The most important thing for you is enjoying your day. A wedding isn’t a photoshoot; it’s about celebrating your undying love for one another. There are some small things you can do to make the photos of your wedding truly incredible. I update this post regularly, so be sure to bookmark it and come back later.

Let your guard down.

It could go without saying we both want the same thing—I want to make you and your loved ones look your best. If you’re brave and give me full access, I can create true art on your wedding day. Most photographers work in nouns, the girl looks like this, here’s their cake, that was the bride’s dress. But, when I make photographs, I’m looking for verbs; I want my frames to have a life of their own, to feel like the wedding day, not just aesthetically, but emotionally.

Remember, everyone at your wedding is there for you to share your day and celebrate your relationship with your partner. You don’t need to hide how you feel because everyone knows already. And letting go of your defences will let you enjoy your day even more. It almost goes without saying, but if you're wearing your emotions for all to see, your photographs will be all the more honest.

Couples Portraits.

Many couples book me for my elegant and authentic documentary approach. They often don’t feel comfortable being the centre of attention and warn me they’re not looking forward to having portraits taken. How I approach your couple's portraits will depend on your personality, as I want them to be as authentic as my candid photos. If you're outgoing and loud, we’ll lean into that; if you're like me and a little more reserved, then we’ll embrace that quietness. I know most feel self-conscious in front of the camera. My gentle directions are simple and never awkward or cheesy, and I’ll take the care you deserve to make you both look your best.

I advise you to block twenty-thirty minutes in your day when the light is likely at its best, often at sunset. I can tell you what time this will be on your wedding day. While I can’t guarantee the weather, the best light is the most flattering, so I’m always watching for the best moment and location to make you both look incredible. Whether we go outside and enjoy the sun setting on your wedding day or stay cosy and warm indoors, I’ve always been able to make magic portraits.

This is a good time for you both to chill; you’ve entertained your loved ones all day. No one feels great with an audience when they’re taking their photos, so it’s important to me that your portrait session is just the two of you and my team. I’ll scout for the best locations while you enjoy your wedding breakfast and have a short route ready to make the most of the time. You’ll be back before you know it, and these will be some of your favourite photographs from your wedding day.

Family Portraits

While a growing number of my couples are opting out of family formals, your wedding is one of the only times all your loved ones will be together, sometimes for many years. You’ll all be dressed like a million quid and enjoying a beautiful setting; why not mark this moment with a photo? That said, your guests would rather be heading to the bar than partaking in group portraits, so I’ve got a system to ensure this important part of the day is quick and painless. I encourage all my couples to pre-plan their group photographs and not to deviate.

Allow thirty minutes in your timeline for your group photos. Depending on how many shots I have on my list, it can be quicker, but we will both start to receive complaints from your loved ones if we take longer.
For the majority of my couples, my suggested group list is all they want. I suggest four groups: your extended family, your immediate family, your partner's extended family, and your partner’s immediate family. Occasionally, we’ll split some groups to avoid upsetting people who can’t tolerate being in the same photograph. Generally, I’ll get the bridal party group photos before your ceremony. If prep runs late and we miss that window (it happens, don’t stress), then I photograph the bridesmaids/groomsmen after the family groups.
Circulate the group photo list to everyone in them a few days before your wedding. If you find yourself with a longer list, then numbering the photos is a good idea. That way, people can make a note of their numbers, really speeding up the photo calls. All your groups should know when these photos are being taken to save time tracking people around your stunning wedding venue.
Delegate a Chief Guest Rangler. As your photographer, I have no idea what most of the people on your list look like. Having someone who knows all your groups to help me round everyone up and get ready for the next photo will save a lot of time.
Be photo-ready. Make sure a few people have compact mirrors, and designate a couple of people to straighten ties, check make-up, and brush hair.
Leave your junk with me. No drinks in hands, no phones in pockets, no sunglasses. All these little things seem like nothing on the day but will bug you when you get your gallery.
As you’re lining up, look at your feet to ensure you’re in a straight line. This helps in two ways; firstly, it ensures everyone is still in focus, and secondly, it helps with scale; if one or two people are a few steps forward, they may appear far larger in the frame.
Fake smiles often don't make people look happy but rather a little manic. Your groups will appreciate it if you allow them to relax, and they may, in fact, look happier for it. This is especially true with children, who, in my experience, are at serious risk of having a meltdown right before you ask them to join a group. Think about it: they’ve been told to be quiet for hours on end in a place they’ve never been, having missed their nap; many of them snap when asked to have their photo taken.

A family posing for a group portrait at a wedding

Live your best lives.

The only way to get authentically joyous photos of you and your loved ones is to experience the joy of your wedding fully. Surround yourself with the people who love you the most and truly be with them, undistracted and unflappable. Make a promise to leave distractions like your phones back in the room for the whole day. Think about it, what’s happening that’s more interesting? Everyone you care about is with you. You don’t need to know the time because on your wedding day “it’s always right now”. It’s your day—Just live your best life!

Incredible Confetti photos.

Everyone wants that amazing confetti photograph. There are a few important variables to getting breathtaking confetti. The biggest thing to remember is confetti is light; it won’t hurt you. A lot of confetti photographs aren’t as good as they could be because one or both of the couple are flinching. Just enjoy the moment and have fun. The other thing that can push your confetti to the next level is getting as much good-quality confetti in the air as possible. I love a brand called Proper Confetti because all their products are bio-degradable, the little circles take a while to fall, and they come in loads of different colours.

Delegate the stress to a professional.

You’ve probably heard horror stories about brides transforming into“bridezilla” on their wedding day. In most cases, they’re stressed about keeping planning and coordination. Jess and her team at Occasion Queens are magical ladies (my words, not theirs) with the experience to look after you and keep your wedding day on the rails. They can help you plan and/or coordinate your wedding, freeing you to enjoy getting married to your best friend and celebrate with your loved ones.

Slow down.

After many months of planning your wedding, letting go of control can be hard. Your wedding isn’t about everything going to plan—it’s about celebrating your love for one another. As much as you can, let go and enjoy every moment because your day will fly by before you realise where the time went. Be present, soak it all in, and live your best life; you’ll see it in your photos!