Wedding photography day is a big deal. It’s the day when the love, the planning and the excitement come together. And your photographer is there to capture it all. But what exactly happens on this day? How can you make the most of your wedding photography session? In this post, I’ll guide you through every detail so you can know what to expect, how to prepare, and what you can do to get the best photos possible.
Why Wedding Photography Is So Important
Wedding photos are a lot more than just images, they mean memories that would be forever yours. Long after the cake is gone and the flowers have wilted, your photos will bring back the emotions of your special day. This is why having the right photographer and knowing what to expect can change everything.
Preparation and Planning
A few weeks before your wedding, you generally have a more specific chat with your photographer. This is where you’ll go over all the details.
Meet Your Photographer
This is a perfect opportunity for you to tell your story and break the ice with your photographer, so you would be comfortable with them. They’ll ask about your vision, style, and special moments to capture. Any good photographer will want to know every detail, from your wedding colours to family dynamics.
Must-Have Shots
Make a list of must-have shots. Maybe a particular group shot, or a close-up of the rings, or that moment you want to be photographed.
Timeline
Your photographer will want to know the schedule for the day. When does the ceremony start? When are you planning the first dance? They will use that information to develop your photography plan.
It may sound like a lot of prep work but it pays off on the day of the wedding. When your photographer knows what matters most to you, they can work like a dream team. All you need to do is enjoy your wedding and let them manage everything else behind the camera.
Getting Ready Photos
Your photographer will most likely start bright and early, capturing you (as well as your wedding party) getting ready. There is a lot of expectation and excitement. This is when the real transformation happens and you really start to feel like a bride or groom.
The Bride’s Getting Ready Photos
- Hair and Makeup: The finishing touches of hair and makeup are perfect for photos. They show the transformation as you get ready to become a bride.
- The Dress and Accessories: Expect the photographer to take detailed shots of your gown hanging, shoes, bouquet, jewellery and probably the perfume before you put on the dress.
- Getting into the Dress: Perhaps one of the most emotional moments is when the bride actually puts on her dress. No matter if it is your mom, sister or best friend helping you out, this is a very exciting moment.
- The Reactions: The look on your bridesmaids or parent’s face when they see you in your dress for the first time is like no other. These are often candid shots full of joy and sometimes tears.
- Final Details: Shots of you putting on your earrings, placing your veil, or closing your eyes as you take a deep breath before walking out the door may seem small but they tell so much!
The Groom’s Getting Ready Photos
- Getting Dressed: Candid shots of the groom putting on his tie, buttoning his shirt, or adjusting his cufflinks are traditional images that never go out of style.
- Groomsmen Fun: There’s usually a lot of laughter and joking around during this time. These are fun shots of the groom chilling with his friends.
- Last Details: The groom putting on his watch, adjusting his boutonniere, or admiring a gift or letter from the bride are some lovely moments.
- The Calm Before the Storm: A photo of the groom at ease with himself, maybe looking out of a window or taking a deep breath are moments full of emotion.
Getting ready session is also great when you and your partner want to exchange gifts or letters before the ceremony. This is a more personal and emotional moment that you will not want someone interrupting you and your photographer would be able to capture without being intrusive.
Pro Tip: Keep the getting-ready room tidy. A cluttered room can be distracting in photos. Designate a space for bags and items you don’t want in the background.
First Look (if planned)
The first look is a wedding trend that started to make waves in the last few years. It’s a private moment where the couple sees each other for the first time before the ceremony. It’s a very personal, emotional, and often tearful experience. Not everyone does a first look, but if you are nervous and want a private moment to be together before the ceremony this is a great option.
How Does a First Look Work?
A first look is typically planned into the wedding day timeline, usually about 15-30 minutes before the ceremony. Here’s what usually happens:
- The Setup: Your photographer will choose a quiet, scenic spot with good lighting. One partner (often the groom) will be positioned with their back turned, waiting for the big reveal.
- The Reveal: One partner (usually the bride) will walk up from behind and tap their partner on the shoulder or say their name. When they turn around, your photographer will capture all your reactions, like the smiles, tears and loving glances.
- The Moment Together: Right after the reveal, couples usually get to hug, chat, shed some tears, and enjoy the moment! This time is captured in a more natural way than particular posing directions, just to let you be yourselves.
Pro Tips: Make sure you schedule enough time for the first look without feeling rushed. It usually takes about 15-30 minutes. And you do not have to worry about posing or doing anything special. The best photos are the ones that show your true emotions.
Capturing the Ceremony
The ceremony is the heart of the wedding day. It’s the moment when everything you’ve planned, dreamed, and hoped for becomes a reality. For your photographer, this is a key part of the day to capture because it’s where the most memorable moments happen. What you can expect:
The Walk Down the Aisle
This is when you, your partner, and your wedding party make their grand entrance. The photographer will capture:
- The bridal party walking down the aisle.
- The entrance of the groom (especially if he has an emotional reaction).
- The bride’s entrance, capturing the reactions of both the bride and groom.
Pro tip: Walk slowly and take your time. This isn’t just for dramatic effect, it also gives your photographer more time to capture beautiful shots of your entrance.
The Exchange of Vows
The vows are a very important part of the ceremony. This is where you and your partner declare your commitment and love for each other. This moment is so emotional that your photographer will concentrate on the close-ups to capture every detail:
- Couple holding hands or looking into each other’s eyes as they read their vows.
- Emotional reactions, such as laughter, smiles or maybe a tear.
