How to Select the Perfect Photos for Your Wedding Album

A San Antonio Wedding Photographer’s guide to curating a timeless heirloom.

Your wedding photos are one of the most meaningful keepsakes you’ll take away from your celebration. As a San Antonio wedding photographer, one of the most common questions I hear from couples is: “How do we choose which photos go into our wedding album?”

With hundreds (sometimes thousands!) of images to choose from, narrowing them down can feel overwhelming. But with the right approach, selecting photos becomes a fun and intentional process that results in a gorgeous, handcrafted heirloom you’ll treasure for generations.

Here’s how to curate a wedding album that tells the story of your day with emotion, elegance, and purpose.

1. Start With the Story You Want to Tell

A beautifully designed wedding album reads like a visual narrative — a beginning, middle, and end.

As you go through your gallery, look for images that capture the flow of your San Antonio wedding day:

• Getting ready with your bridal party

• First look moments or quiet pre-ceremony portraits

• Ceremony highlights and emotional reactions

• Newlywed portraits

• Family formals

• Reception details and décor

• Toasts, dances, and candid celebrations

A mix of wide shots, emotional close-ups, and genuine moments will give your album a natural rhythm that reflects your day. 

See FULL WEDDING ALBUM

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2. Choose Emotion Over Perfection

While a flawless portrait is always lovely, the images that end up meaning the most are often the ones filled with emotion.

Look for:

• Authentic reactions

• Candid interactions

• Laughter, tears, hugs

• Moments you didn’t even notice happening

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These are the photos that transport you back into the heart of your San Antonio wedding day — how it felt, not just how it looked.

3. Be Selective With Family and Group Photos

Family portraits are important, but that doesn’t mean every grouping needs to make the album.

A good guideline:

• Choose the groupings that feel meaningful

• Include parents, grandparents, siblings, and chosen family

• Mix posed portraits with candid moments for warmth and personality

This helps your album feel intentional instead of crowded.

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4. Include the Details That Defined Your Day

As a wedding photographer in San Antonio, I love capturing the details couples carefully plan — from vibrant Hill Country florals to unique reception décor.

Make sure to include detail photos like:

• Bridal accessories

• Bouquets and boutonnieres

• Ceremony arches

• Reception tablescapes

• Cakes, signage, and décor elements

These small touches add richness to your album’s story and help preserve the atmosphere of your venue.

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5. Select a Variety of Couples Portraits

Your couples portraits are often the most iconic images of your entire wedding day.

Include:

• A classic, timeless portrait

• Romantic or artistic images

• Playful and candid shots

• A scenic San Antonio or Hill Country backdrop if part of your day

These are the images you’ll want printed, framed, and displayed in your home.

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6. Aim for 60–100 Photos for Most Albums

While your full gallery will contain many images, your wedding album is strongest when curated.

General guideline:

• 20-page album: 60–80 images

• 30-page album: 80–120 images (depending on layout)

Less is more. A clean, intentional design feels luxurious and easy to enjoy.

7. Trust Your Photographer’s Expertise

If you’re overwhelmed, your photographer can guide you. Many San Antonio wedding photographers (myself included) offer album pre-designs, giving you a professionally curated layout you can adjust.

This ensures your story flows smoothly from start to finish.

8. Why I Use Miller’s Lab for Wedding Albums

Your heirloom deserves craftsmanship that will last a lifetime. That’s why I proudly offer Miller’s Professional Imaging Album, one of the most trusted labs in the industry.

What Makes Miller’s Lab Albums Special:

• Exceptional print quality: Rich color accuracy and consistent tones.

• Premium materials: Leather, linen, suede, and custom photo covers.

• Thick, lay-flat pages: Perfect for full-spread images.

• Archival construction: Designed to last for generations.

• Modern, timeless design options: Clean layouts and elegant finishes.

• Fast turnaround: Quick delivery without sacrificing craftsmanship.

If you're looking for the highest-quality wedding albums in San Antonio, Miller’s Lab provides heirloom-level artistry.

9. Make Photo Selection a Shared Experience

Turn the selection process into a date night. Get cozy, relive your San Antonio wedding day together, and choose the images that mean the most to both of you. The moments you both connect with will naturally rise to the top.

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Final Thoughts

Your wedding album isn’t just a collection of photos — it’s the visual legacy of your love story. With thoughtful selection and a beautifully crafted Miller’s Lab album, you’ll have a timeless keepsake that captures the emotion, beauty, and joy of your San Antonio wedding day.

If you’re ready to begin designing your album — or need help curating your photos — I’d love to guide you every step of the way.  Contact me today!