Must-Have Wedding Moments to Add to Your Photo Shot List

Capturing Your Big Day at Anthony’s Ocean View 

Your wedding day will be filled with emotion, energy, and unforgettable moments, but it will also go by faster than you expect. That’s why creating a thoughtful photo shot list is one of the most important parts of planning your celebration.

At Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven, CT, we’ve had the honor of hosting countless weddings along the Long Island Sound, and we’ve seen firsthand which moments couples treasure most for years to come. Here are the must-have wedding moments you’ll want your photographer to capture.

Getting Ready: The Calm Before the Celebration

The “getting ready” portion of the day is often filled with anticipation, laughter, and meaningful quiet moments.

Be sure to capture:

• The dress hanging before you put it on
• Hair and makeup finishing touches
• Candid laughter with your wedding party
• Cufflinks, jewelry, shoes, and detail shots
• Emotional moments with parents or close friends

These images help tell the full story of your wedding day—not just the ceremony and reception, but the excitement leading up to it.

The First Look (or First Touch)

Whether you choose a private first look or a first touch around a corner, this is one of the most emotional moments of the entire day.

Your photographer should be ready to capture:

• The anticipation before seeing each other
• The exact moment of reaction
• Genuine emotion—tears, laughter, or surprise
• A few quiet moments together afterward

These photos often become some of the most cherished images from the entire wedding.

Ceremony Details & Emotional Reactions

Your ceremony is the heart of your wedding day—and it’s filled with meaningful moments from start to finish.

Must-capture shots include:

• The venue set-up and décor
• Guests arriving and taking their seats
• The processional entrance
• The exchange of vows and rings
• The first kiss as newlyweds
• Guests’ emotional reactions

At a waterfront venue like Anthony’s Ocean View, the backdrop of the Long Island Sound adds an unforgettable layer of natural beauty to every shot.

Just Married Moments by the Water

One of the most unique advantages of a waterfront venue is the opportunity for breathtaking post-ceremony portraits.

Don’t miss:

• Newlywed portraits by the shoreline
• Walking hand-in-hand near the water
• Candid laughter with the ocean breeze
• Sunset shots over the Long Island Sound

These are the images that often end up framed in your home for years to come.

Cocktail Hour & Guest Experience

Cocktail hour captures the celebration in full swing—your guests enjoying themselves while you take a moment to soak it all in.

Be sure your photographer captures:

• Signature cocktails and bar details
• Passed hors d’oeuvres and food stations
• Guests mingling and laughing
• Group photos with friends and family
• The atmosphere of your cocktail space

Reception Highlights & Grand Moments

The reception is where your celebration truly comes alive.

Key moments include:

• Grand entrance as newlyweds
• First dance
• Parent dances
• Toasts and speeches
• Cake cutting or dessert table moments
• Dance floor energy and candid fun

These images showcase the joy and personality of your celebration.

Golden Hour Portraits

If there’s one moment you don’t want to skip, it’s golden hour photography.

The soft, glowing light near sunset creates:

• Romantic, cinematic portraits
• Stunning waterfront reflections
• Naturally flattering lighting for couples
• A peaceful break in your busy day

At Anthony’s Ocean View, the shoreline makes golden hour photos especially magical.

Start Planning Your Wedding at Anthony’s Ocean View

From unforgettable waterfront views to elegant reception spaces and exceptional service, Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven, CT, provides the perfect backdrop for every moment of your wedding day.

Schedule a tour today and start envisioning your perfect celebration by the water.