the one with tips for the bride + groom
Dear Bride + Groom,
You are getting married very soon and I really want you to have the BEST day and have the BEST WEDDING PHOTOS! So, here are 7 quick tips I’ve put together to help with that.
relax and TRUST ME. I’ve got this. HELLO! Even though this may be your first wedding, it’s not my first rodeo. I’ve done this a time or two and know what I’m doing.
BE AS CAMERA UNAWARE AS POSSIBLE AND SMILE! Easier said than done, I know. But just ignore me. I want you to try and forget that you are being photographed. What’s going to make your photographs great is simply the two of you together with family and friends. Be yourself, smile a lot, cry a lot, do what comes in the moment!
LOOK AT EACH OTHER. When couples look at each other, emotions flow and people enjoy themselves! Meaning, YOUR GUESTS. They are there to celebrate you and when they see you having a great time with each other, it just makes the entire room feel the joy! Choose joy and look at each other.
Below are some key moments to do just that…
during the toasts
any time you two are walking down an aisle
when dancing
I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU MAN AND WIFE. It’s exciting! 7/10 brides forget their bouquet immediately after these words and that kiss. And can we talk about that kiss for a minute? That kiss is EVERYTHING. Maybe talk about it for a moment just between the two of you. Not too long not too short. Just right, like baby bear. AND when you walk down that aisle as husband and wife, look at each other! It’s exciting! You did it!
CAKE CUTTING. No one knows how to do this, I mean, come on! How many times have you actually cut a cake? With one hand? And in a dress? The main thing to remember is there are no rules. It’s you two, cutting a cake together. Have fun! Kiss a little frosting and enjoy it! If you think it may get a bit messy, let him feed you first. That way you have the chance for a payback. 😉
THE EXIT I’m a pro. I can photograph almost anything. And the exit is typically a joy filled crazy run away. Take it slow. Stroll if you can. Enjoy the exit and the shower of birdseed, flower petals or sparks, whatever. And unless someone is chasing you, take it all in. All the love and excitement from all your guests who are there celebrating with you!
THE DETAILS It’s not something you really think about, but it’s something I think about every time I edit wedding photos. Lose the iPhone. They create bulges in your wedding suit. Unecessary bulges that compete with other bulges. And your glasses? If you wear them and they do not have non-glare lenses, you may want to look at having them replaced. Little details like this go a long way in making your wedding photos the BEST they can be!
DON’T BE AFRAID Most of all, more then anything…don’t be afraid to show the real you that day. It may feel awkward at first, me in your face and photographing you all day, but don’t worry. If you can BE yourself, you know, vulnerability is scary, but if you can, you will LOVE your photographs!
