Go all out for your wedding photos – How to prepare for the best photo moments

TIPS for creating the best photo opportunities for your wedding day from professional wedding photographers

There are some key moments in weddings that help photographers create beautiful photos. If you’re ready and prepared for these moments it’ll help elevate your wedding photos to something spectacular.

GETTING READY

It’s important to start at getting ready with all your wedding details. The first couple items are most obvious: the dress, the shoes, and the rings. If they are unpackaged and ready to go for photography it will give the photographers more time to arrange them and work on getting a unique and interesting photo. I highly recommend having your invitations, any other printed material, or anything with your names on it, available for your photographers.

FIRST LOOK

Typically after getting ready, we move on to the first look. I absolutely love when there is a planned activity here. Some options include:

• Write each other a love note and read it at first look
• Exchange a gift
• Bring something sentimental to share
• Plan a surprise

These are all things that help bring out a reaction from your significant other, don’t hold back enjoy the moment and we will capture it to last forever.

CEREMONY

While there is so much happening during the ceremony, there are a couple suggestions that will help with making this moment especially photogenic:

• Ask your officiant to step to the side when its time for the first kiss (so his/her head is not behind you).
• Make sure the kiss is a little longer so that we have time to capture it properly.
• Take your flowers from your MOH before walking back down the aisle.
• Give your guests an action – Bubbles, streamers, rose petals, confetti, etc. It creates beautiful movement in the photos.
• We will stop you halfway to ¾ down the aisle for an exit kiss. Feel free to celebrate and show your joy at being married.
• Champagne toast with the bridal party after the ceremony.

SUNSET

One of our favorite photo sessions during the whole day is “golden hour” on a sunny day. This is a very romantic time to time to take photos of just the two of you. It happens at a different time of day throughout the year but all you need to do is sneak outside for 15 to 20 minutes. If weather permitting, we will ask you during the reception if you want to step outside for the shots, you just have to say yes!

FIRST LOOK AT RECEPTION

This one is pretty simple: checkout your reception space before the guests are let in and take a photo with just the two of you in the room. We love to have you do a short practice of your first dance at this time as well!

SPARKLERS, CIGARS,  & SMORES

Plan on having something fun to do outside after the sun sets. Sparklers (can be just you), cigars, or s’mores are all great ideas.

DANCING AND GROUP PHOTO

The secret to getting fun dance photos is to invite ALL the guests on the dance floor for a group photo and get right into a dance set. Let the DJ know about your plan!

HAVE FUN!

The key to having the most incredible wedding day photos is to have fun! Nothing can replace your memories of the day and faking it won’t cut it. If you have fun we will take care of the rest!