Bride dressing for ceremony Bride, full-length solo

Bride with parents Bride with mother/father separately

Bride with grandparents Bride with sisters/brothers

Bride with maid of honor Bride with attendants

Bride with ring bearer, flower girl Garter being put on

Groom, full-length solo Groom with parents

Groom with mother/father separately Groom with grandparents

Groom with sisters/brothers Groom with best man

Groom with groomsmen Groom, bride's parents being seated for ceremony

Bridesmaids walking down aisle Flower girl, ring bearer walking down aisle

Bride and father approaching altar or canopy

Bride's father giving her hand to groom

Exchanging of vows Ring ceremony

Recessional Formal bride and groom together

Newlyweds and parents Newlyweds and entire bridal party

Close-ups of bride's and groom's hands clasped together

Receiving line - guests and bridal party

Cake table Bride and groom cutting/ feeding each other cake

Best man toasting newlyweds Newlyweds toasting each other

Cake and punch servers Musicians

Newlyweds' first dance Guests dancing

Bride tossing bouquet Groom removing garter

Groom tossing garter Guests throwing rice

Newlyweds getting into limousine or car Post-reception party

Bride's mother assisting her into going-away costume

Bride or groom alone with new stepchildren

                                Hiring a Photographer

Experience Level - Has this person photographed other weddings? Does he/she do this for a living or for fun?

Photographic Style - Are the images that you are shown, what you would like to see? There are "buzz" words flying about everywhere about photojournalism, formal, classic candid, and so on. Do you want a mixture of black and white or only color photos?

Truth in Advertising - Is this the photographer that will be photographing your wedding or will they send in whomever is available. Don't be shocked, this happens more often than you can imagine. Be certain that you know which photographer is going to be there and that you see HIS/HER work and meet with that individually face to face.

Personality - Is the photographer that you meet someone that you can get along with? Is the "chemistry" there?

Appearance - Ask the photographer how he/she intends to dress. Is this person well groomed?

Price Range - Although, the last thing you want to do is shop by price, is this person within your budget? If not, is he or she worth the price difference? Make sure you understand what everything costs, including reprints and albums.

Delivery - How long does it take to get your proofs back, thank you cards, your finished album, your bridal portrait, etc.?

Offering - Whether it's a la carte or a package, do you understand what you are getting? Is there any room for changes and will it cost to do so? Sometimes the packages are fixed, sometimes they can be customized, in any case, ask. How much time will he/she spend? What if you need more time? Make sure that you know what's coming.

Contract - Do you understand the contract. Is it fair? Is everything spelled out? When it comes down going to court, only what is WRITTEN really counts, not what was promised. Make sure that you have no doubts before signing. Read it ALL.

What about deposits and payments? What does it say about cancellations and the photographer not being there? If the photographer protests, ask him why? This is one area NOT to take lightly. You could be disappointed for a long time.

References - A personal reference is always the best and people love to talk. Get a list of references from the photographer and check them out personally. A photographer who doesn't have references or is afraid to give them to you may not be the person that you need to hire.