5 Must-Have Wedding Photos You’ll Cherish Forever

Trevauhn Grant
Sep 23
3 min read

Planning your wedding in New England is an exciting journey — one filled with countless details, decisions, and dreams of how you’ll look back on this special day. As a New England wedding photographer (CT, RI, MA & beyond...), I know that while trends change, certain timeless moments never lose their magic. These are the photos you’ll return to again and again, the ones that bring back not just the image, but the feeling of your wedding day.

Here are five must-have wedding photos every couple should include in their photography plans:

1. The First Look (or First Glance Down the Aisle)

Whether you choose a private first look or wait until the aisle moment, this is one of the most emotional parts of your wedding day. The instant your partner sees you for the first time in your wedding attire is filled with anticipation, joy, and sometimes tears.

A private first look creates intimate, candid photos with just the two of you.
Waiting until the aisle captures that powerful moment with your family and friends as witnesses.

Either way, it’s a memory worth preserving.

2. Timeless Portraits of the Two of You

Amid the whirlwind of the day, it’s important to slow down and create beautiful, timeless portraits of just the two of you. These photos often become the ones couples frame in their home or feature in their wedding album for generations.

In New England, we’re blessed with stunning backdrops — from the coastal elegance of Rhode Island, to the historic charm of Massachusetts estates, to the

rolling hills and elegant venues of Connecticut. Choosing a location that reflects your personalities will make these portraits even more meaningful.

3. Candid Moments with Family & Friends

Some of the most cherished wedding photos aren’t the perfectly posed ones, but the real ones:

A tearful hug from your mom before the ceremony.
The laughter of your bridal party.
Guests dancing their hearts out at the reception.

These candid moments capture the joy and relationships that surround your day, and they’ll make your wedding gallery

feel alive.

4. Detail Shots That Tell the Story

Details may seem small in the moment, but they’re part of the story you’ve spent months (or years!) planning. From your rings and bouquet to your carefully chosen décor and invitations, these little touches deserve to be remembered.

In my collections, I make sure to photograph details thoughtfully — whether it’s the lace on your gown, the heirloom cufflinks your father passed down, or the way the candles glow on your reception tablescape. These images complete the narrative of your day.

5. The Big Celebration Moments

Your wedding isn’t just about quiet, emotional moments — it’s also about the energy and celebration! Some of the must-have photos include:

First Dance at the Delamar Hotel in West Hartford, Ct

Your grand entrance into the reception.
The first dance.
The sparkler exit or final send-off.

These moments bring the excitement of your wedding day to life and become some of the most joyful images in your album.

Why These Photos Matter

When you look back on your wedding 10, 20, or 50 years from now, these are the photos that will bring your story back to life. They go beyond trends, filters, or poses — they capture the authentic emotions and experiences of your day.

As a Connecticut wedding photographer, I help couples across New England not only capture these must-have shots but also build a photography experience that feels effortless and enjoyable.

If you’re planning your wedding and want to ensure every meaningful moment is preserved, I’d love to talk about how I can help.

👉 Schedule a Quick Chat With Me Here

Bonus Resource

Looking for more planning tips? Download my free guide: “The Perfect Wedding Day Timeline” — a step-by-step resource to help you plan a stress-free, photo-friendly wedding day.

👉 Quick and Easy Wedding Day Planning Guide