As a photojournalistic photographer I have two modes of capturing photos on a wedding day:
1) Guided Candids:
I give easy prompts to follow and let you improvise to get candid-looking photos. I'll also attempt to crack a joke or two to get you laughing. I do this for some of the getting ready shots, bridal, family, and couple's portraits, as well as sunset/night shots.
2) Candids:
This is when I'm quietly moving around like a ninja to capture the day as it unfolds naturally before me. I do this for the rest of the day as you hang out with your bridal party, while you're getting ready, during the ceremony and reception.
However, in order for me to capture more emotional/meaningful moments throughout the day, these moments need to happen. And while you can't control people's emotions, you can definitely plan to have special moments with your loved ones to give them an opportunity to be more personal with you. Here are some ideas on how you can do that:
Consider getting ready together
I love this alternative getting ready idea! It's nice to start the day with each other, which I'm sure helps calm some nerves before walking down the aisle too. For this couple, they wanted to put on their attire separately, do a first look, then finish helping each other get ready - putting on the boutonniere, shoes, necklace, etc. It's also nice to have the same background for both of your getting ready moments so that it looks more visually consistent.
First Look with Parent(s)
Have a first look with your dad, your grandparents, your bridal party, or whoever you want to share this moment with. It gives you both a special moment to share, as well as a set of memorable photographs of genuine reactions.
Write & Read Love Letters
I'm all about stopping to smell the roses, and what better way to do so on your wedding day than to write a love letter to each other for you to read before the ceremony! You can either read them in private after getting ready or read them to each other during your first look/touch.
Get Your Grandparents Involved
1) Give them an important wedding role - whether that's officiating your wedding, or being the flower-girl/ringbearer.
2) Alternatively, take a second to capture a "generations photo" with you and your new partner, your parents, and your grandparents!
Bubbles
Flower petals
Sparklers
Confetti
Streamers
Epic Celebration Photos!
For Receiving Lines, Send-Off's or even Night Shots at the end of Reception
Thanking your Guests
This has become quite a trend recently, especially during and after COVID years. Couples have taken the mic mid-reception to thank their guests for coming out to their wedding and celebrating with them. This is a great way for you to show a heartful appreciation to your loved ones and a classy way to toast them!
PARENTS' TOASTS
If only one of your parents is giving a toast, consider having the other stand with them for equal photography opportunity. This way you get both of their emotions & reactions, and you'll only have to choose one photo for your album which will have both parents in them;) (In this special occasion, the FOB asked his whole family to come up during his toast)
