Wedding Day Tips - From a photographer

Your wedding day is one of the most unforgettable moments of your life, and as a photographer, my job is to capture the essence of that day—from the big moments to the tiniest details. But as much as I love to get all the perfectly composed shots, the real magic happens in the in-between moments: the candid smiles, the joyful tears, the quiet glances between the couple, and the love shared between family members.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your wedding photography experience, ensuring you get beautiful, timeless photos that feel as genuine as your love story.

1. Invite Family to Join You Right After the Ceremony

After you've exchanged vows and sealed the deal with a kiss, take a moment to invite your closest family members to join you for a few photos. This is the perfect time for candid shots and genuine moments of celebration. It's such a natural, heartwarming way to capture the joy and excitement of the day, especially as your family surrounds you, congratulating you and offering their love.

Pro Tip: Send your family members a text message before the big day to invite them to meet you in a special spot after the ceremony. This way you don’t have to worry about them not knowing where to go.

2. Pre-Plan Family Portraits—But with Details

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that family portraits can often be more stressful than they need to be, especially when family members are unsure if they should be included in a group shot. To make things flow more smoothly, I suggest that couples create a list of family portraits beforehand—and be as specific as possible with names! For example, instead of just saying "bride’s family," include the exact names of everyone you want in the shot. This helps avoid any confusion, especially when Aunt Susan might be a bit shy or cousins don’t want to be included in a particular group.

This approach helps everything move quickly and smoothly, allowing for more time to enjoy the day without feeling rushed. Plus, it ensures that everyone who matters is in the photos, and no one gets left out by accident!

3. Take a Moment Alone to Reflect—And Let Me Capture It

The whirlwind of your wedding day can be overwhelming, but there’s one precious moment I always recommend for couples: take a few minutes alone after the ceremony to soak it all in. This doesn’t mean running away to the other side of the venue—just a quiet moment together where you can reflect on everything you’ve just experienced. As your photographer, I’ll stay in the background and let you be fully present with each other. This intimate moment between the two of you will yield some of the most beautiful, emotional photos of the entire day.

Pro Tip: You can do this after the ceremony or even before the reception. It’s just a lovely chance to breathe, laugh, and be a newly married couple without any distractions.

4. Embrace Natural Light & Setting

Classy and upmarket weddings often take place in stunning venues, so why not make the most of the setting? If your ceremony or reception is outdoors, take a few moments to capture you two walking hand-in-hand or sharing a kiss beneath the perfect lighting. Natural light is your friend—it has a way of making everything feel more elegant and timeless.

Don’t worry about trying to "pose" in every shot—let me guide you through the best spots for those naturally glowing moments. Think soft, golden-hour lighting or a backdrop of lush greenery. Your love deserves to shine through, and I’m here to ensure that it does!

5. Stay Calm & Let Go of Perfection

Weddings can feel like a juggling act—especially for couples who want everything to be perfect. But I promise you, the most magical photos come from moments that are relaxed, joyful, and full of genuine emotion. Let go of the pressure to make every shot "Instagram-worthy" and instead focus on being present with each other and your loved ones. Whether it’s your first dance, a quiet whisper, or an impromptu dance-off, those candid, unplanned moments often tell the best story.

I always tell my couples, "It’s your day, so let it flow naturally." I’ll be there to capture it all—from the laughs and kisses to the sweet moments of serenity, everything that makes your wedding day uniquely yours.

6. Don’t Forget the Little Details

Your wedding day is made up of countless little moments that deserve to be remembered: the delicate lace of your wedding dress, the sparkle of your engagement ring, the tiny floral accents in your bouquet. I’ll be sure to capture these details, but you can help me out by thinking of a few things ahead of time.

For example, if you’ve personalised anything—like having a special piece of jewellery, a handkerchief, or a family heirloom—be sure to let me know. These little treasures can add such a personal touch to your wedding album, and I’d love to make sure they’re beautifully documented.

7. Enjoy the Ride!

This is your day, and every moment is worth soaking in. Don’t stress too much about the photos (trust me, I’ve got it covered!). Whether it's the grand entrance into the reception or just the little moments of laughter in between, this day is one to be remembered, cherished, and, most importantly, enjoyed.

I’m so excited to be a part of your wedding journey and to capture every beautiful moment along the way. You deserve to look back at your wedding photos with joy, knowing they truly reflect the love and joy you shared that day. So let’s get ready to make some memories that will last a lifetime!

If you have any other questions or ideas about your wedding photography, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help make this experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible!

With all my love,
Michelle
Your Wedding Photography Expert

P.S. If you're ever unsure about what photos you want to have, don’t worry—I'm here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s make this day unforgettable!