Essential Photoshoot Guide for Brides and Grooms

Ever wondered how some couples seem to effortlessly exude magazine-worthy charm in their photoshoots? Who taught them those perfect poses? Who helped them prepare for a wedding? If you’re itching to unlock the secrets behind those flawless moments, you’re in the right place. In this guide, I will cover all the intricacies to help your big day run smoothly. And your only job will be to focus on saying “I do” and have a blast!

 

First things first- make priorities with your partner

I understand how precious your photos are to you. To make sure we capture the photos that mean the most to both of you, I suggest taking a moment together to discuss your priorities. It’s possible that some photos hold more significance for one of you than the other. Even if you’re not particularly concerned about some photos, it’s worth considering their importance to your partner. Make a list of must-have shots. Following questions will help you and your partner decide what matters most to both of you:

• Which moments of the wedding day do you want to cherish forever?
• Are there any cultural or religious traditions you want to ensure are documented?
• Are there any specific details or decorations you want to highlight in your wedding album?
• Which specific shots or poses you’ve seen that you absolutely want to recreate?

 

Getting Ready Photos

Your getting ready time can be both fun and stress-free with a few tips. Choosing who to spend the morning of your wedding day with is a meaningful decision. Remember that you have the freedom to choose who you want to share this special time with. Whether it’s a big group or a few close loved ones, the key is to create an atmosphere that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider spending the morning with your partner. Imagine sharing intimate moments, calming each other’s nerves, and creating lasting memories together. Here are a few extra tips: Keeping your space tidy will creating a stress-free environment for getting ready and taking photos. To help capture gorgeous photos, natural light and space are essential. Some of the mess may still be visible in the photos, and that’s ok. As a documentary photographer, I believe there’s a unique charm in every moment, including the chaos. Whether you opt to prepare at home or another venue, remember to choose a location that reflects your style and vibe.  

Ceremony- when to have a plan B

Are you considering including flower girls in the ceremony? Tiny humans walking down the aisle are adorable, but past experience has taught me it’s best to have a plan B in case things don’t go as smoothly as planned. If the little ones get overwhelmed or decide to do their own thing mid-walk, have someone close to them ready to step in and help them down the aisle.

Walking down the isle is such a precious moment. If the thought of walking down the aisle feels overwhelming, remember that you have options. You can choose to walk with a loved one, including your partner, to take the spotlight off of you. And if you’re not a fan of traditions, feel free to skip the walk down the aisle altogether and show up in a way that feels true to you. Extra tip: If you’ll be holding a bouquet, it’s best to hold it at your belly button with relaxed arms. Wearing a long dress? You may need to keep one hand free in case you need to slightly lift it while walking.

In case you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, keep in mind that sometimes it can get windy. If you decide to wear a veil, it’s a good idea to show your wedding party how to remove or adjust it so they can help you. Also, keep in mind that it’s perfectly normal to take a moment to adjust your outfit, remove your veil, or even sit down during your ceremony. Your loved ones are there to support and celebrate you, and they will understand if you need to take a break to feel more comfortable.  

Family portraits and group shoots

Navigating family portraits and group shoots can be a breeze with a bit of preparation. First of all, I kindly request that you compile a list of desired shots and share them with me ahead of time. To help everything run smoothly, I will ask one of your trusted friends or family members to assist me in gathering the different groups. Depending on the size of your family, this can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 1 hour.  

Couple shoot essentials

I understand that posing for photos can be daunting, but trust me, I will be there every step of the way, guiding you and making you feel at ease. And if you’re not a fan of posing, no problem! I love capturing candid moments too, and I will provide subtle prompts to help you feel natural and comfortable during your shoot. Extra tip: When preparing for a couple shoot, it’s essential to bring along a few key items.

• Touch-up makeup and mirror.
• Comb & Bobby Pins
• Spare Shoes (just in case your feet get sore if we’re walking a lot between locations)
• Permits for shooting locations
• Champagne/ Refreshments
• Sunscreen
• Emergency kit with safety pins, stain remover, and sewing kit
• Tissue for blotting sweat or tears
• Snacks

 

Dinner and reception

To make sure we capture the heartfelt moments of your speeches and guests’ reactions, having adequate lighting in the speech area is important. First dance hot tip – ask your venue to dim the lights and your guests to hold up their phones with their torches on. This will create a concert-like vibe and make for some incredible photos.  

Wanna know more?

At the bottom of this page, you can download our free guide with more detailed information on how to pose naturally on your big day.