Wedding Tip: Make the Most of Your "Golden Hour" Photos
Planning a wedding is a big endeavor, and with so many details to juggle, it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed! When it comes to your wedding photos, there are a few simple but powerful tips that can help you capture memories you’ll treasure forever. Here are some tried-and-true wedding tips to get you prepared, comfortable, and photo-ready for the big day.
1. Golden Hour Magic
Golden hour—the hour before sunset or just after sunrise—is the best time to take romantic, warm-lit photos. If you love the look of dreamy, natural light with soft, golden tones, ask your photographer to reserve some time during this magical hour.
How to Plan for Golden Hour:
Coordinate with Your Timeline: Let your planner and photographer know early on that you'd like golden hour photos. They can adjust the schedule to make sure you’re available during this time.
Scout the Venue: Before the wedding day, see if your photographer can scout locations on-site to find the perfect spots that capture the sun’s angle.
Be Ready to Pause the Party: If you’re in the middle of the reception, plan to step outside for a few minutes for golden hour portraits. Trust us, those warm, glowy photos will be worth it!
2. Prioritize Candid Moments
While posed photos are classic, some of the best wedding memories come from unplanned, candid shots—laughs with friends, quiet glances with your partner, and joyful moments on the dance floor.
How to Get Great Candid Shots:
Relax and Be in the Moment: Don’t worry too much about the camera. When you’re genuinely enjoying yourself, it shows through in your photos.
Have Fun with Guests: Dance, laugh, and mingle! Natural interactions with family and friends often lead to the most heartfelt photos.
Trust Your Photographer: Photographers know how to capture these spontaneous moments. The more relaxed and happy you are, the more authentic your photos will be.
3. Consider a ‘First Look’
The “first look”—a private, planned moment for you and your partner to see each other before the ceremony—can be a wonderful way to capture genuine emotions and ease pre-wedding nerves. Plus, it frees up time after the ceremony for other photos.
Why a First Look Might Be Perfect for You:
Less Time Pressure After Ceremony: With a first look, you can knock out some couple photos, bridal party shots, or even family portraits before the ceremony.
Emotional and Intimate: This is often one of the few private moments you’ll get to share together on your wedding day, allowing you both to be truly present without any interruptions.
Fresh Makeup and Hair: You’ll look your best for this intimate moment, which usually results in beautiful, timeless photos.
4. Make a Shot List (But Keep it Simple)
While your photographer will have a solid plan for your big day, it helps to list a few must-have shots. Keep this list focused on your priority photos—moments that are extra meaningful to you.
Key Tips for a Useful Shot List:
List Only the Essentials: Try to stick to a few top priorities like family groupings or specific details you want remembered.
Let Your Photographer Guide You: Give your photographer some creative freedom! They’ll know the best way to capture the energy and essence of your wedding.
Communicate Special Requests: If there’s a family heirloom, a pet, or a unique tradition, make sure your photographer knows in advance to highlight it.
5. Plan Enough Time for Each Photo Session
Your wedding day will fly by, so it’s easy to underestimate the time needed for certain photos. Here’s a breakdown of typical time recommendations:
Getting Ready: 1-2 hours
First Look: 20-30 minutes
Bridal Party: 30-45 minutes
Family Portraits: 30 minutes
Couple Portraits: 30-60 minutes
Reception Photos: Ongoing
A well-planned timeline keeps you relaxed and allows your photographer to capture everything without rushing.
6. Personalize Your Decor for Unique Detail Shots
Details like your invitations, rings, bouquet, and shoes can all be captured as a way to personalize your wedding album. Ask your photographer to take these photos at the beginning of the day to create a cohesive story in your album.
Tips for Memorable Detail Shots:
Gather Important Items: Set aside anything meaningful for you, like family heirlooms, personalized vows, or your partner’s love letters.
Choose a Beautiful Backdrop: Arrange your items near a window or an area with good natural light for a polished, elegant look.
Include Wedding Colors and Florals: Adding small pieces of floral arrangements or other decorative touches can help tie the details into your overall theme.
7. Take Time to Be Present Together
With all the excitement, it can be easy to get swept up in the busyness. Plan a few private moments with your partner to soak in the day and reflect on the special moments you’re creating.
Ideas for Private Moments:
Have a Quiet Moment Post-Ceremony: After the ceremony, step aside to share a quick “just married” moment together.
Sneak Away During the Reception: During dinner or later in the evening, consider a quick escape to watch the sunset or share a dance just the two of you.
Share a Final Dance Alone: Once the guests have exited, many couples choose to have one last dance alone in the venue as a beautiful, intimate finale.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding day is about you, your partner, and celebrating your love with family and friends. Keeping these simple tips in mind can help make the day feel smoother, more joyful, and filled with meaningful memories captured in timeless photos.
Embrace each moment, trust in your photographer, and don’t stress the small things. Years down the road, you’ll look back on this day and cherish the laughter, love, and happy memories you created. Here’s to a beautiful wedding day and an incredible start to your next chapter together!