Your wedding photos, like your wedding vows themselves, are meant to last forever. You can make sure those photos capture you in all your bridal glory by following these foolproof steps to picture perfection.

Step 1: Hire a good photographer. The best wedding photographer is the one who makes you feel comfortable at your very first pre-wedding meeting, and who understands exactly how you want your wedding photos to look and feel. Make sure the photographer shows you actual wedding photos he or she has shot, and talk to the photographer’s former clients for feedback and referrals. Don’t rely on eager but inexperienced family members or friends who offer to save you money by snapping pix on your big day, but do let them take photos of their own and send you the best shots as keepsakes.

Step 2: Have your makeup done by a professional. A pro makeup artist knows how to utilize cosmetics to make your face look its best under specific photo conditions (harsh lights, flash, sunlight, etc.). Do a run-through with your makeup artist prior to your wedding, and make sure you feel comfortable with how you look. On your wedding day, have touch-up supplies at arm’s reach (oil blotting sheets, pressed powder, lipstick and lip liner, mirror, etc.). Last but not least, two words: waterproof mascara!

Step 3: Practice in front of a mirror. Take a tip from Tyra and spend a few moments rehearsing your smiling and posing. Closed- or open-mouth smile? Right side of your face or left? You’ll get a sense of your preferences and be ready for your close-up when the photographer points and shoots.

Step 4: Work your angles. Don’t face the camera head-on, but rather tilt your body 45 degrees, even in portrait shots. Also, follow the lead of your favorite celebrities, and slightly cross your legs when standing, placing the heel of your forward foot near the toe of your rear foot. This position will help to narrow your silhouette and avoid the dreaded “deer in the headlights” look.

Step 5: Check before the click. Prior to any posed photo shoot on your wedding day (directly after your ceremony, cake-cutting, etc.), check your hair and makeup, and make any necessary adjustments. Smooth down flyaway hairs, and blot or powder the shine off your nose and forehead. Our favorite pretty-picture trick? After touching up your makeup, press your palms to your cheeks, hold for a moment, then release. This will give your face a natural, rosy glow and minimize the overdone look that sometimes mars wedding photos.

Step 6: Relax. Before your photographer shoots, take a couple of deep breaths and lower your shoulders (but keep your neck long and chin slightly down—again, what would we do without Tyra??). Feel the love surrounding you, savor the joy of the moment and smile.