- Any personalised vows or gestures that make this moment unique to your relationship.
The Ring Exchange
Placing rings on each other’s fingers symbolises the promises you’re making. These small, detailed shots add depth to your wedding album:
- The close-up of each person placing the ring on their partner’s hand.
- Hands holding together after the ring is placed, symbolising unity.
- The expressions on both faces during this moment.
The First Kiss
The moment everyone is waiting for! Your photographer will be ready to snap that iconic first kiss, and this includes:
- The actual kiss, along with the expressions of joy just before and after.
- Any special reactions, like a smile shared right after the kiss.
The Recessional
This is your official exit as husband and wife! This is also a fun moment with guests throwing petals, blowing bubbles or cheering loudly making your pictures lively and colourful. The photographer will get the happiness on your faces when you two walk back down the aisle together, hand in hand, ready to celebrate.
Pro Tip: Don’t rush during the recessional. This is the time to walk slowly and enjoy this moment, listen to the claps and cheers from your guests. Your photographer will be there to capture those moments that happen once in a lifetime.
Guests’ Reactions
While the focus is on you, the photographer will also capture the reactions of your guests. Parents wiping away tears, friends smiling, or children looking on in awe.
Pro Tip: Trust your photographer to capture everything naturally. You (and your guests) don’t need to look at the camera during the ceremony. Focus on your partner and the moment. You’ll love the results.
Wide Shots of the Ceremony
Your photographer will also step back to capture wide-angle shots of the entire ceremony. This allows you to see the full atmosphere (the décor, the guests, the setting) and how everything comes together to make the moment feel even more magical.
Pro Tip: If you have specific decor details that are important to you (like a custom altarpiece or special aisle flowers), let your photographer know beforehand so they can make sure to capture them.
Family and Group Portraits
After the ceremony, there’s usually a time for family and group photos. This part can get a little crazy, but it’s also very important. You can make everything easier by doing this:
- Make a List: Consider your family members and other groups with which you would like to take some pictures. This helps the photographer stay organised and makes sure no one is missed.
- Assign a Helper: Choose someone (like a bridesmaid or groomsman) who knows the family well to help gather people for photos. This speeds things up and keeps everything on track.
- Keep It Short: Long group photo shoots can be draining for everyone. Stick to the essential groups and keep the rest of the session candid and fun.
Pro Tip: If you have elderly family members or young children, take their photos first. This way, they can rest or go back to playing without getting tired or fussy.
Couple Portraits
This is one of the most special parts of the day. It’s a time for just the two of you to relax, enjoy each other and take beautiful love shots.
- Posing: Your photographer will help with some posing, but they’ll also encourage natural interactions. Don’t worry about doing it perfectly, just focus on each other.
- Location: Your photographer will find places with interesting light and backgrounds, be it a beach, garden or city street.
- Golden Hour: Try to get a few photos in what is called the “golden hour,” which is just before sunset. Your photos would be stunning with the soft and warm light.
The Reception
The wedding reception is that part of the day when all the formal stuff is done and everyone can party. This is the time to relax, have fun and enjoy moments with all your guests, including your partner. Here is what your photographer will capture:
The Grand Entrance
Your photographer will snap all the smiles, waves and happy vibes as you and your partner get introduced for the first time as a newlywed couple.
Pro Tip: Make this entrance your own! Whether you decide to dance your way or keep it simple, the energy of the moment is what makes the photos shine.
The First Dance
This moment is between you and your partner. Your photographer will capture your emotions, how connected you are and the beauty of this dance.
Pro Tip: You do not have to have perfect dance moves. Have fun with your partner, and those raw emotions will speak a thousand words in the pictures.
Speeches
Speeches are all about your family and friends sharing stories, perhaps some advice and wishes for both of you on your wedding day. Your photographer will capture both the person giving the speech and your reactions as you listen.
Pro Tip: Keep tissues nearby! There is something about emotional speeches that can trigger happy and joyous tears which lead to some truly beautiful and heartfelt photographs.
The Cake Cutting
After some close-ups of the cake, your photographer will document you as you cut and feed each other your first slice.
Pro Tip: Communicate with your partner beforehand if you’re planning a cake smash, so no one is surprised! This way the photographer can get all the reactions at the right moment.
Dinner and Buffet
Your photographer will take a step away for dinner to snap some more informal pictures of guests eating and socialising with each other. You can expect shots of the table decorations, the centrepieces, and any special touches you’ve included in your reception setup.
Dancing
Whether it be the slow dances or the crazy party moves, your photographer will be there to document all of the fun.
Pro Tip: The reception is a great time for candid photos. Make your guests dance, laugh, and have fun. The more fun they have, the better the photos will be.
Bouquet Toss
Your photographer will capture all the excitement and madness of guests charging up to get your bouquet, you throwing it, and the reactions of whoever catches it.
Pro Tip: These moments happen fast, so be sure to warn your photographer so they can be ready.
The Grand Exit
Any exit you’ve planned (sparkler send-off or a confetti toss), will be covered by your photographer. This final series of photos is a wonderful way to wrap up the night and gives your album a beautiful conclusion to your day.
Final Thoughts
A wedding photography day is not just taking pictures of you, it is a chance to capture the love, the emotions and everything which makes your day different from everyone else. Knowing what to expect and with some prep work you can guarantee beautiful images, a stress-free process for all, and memories to last a lifetime
Ready to plan your perfect wedding photography day? For more tips, ideas and inspiration to capture the best shots on your wedding day, get in touch.
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