I’ve been photographing weddings for over a decade.

I have spent those years refining my approach: to photograph each wedding day with elegance, artistry, and authentic emotion in each frame. I love the beauty and unique design of each celebration, and the joy and anticipation I feel from everyone involved, especially the couple. But most of all I adore the way they bring people together.

Weddings show the value of community. We are all shaped by our families and communities and weddings bring the old and the young together to celebrate two people that they love. It’s so authentic and powerful and I love capturing those emotional moments the most.

I am a big believer in mixing classic portraits with artistic, documentary style photos. I love to capture real life, in all of its imperfections. During portraits I give my couples a lot of guidance, creating movement and emotion in the frame. But for the rest of the day I’m simply there, quietly photographing moments as they happen, without forcing them.

My goal is to provide my couples an extensive gallery of photos on a variety of mediums, including film (both medium format and 35mm), digital, and drone, to provide my clients with an exquisite, well-rounded gallery documenting every part of their day

Of course I guarantee my couples the classic shots, and all important elements of their wedding day. But if you’ve booked a wedding with me, here are 10 other shots you can expect in your wedding gallery! 

1. His reaction when he sees you for the first time

Whether you choose to do a first look or see each other for the first time at your ceremony, the groom’s first reaction is one of my favorite moments of a wedding day. Some grooms are expressive and emotional and some are not, but the eyes show their feelings every time. There’s nothing like it!

2. Bridal Party Smash

We have to showcase the joy of being surrounded by all of your favorite people at one time! One of the easiest ways to bring out real laughter is by asking the bridal party to envelope the bride and groom in a group hug. Such a fun shot!

3. Hands

A shot of the hands is what I call a quiet photo. A photo of hands can exhibit incredible emotion and feeling. It’s as simple as the groom leading the bride on a walk, or his hand on her waist, or a subconcious touch during the reception, a photo of the hands will make its way into your gallery.

4. Grandparents

I’m always honed in on what the grandparents are doing during a wedding day…there are stunning legacy photos to be shot at every wedding. It could be a portrait during cocktail hour, a bride/grandmother moment in the bridal suite, a shot of some fun on the dance floor, all of them are beautiful, and so important.

5. Laughter

Along with elegance and romance, joy is what I’m looking for when I shoot portraits. Somehow throughout my career I have been blessed to work with the most authentic, relaxed people who really just love life. That shows in my work! Photos of real fun, the head-thrown-back-belly-laughter sort of fun will always be in your gallery, not just of you, but of your family and friends as well!

6. Under the Veil

A shot under the veil is one of my favorite romantic photos. It’s why I love when brides choose to wear a cathedral length veil! The best time of day to do this photo is around sunset, so that golden light can filter in. So dreamy!

7. The Shoe Shot

While the entire getting ready process is always photographed, the shot of the bride putting on her shoes is always a favorite. Usually it’s the last finishing touch before going out for the first look, and there is a thrill of anticipation in the air.

8. The signature venue shot

Whether it’s the Historic Manor House at Keswick Vineyards or the hydrangea-lined pathway at Pippin Hill, every venue has unique elements and a signature look that drew you to book your wedding there. Creating beautiful portraits showcasing the most beautiful elements of your venue is one of my top priorities.

9. The “Vogue cover” portrait

While you’ll get plenty of bride and groom portraits together, a powerful portrait of each of you individually is a must in your wedding gallery. I look for neutral walls and beautiful light, or a unique indoor corner of your getting ready suite to create these.

10. The parent portrait

After the bride and groom, the parents are the real VIP’s of the wedding day. I love to grab a portrait of the parents alone during the family portrait time. Most parents haven’t had a formal portrait done in years, and it’s extra special to get this legacy shot on a day that’s filled with so many important family moments.

These are 10 shots you can expect in your wedding gallery! The honor of photographing these once in a lifetime moments is never lost on me. I truly love this job!

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Jessica Lapp is a Charlottesville photographer serving clients all over the state of Virginia. Elegant wedding photography on film and digital, for couples who want to remember the most beautiful day of their lives in an exquisite way. Learn more about the wedding experience here!

Charlottesville Wedding Photographer | Wedding Photography Charlottesville / 10 shots you can expect in your wedding gallery