Wedding Day Keepsakes & Memories: Photography, Guest Books, and Dress Preservation Tips

Q: What are must have wedding photos?

Must have wedding photos include dress details, getting ready moments, first look, ceremony shots, emotional guest reactions, golden hour portraits, and reception candids like first dances, cake cutting, and dance floor fun.

Q: Should we do a first look before the ceremony?

A first look can calm nerves, allow more photo time, and help you enjoy cocktail hour. But if you prefer the tradition of seeing each other at the altar, skipping it is just as special. Do what feels right for you as a couple.

Q: How do I choose the right wedding photographer?

Choose a photographer with a style that matches your vision, strong full-gallery portfolios, great communication, and a personality that puts you at ease. Always ask to see full wedding albums, not just highlight reels.

Q: What are creative guest book ideas?

Creative guest book ideas include Polaroid albums, audio guestbooks with vintage phones, artwork signing, puzzle pieces, Jenga blocks, or notes in a bottle. Choose something fun and meaningful to display or revisit after the wedding.

Q: How do I preserve my wedding dress after the wedding?

Have your dress professionally cleaned and preserved using acid-free materials. Store it in a cool, dry, dark place never in plastic bags or a damp attic. Ask your bridal boutique for specialist recommendations.

jmajors
May 28
3 min read

Your wedding day will fly by in the most beautiful blur, and that’s why it’s so important to preserve those memories with intention. From photography to keepsakes, here are answers to the questions every bride asks about capturing and treasuring their big day.

Wedding Dresses Charlotte NC — Capturing best parts of your wedding day

What Are Must Have Wedding Photos?

Your wedding album should feel like a time capsule — full of joy, emotion, and the in-between moments you didn’t even realize were happening.

Here’s a list of must-have shots:

Pre-Ceremony

The dress on its hanger
Flat lay of accessories, shoes, and invitation suite
Hair and makeup moments
Bride with bridesmaids and family
Groom getting ready with his party
First look (if you’re doing one)

Ceremony

Walking down the aisle
Partner’s first look reaction
Vows, ring exchange, first kiss
Candid guest reactions
Exit / recessional

Reception

First dance
Toasts and laughter
Cake cutting
Party and dance floor energy
Intimate newlywed shots at golden hour

✨ Pro Tip: Give your photographer a short list of priority moments and people — but let them work their magic, too. The best photos are often the unplanned ones.

Should We Do a First Look Before the Ceremony?

It’s totally up to you! Both options are meaningful — it just depends on your style and timeline.

Benefits of a First Look:

Calms nerves and allows for a private, emotional moment
Gives you more time for couple and group photos before the ceremony
Frees up cocktail hour so you can actually attend it!

Why Some Couples Skip It:

They want the aisle moment to be the first look
Tradition matters to them
The timeline allows for photos afterward

There’s no wrong answer, just go with what feels right for you as a couple.

How Do I Choose the Right Wedding Photographer?

Your photographer will be with you more than almost anyone else on your wedding day — so choose someone you trust and vibe with.

What to look for:

A photography style that matches your vision (light & airy, moody, documentary, etc.)
A portfolio that shows consistency in both posed and candid shots
Strong communication and an organized approach to the timeline
Genuine personality fit — you should feel relaxed around them
Transparent pricing and clear contract terms

✨ Bonus Tip: Ask to see a full wedding gallery, not just highlight reels on Instagram.

What Are Creative Guest Book Ideas?

Ditch the basic bound book and try something that reflects your personality as a couple.

Unique guest book alternatives:

Polaroid guest book: Guests snap selfies and leave a note
Audio guestbook: A vintage-style phone records heartfelt or hilarious messages
Custom artwork: Guests sign a map, painting, or record that can be displayed in your home
Message-in-a-bottle: Guests write advice or notes to be opened on future anniversaries
Puzzle pieces or Jenga blocks: Fun, interactive, and keepsake-worthy

Whatever you choose, make sure it’s easy for guests to find and use — and assign someone to encourage participation!

How Do I Preserve My Wedding Dress After the Wedding?

Your gown holds so much meaning — and preserving it properly will keep it looking beautiful for years to come.

Steps to preserve your wedding dress:

Don’t wait, have it professionally cleaned ASAP to prevent staining from sweat, makeup, or spills
Choose a preservation specialist (preferably someone experienced in bridal fabrics)
Ask for acid-free storage and archival-quality materials
Store it in a cool, dry, dark space — not the attic or basement
Avoid DIY storage in plastic bags or regular garment boxes

✨ Local tip: Ask your bridal boutique (like us!) for recommended preservation partners who specialize in delicate gowns.

Final Thoughts

Weddings are about moments, big and small, and how you choose to capture and preserve those memories is just as important as the day itself. From the photos you’ll frame to the gown you’ll treasure, your wedding deserves care that lasts long after the last dance.

At J. Major’s Bridal Boutique, we believe that helping you feel beautiful on your wedding day also means helping you hold onto the moments that matter most.