There are so many tips one can give on how to get the perfect wedding photos and memories, however I’m going to give you a few quick tips, which will help make your photos truly special.
HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT that is printed in your ceremony program, printed on an entrance sign, AND also verbally announced from your coordinator AND your officiant/pastor/priest to kindly let your guests know that your ceremony is ‘unplugged’ and that there are no phones or photography allowed during the ceremony. This will let the professionals be able to create the dream images (free of these distractions) that you’re hoping for. This is my number 1 tip of the day as it has become the biggest issue for wedding photographers in this day and age. Making this known may seem strange to you, but let me tell you, if it’s not announced, your ceremony room will look crazy with multiple phones in the air, blocking your day, as everyone is taking pictures or videoing and standing in the aisle which our pictures will reflect, instead of you. I’ve personally photographed weddings where this was not announced or put into the program, and it is a NIGHTMARE! It is impossible to edit this out of pictures and if Uncle John is in the aisle blocking the photographers view of the first kiss, well, you’re out one of the most sought-after images of the event. Due to not wanting to call out my weddings where this has happened, I will, instead, post public examples of photos of this issue below the list.
CONNECT with each other. Many couples aren’t sure how to pose or what to do when they’re in front of the camera (which is completely OK), and we will be sure to walk you through the process to eliminate any worry or stress. The best thing you can think about going into your engagement session, or during your entire wedding, though, is to ‘connect’ with your soon to be spouse. This connection will reflect in your photos and the genuine expressions and love will show through the lens. So, what do I mean by connect? Basically, I’m suggesting being yourselves and don’t be afraid to show the affection that you would show to each other in front of friends and family. Hold hands, smile, bump into each other (lightly), joke around playfully, laugh, dance, skip and give each other a kiss when it feels right. Photos of you engaged in the other are meaningful and keepsake worthy. Standing side by side with arms down just looking forward will not be a photo that you cherish as much as one where you may be holding his arm, and leaning your head on his shoulder while he’s looking at you, which shows a complete connection.
HEADS UP! While walking down the aisle, leaving the ceremony AND walking through your ‘Send Off’ line, the biggest advice I can give you is to keep your head up while you’re walking. You’re on display at this point. These are the key times you are photographed and many of these images are going to be ‘keepers’ for you. You can look at the camera, at each other, and at your guests, but please try NOT to look at the ground. I don’t know why this is such a common problem I see (even with the wedding party), but if I had to guess, people, in general, become a bit shy when the spotlight is on them, and the nervousness causes them to look down rather than up. If you are aware of this, you’ll be less apt to have it affect your key photos.
SLOW & PAUSE. In addition to the Heads Up, I’d like to add to be sure you take your time walking through these same aisles and lines. Don’t be rushed. Cherish the moments and take it all in. Because the cameras are on you we want to be sure we have time to capture everything in these small amounts of time. I’ve seen couples almost run out of the ceremony! Whoa there kids………. hold those horses a little bit. Some photographers, like myself, use multiple cameras for different looks so give them the time to be able to capture everything they can with their best tools. Breaking up your walks, both out of the ceremony and in the sendoff line, with a pause, stop, dip and a kiss or two is a wonderful way to slow down and ensure you’re going to get the best photo-ops. You may also get a lot of applause, laughs, oooo’s and aaahhh’s along the way too, which is so much fun for everyone.
HOLD HANDS. This day is going to literally FLY by for you both! At your reception, it’ll be easy to get whisked away by Aunt Edna, or pulled aside by a long-lost friend who wants to 100% catch up during YOUR day (which is all fine and dandy), but I suggest doing everything together while holding hands. By doing this you will ensure one won’t get pulled away while you’re making the memories for you both together rather than separate. Guests will respect your time as a couple more, than if it’s just you individually. Sprinkle the room with your presence and greet everyone at each table TOGETHER. This is not only respectful and good etiquette, but it’s also a great way to say hi to those who went out of their way to be there. Most importantly, however, holding hands and staying together through the reception doesn’t leave one spouse out of the equation on all of the experiences. As a guest perspective, whenever I’m at a personal wedding (not as a vendor), I’m so gracious for the couple coming up together to talk to my husband and I to thank us for coming and make us feel important. If we’ve only been greeted by one and not the other, the experience as a guest is not as memorable for us, let alone for the couple.
DETAIL BAG. One of the first things that your photographer will want to do upon their arrival is to photograph your details. These are things that you’ll want to gather in a bag or box and keep together to have on hand to give to the photographer when you arrive. Don’t worry, they’ll give them back. Possibly designating someone to give them to and retrieving them will help to make things run smoothly.
Try to include:
Your jewelry (necklace, earrings etc.)
The wedding rings & bands
His Cuff Links
His Belt
His & Her shoes
Perfume/Cologne
Veil
INVITATION with new envelopes
His tie
Forals
DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF……. Your stress and anxiety over things going wrong will show up in your photos if you let things get to you on your wedding day. Just know, things are going to happen that you hadn’t planned on. It might rain! The Cake may fall! Or, Oh my, the DJ didn’t make it!! Auntie Kay was mean to someone. The veil ripped. One of the bridesmaids’ bouquets was torn up by a toddler. It happens. Stuff. Happens. I’m here to tell you though, that your day will still be the perfect day, and some of the bloopers will become things to laugh about later. It will work itself out and everything will come together one way or another. If you plan on the realization that something ‘may’ happen, and tell yourself it will be ok and that you’ll roll with the punches as they come, you’re more apt to have a spectacular, memorable day………. and photos.
Here’s to you both! I wish you all the best at your wedding and for years to come following this day. Now, before you go though, don’t forget to get some scary entertainment out of the below images of some sweet guests ruining wedding photos with their cell phones. Ha.
Examples of cell phone problems at weddings and what verbiage to use:
