Moments To Capture On Your Wedding Day

Before The Ceremony

Everyone that has ever had a wedding, or is planning one, knows that the wedding doesn’t begin during the ceremony. It’s a whole day that begins in the first moments of the day. This is when the wedding party is getting ready for the night ahead. It’s important to capture these moments as the excitement lingers in the air at what is to come. Special moments to consider capturing before your ceremony include first looks, bridal portraits, and any gift exchanges or letters to each other.

First Looks

For this Des Moines couple, they decided to have their first looks before the wedding. Jordyn and Justin knew that they wanted to have a moment alone before the craziness of the wedding day. Seeing each other in private kept the moment special and just between the two… three of them.

Jordyn threw a twist on the first look by having her daughter tap Justin’s back first. Adding personal touches to any moments during your day is what will make those memories that much better! Plus, just look at Justin’s reaction when he finally saw his bride!

During The Ceremony

The ceremony carries emotional weight and symbolic meaning. While the spotlight is often on the bride, reactions from the groom and guests are equally significant. Des Moines wedding photographers often use a second shooter to cover multiple angles, ensuring no key emotion is missed. Capturing details like the ceremony backdrop, the ring exchange, and the first kiss adds depth to your wedding gallery. These still moments tell a story that unfolds with every photograph, blending fine art wedding photography with candid emotion.

Angles and Details That Matter

Photographers aim to document more than just the main exchange of vows. Using a combination of photojournalistic style and thoughtful composition, they highlight:

• The venue setup and natural light photography to capture ambiance
• Guest reactions that reveal shared emotion and connection
• Groom’s expression when the bride appears, often a favorite candid
• The hands during the ring exchange, capturing both movement and meaning
• Close-ups of florals, décor, and symbolic items that contribute to the setting

These elements enhance the visual narrative, ensuring your ceremony photos reflect the atmosphere and emotional layers of the moment.

Reception

Celebrations!!! A wedding is incomplete without celebrating the phenomenal experience. Throughout the reception, there a plenty of moments that should be captured. That includes any toasts, dances, and of course some candid moments. They are the moments that make the day feel full. Unexpected moments mixed in with planned moments are what will make the photo album and video worth looking at in the future.

Once the vows have been exchanged, it’s time to celebrate. The reception offers countless opportunities for both candid and scheduled footage. Toasts, dances, laughter, and spontaneous moments often become the most replayed scenes in your wedding video. Our team ensures that each important part of the celebration, from the first dance to the final sendoff, is professionally recorded using high-quality equipment and creative techniques to create a seamless wedding film experience.

Working With Your Wedding Photographer

Still images tell their own story through captured details and framing. While video brings movement and sound, photography focuses on quiet, emotional stillness. A skilled photographer understands how to blend into the background while seizing the right frame at the perfect time. Our wedding photographers work side by side with videographers to ensure consistent, full-coverage storytelling.

Key Photo Moments to Include

Some images become non-negotiable for your wedding album. These include getting ready shots, family portraits, walking down the aisle, the ring exchange, and the first kiss. Additionally, shots of the décor, tablescapes, and emotional exchanges with guests help complete the visual narrative.

Here’s a list of must-have photo moments every couple should include:

• Getting ready and bridal prep photos with your wedding party
• Emotional first look between the couple or with family members
• Walking down the aisle and the moment the couple first sees each other
• Ring exchange and vows, including close-ups of hands and expressions
• First kiss as a newly married couple
• Family photo combinations with parents, siblings, and extended family
• Reception highlights, including toasts, first dance, and cake cutting
• Candid interactions and unscripted guest reactions
• Decor and tablescape shots showcasing the atmosphere and details

A professional photographer understands how to capture both the fleeting moments and the planned ones with equal care.

Photography and Videography Collaboration

Strong communication between your photo and video teams ensures cohesive coverage. Our photographers and videographers coordinate timelines, lighting setups, and locations to avoid missed moments and redundant footage. This collaboration results in a seamless experience and a finished product where each frame contributes to the overall story.

Seamless Team Coordination

Our wedding photographers work alongside videographers to plan efficient coverage that captures every angle of your wedding day. From the ceremony to the reception, our teams communicate constantly to avoid crowding and ensure uninterrupted storytelling. This balance creates a stress-free environment, allowing couples to stay present in the moment.

Benefits of Booking Both Services Together

When you book both photography and videography through the same team, your final gallery and video are stylistically aligned. We ensure both teams understand your vision and timeline. This approach helps deliver a unified aesthetic and avoids duplicated efforts or conflicting schedules.

Photography & Videography Packages

We offer a range of customizable photography packages and videography packages to suit different wedding styles and budgets. Each package includes professional coverage, creative direction, high-resolution images or video, and options for full-day or partial-day service. Bundled services help simplify planning while giving you cohesive results.

Our team of experienced wedding photographers and videographers is here to preserve the heart of your wedding day through artistic and authentic coverage. Reach out today to learn more about our available packages and secure your date with a trusted creative team.

Complete Weddings + Events – Des Moines Wedding Photographers

Simplify your wedding planning with a single, trusted team. Book DJ, lighting, photography, videography, photo booth, and coordination with just one phone call to Complete Weddings + Events. Our experienced wedding videographers and photographers work together to ensure your most important moments are captured seamlessly from every angle. Connect with us today to start planning your wedding day with confidence.