Everyone is always full of tips and tricks for a smoother wedding day, but this is not really that. These tips are going to be from the perspective of the photographer to ensure many beautiful photos for your albums, because who doesn't want that!
1. Look Up
I know this sounds super easy and silly to even mention, but it's worth mentioning. Brides as soon as you start down the aisle, look up at me. Mention it to your father too, because for some reason as soon as a bride and her father start down the aisle, instantly eyes drop down. I know it's nerves, and nerves will get the best of all of us... I too have a great shot of my father and I staring at the ground, but fight the urge. Look up at me, look past me to your groom, make eye contact with him, take it all in! This is the moment that all your planning has been for, this is your moment. I mean really how do you want to miss seeing this reaction?!
2. Hold Your Kiss
Now I am not meaning that you need to have a make out session in front of all your guests, but often I ask the officiant to take a step to the side after announcing you, and if you kiss and pull right away they will more than likely still be in the photo. No one really wants a three way first kiss session right! So kiss, take a moment, kiss again or just hold the kiss, lean foreheads in, breath. You are now husband and wife! If ever there is a moment to try to freeze in time, this is it!
3. Hold Each Other, Look Into Each Others Eyes
The time has come for your first dance, and again everyone is looking at you, snuggle in, hold that new husband or wife of yours and pretend that no one is there. Images pop when the love is overflowing. Hold off on a conversation too, just kiss, hug and smile, take it all in, I Love You's are acceptable, but just for a moment take in the silence of each other.
4. Look at Dad + Mom Too
I know it may not be often that you dance with your father or mother, but enjoy it. You are off to a new chapter of your life, relish these moments with the one who raised you, look at them, smile, enjoy it. If you are looking around at everyone watching you, the nerves will be seen and you will look removed from the situation in the photos. Love on them in these few moments.
5. Kiss, Hug, Love
I shoot weddings because I love, love! I am a fan of wedding day PDA, love on that new spouse of yours! The more you forget that I am there, the more love I will see, and the more the photos will show it. Don't be nervous or feel awkward, I will probably ask you to kiss a million times, and ask you to cuddle and nuzzle and hug, and I will love every moment of it! More often than not just seconds after that kiss a smile will slip out and it will be in that moment that I capture the real love.
See more of this adorable Flag Hill Winery + Distillery couple
here! -> Marissa + Roland