When planning the "shot list" for your wedding album, your photographer will be sure to include the details, special moments – like the first kiss you'll have as husband and wife and, of course, your first dance – as well as all of the joyous parts of the day in between that you'll want to remember forever. In the spirit of Mother's Day, we're sharing one element of the wedding album that we absolutely love: the moments shared between mothers and their children getting married.
If you have a good relationship with your mom, we encourage you to make sure you get a number of photos with her before and during the wedding day. After all, she's been looking forward to this day for a long time too! From sweet, candid moments in the bridal suite while getting into your gown, to fun-loving and touching portraits or glamorous shots of her in her wonderful dress, hair, and makeup, to walking you down the aisle and the mother-son dance (if you'll be taking part in these new customs), you'll want to look back on these images for years to come. Your mom likely played a very important role in the planning process and while fathers of the bride often get more attention on the big day, it's important to make sure mothers also feel special!
For inspiration, take a look at 23 photos of mothers and their daughters (and sons!) on the wedding day, below. Click each photo to see more from these real weddings!
Getting-Ready Photos
One of the easiest ways to make sure you get a photo of your mother during the wedding day is to have your photographer take either formal or informal portraits before the ceremony. Capture all of the sweet, fun, and joyous moments before the day even officially starts!
Photo by Lauren Ross & Nancy Cohn; Planning & Design by Posh Parties Palm Beach;Venue: The Breakers
Photo by Jodee Debes Photography; Bridal Salon: The White Dress; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events
Photo by Kaylie Plummer Photography
Photo by Abigail Lewis Photography
Photo by Collin Pierson Photography
Photo by Adam Barnes; Floral Design by Amaryllis Floral & Event Design
Helping with Your Wedding Dress & Accessories
One of the most classic images of a bride with her mom in a wedding album is the shot of a mother helping her daughter into her wedding dress (or accessories). Especially if the mother of the bride helped you pick out a gown, you'll want to include this in your album!
Photo by Mallory Dawn Photography; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; Venue: Vibiana
Photo by Aevitas Weddings; Planning & Design by Bluebell Events
Photo by Michelle Beller Photography; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events
Photo by Deyla Huss Photography
Glamour Shot
It may be obvious to make sure you get a photo of both you and your mom on your big day; however, after choosing the perfect dress and getting her hair and makeup done, she'll absolutely love having a professional photo of her – and you can frame it as a Mother's Day present the following year!
Walking Down the Aisle
In Jewish weddings, it's customary for both the mother and father to walk their child down the aisle; however, many brides choose to have their mom (or moms!) walk them down the aisle in lieu of a father figure. If this is the case for your celebration, make sure your photographer gets a bunch of shots to choose from!
Photo by Duke Photography; Entertainment by Bob Gail Events; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events; Rentals by Revelry Event Designers
Photo by Vitor Lindo Photo + Video; Aisle Runner by The Original Runner Company; Bridal Salon: Mark Ingram Atelier; Entertainment by EastCoast Entertainment; Planning & Design by Kelli Corn Weddings and Events
Photo by M. Hart Photography; Floral Design by Lilla Bello; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events
Photo by Samuel Lippke Studios
Mother-Son Dance
While the father-daughter dance has been popular for generations, modern-day weddings now often feature a mother-son dance to honor mom during the reception.
Photo by Fitz Carlile Photography; Venue: Vibiana
Photo by Bob & Dawn Davis Photography; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; Rentals by Revelry Event Designers