum and Michael’s wedding (left) or Katie and John’s (right). We like to capture intimate moments like this, where we can grab the Groom’s reaction as he reveals what’s inside.

Groom shows off fancy watch Groomsmen sit in lobbyGroom laughing as he puts on tie

While Steven and his groomsmen shared a few rounds of jokes, we captured this genuine reaction from the groom, whose laughter couldn’t be contained. By staying alert and focused, we were able to jump on this fleeting moment before it passed.

Groom's colorful Socks and BowtieGroomsmen sit casually on steps

Between funky colored socks, dapper-looking bowties or fancy watches, the groom’s details can be just as colorful and entertaining as the bride’s.

Groomsmen help the groom with his outfitGroomsmen skateboarding down street

Daniel and his buddies are avid skateboarders, and after spying a stack of decks in the corner, we were determined to put them to good use. The group was more than willing to entertain us with some sweet tricks. By letting groomsmen show off their inner daredevils, we were able to document a fun and spontaneous moment.

Groomsmen wearing polka dot socksGroomsmen having fun playing pool before wedding ceremony

For more photos of couples getting ready for the big day, please click here.

San Diego Wedding Photographer

Wedding Photography San Diego

For over twenty years, True Photography has set the standard among San Diego wedding photographers for innovative, stylish, and timeless imagery. As well, when you are seeking a San Diego corporate event photographer, True Photography leads the way with creative and powerful event photography. Each photographer is hand selected for their creativity, technical knowledge, and charismatic personality. We invite you to view each portfolio, and select the photographer who will best capture your vision for your big event. Your San Diego Wedding Photographer – your San Diego Event Photographer – True Photography. Whether it’s San Diego Wedding Photography or San Diego headshots, or San Diego Events, True Photography will deliver. Check availability: [email protected]

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