Seven ways to get the best possible ceremony photos on your Wedding Day.
When the dust settles and the honeymoon tan starts to fade you’re left with four things from your wedding day. Your partner, your rings, your memories and your photos. In the moment, I hope you’ll only be thinking about enjoying yourself and making those memories, but there are a few things you can plan ahead of time to guarantee those awesome photos for you album and walls!
Here are my top tips for stunning ceremony photos.
Light light light -
If you’re in a traditional church or similar, this one isn’t in your control. But if you have any choice when discussing your ceremony with your venue, opt for curtains open and overhead lights off. You want as much natural light as possible. Candles, twinkle lights and statement lighting are great additions for interest without messing with colour, though!
Avoid the bulge! -
Suit wearers! This one is for you. You might stuff your phone and keys in your pockets every other day but if you’re part of the wedding party this is a big no-no. Ideally, leave keys and phones with a friend or family member. If you absolutely have to keep your phone on you during the ceremony, inside your jacket pocket is the way to go. Filled pockets leave unsightly bulges and outlines that you’re not going to want, trust me!
Take it slow -
When you’re planning that walk down the aisle, opt for slow. Give every single member of your walking bridal party their own moment to shine by having them take it in turns to walk, rather than walking in a procession together. This both draws out that delicious anticipation and allows your photographer (and videographer if you have one) to really do everyone justice!
Unplug -
If left to their own devices you’ll find almost every person at your ceremony will have their phone out throughout your ceremony, particularly for aisle moments and the ‘I do’. While I totally appreciate people’s excitement, phones and tablets (yes, it happens all the time!!) sticking up all over the place definitely draws the attention away from what’s important. You’ll have photos of every moment from your photographer, especially if you’ve opted for a second shooter, so rest assured you’re not going to miss out. An unplugged ceremony means better photos AND your family and friends staying in the moment.
Opt for the second shooter -
Your photographer should capture all the most important parts of your wedding ceremony, but they can only be in one place at a time! A second shooter can get different angles, is free to be more creative and take more risks, and can capture a lot more candid and natural moments throughout. If you want to see the look on your grandparent’s and parent’s faces as you walk down the aisle, a second shooter is your best possible shot!
Kiss like you mean it!-
If you want that big movie kiss shot, it is within your reach! Here are my top tips. Firstly, talk to your priest/registrar/celebrant beforehand and kindly ask them if they’ll take a step to the side after they announce that you’re married. That moment is all about you! Secondly, to allow for the first tip, take a beat before you jump in. Look each other in the eyes, take in the moment. You’re married! Thirdly, take your time, no quick pecks here.
Enjoy yourself! -
If I could give you one tip over all others for photos that you love it is this. Forget I’m there, relax into this day with all your favourite people and have the best time ever! Real, uninhibited smiles make photos to remember and cherish. Celebrate, cheer, smile, kiss and dance like it’s the best day of your life!
That’s it! Walk into that ceremony knowing your only jobs once you’re there are to be in the moment, take your time and enjoy yourself. Your photographer will do the rest!
Hey! I’m Elise, A wedding photographer based in WIltshire, UK.
Ready to tick ‘find a photographer’ off your t0-do list? Get in touch so we can start chatting about your wedding! I can’t wait to meet you.