I always, always try to take photos of as many guests at the reception as I can.   Here’s why:

“Hi Ernst! You photographed Kaitlin and Max’s wedding in July 2019 and we TRULY loved what a great job you did at the wedding and reception as well! (This is Kaitlin’s mom). Matter of fact, Kaitlin is working on putting together an album of their wedding as a Valentines Day gift for Max. Last month a good friend of ours, Dan Hinrichsen, who was also a dad of one of Kaitlin’s close friends, passed away from a short, but courageous bout of cancer. He and his wife were at the wedding/reception and you had taken a picture of the two of them during dinner. It really was a beautiful picture and his wife asked if I would send her the file of the pic to use at his visitation, which I did. She said it was such a nice pic of the two of them and she edited it to just display a pic of Dan. I just wanted to thank you for doing such a wonderful job of capturing everyone and know that your work is truly appreciated! I was so happy that you had taken that pic, I know it meant a lot to them to have that memory. I hope all is well with you Ernst! Tammy.”

Whether you invite me to photograph your wedding or have already booked someone else, PLEASE ask your photographer to take as many photos of family and friends as they can.  Going around to each table before the meal and in-between courses is an ideal time (especially as some guests don’t make it onto the dance floor).  It might not seem that important at the time but you, your family and your friends will appreciate it later.