10 WAYS TO GET AMAZING WEDDING COUPLE PHOTOS 👰🏻‍♀️📸

Those of you who read last weeks newsletter will remember that photo/video was one of the biggest regrets from previous brides. People often overlook the planning involved in this as they assume it’s something it’s a given but the reality is there is so much to it. So let’s get straight in and discuss the top 10 ways to get those frame-worthy couple shots!

1) Pick your team wisely

This should be one of the first five suppliers you book but don’t rush the decision. I can’t emphasise enough how important it is to research into different teams and see what style of photos/videos and editing you resonate with. I’d also recommended looking who has photographed at your venues before as they will know the best sites.

For me, editing style was the most important. I knew I didn’t resonate with fine art or dark and moody styles so made sure I picked a team who did light and airy editing only. I’ve linked a great website here which demonstrates the different types of wedding photo editing, definitely check it out if you’re not sure what you prefer! Another thing to consider is how approachable your team are. You need to make sure you get a good vibe from them and feel comfortable around them as it’s quite an intimate thing taking these photos!

2) Have a pre-wedding meeting

Have a Zoom meeting with your top 3 potential photographers/videographers. See who you get on best with and who understands your vision and then choose accordingly. Once you’ve picked, set up a Zoom or in person meeting with your teams to discuss their start and end times, timelines for the day, key moments (eg any reveals, entrances, vows, dances, sparkler exits etc) you definitely want them to capture, any specific angles or locations and then any specific poses you want. I did this for both my Civil and Indian wedding and was so happy as I got all the photos I wanted and more.

3) TIMELINE

I know this is my favourite thing to talk about but make an individual timeline for your photo/video team. This should include timings for when they arrive, getting ready shots, key moments mentioned above and if you want to be anal (like I was) then also include what angles you want these to be from. For example, I knew for my vows I wanted shots from the front of the aisle so it could include the full decor backdrop but also from behind the backdrop so you could see our reactions and emotions as we did our vows. I made sure photographer 1 was positioned in the aisle and photographer 2 was behind me.

If you’re having 2 photographers/videographers, I usually recommend splitting them up for different parts of the day so you can get as much coverage as possible. For example, have photographer 1 with the Bride and photographer 2 with the Groom for getting ready shots. Similarly, have photographer 1 getting reception set up decor shots and photographer 2 taking drinks reception guest photos. If you only have one photographer/videographer, it’s VERY important to have a tight timeline as they can only be in one place at one time and you don’t want anything to be missed! (As mentioned in my last newsletter, I met a bride last year whose videographer was outside having a cigarette break as he wasn’t aware her first dance was scheduled for then. She was understandably heartbroken but it just goes to show it should never be assumed that people will ‘just know’ on the day- a Coordinator is key!)

If you’re getting ready in a hotel/different location to the venue, don’t forget to include the address of this and account for travel time between.

4) Moodboard

Look through Pinterest, Instagram or wedding websites and start deciding the kinds of poses or shots you like. I made moodboards with different categories including couple photos, family group photos, bridesmaids and groomsmen photos, decor photos and sparkler exit photos. You can also find some wedding trailers or videos on Youtube or Instagram and note what you like about them. This could be editing style, voiceovers, music covers or the kind of filming. I recommend just screenshotting/noting and putting it on a Google sheets so it’s easy to share. I sent this all to my photo/video teams before our Zoom meeting so they had reference pictures and videos.

5) Pre-plan photo locations for both sun and rain

Have a look at your venues Instagram and website and see where most couples have their couple photos taken. If you’re unsure, ask your venue where they normally recommend. Plan both outside and inside locations so you don’t waste time trying to find new locations if the weather doesn’t go as planned!

6) Consider timing- Golden hour is KEY but also time of year

When planning your timeline of the day, try and factor in what time of day your photos will be. If you are having a summer wedding you have more daylight and may want to have two smaller couple photo sessions. One in day light and one in golden hour as it turns dark. If you can, try and plan for golden hour as these photos come out incredibly. If you are having a winter wedding, you have limited daylight so may want to get your couple photos done ASAP or even consider a reveal before the ceremony to each other so you have more time.

Look at photos of the venue in the season you’re getting married so you have an idea of what the lighting is like and can plan accordingly.

7) Practice before

This sounds really silly, but it genuinely helps especially if you’ve never done that sort of posing or want to do some lifts and have limited time on the day to experiment. Some people don’t realise how awkward it can be doing it, so if you’re a more shy bride or if you’re unsure, spend a few evenings trying out some basic poses. I promise you’ll feel better on the day having done it before!

Having a pre-shoot or engagement shoot also usually helps you get into the swing of things. It may also help you work out what you like and dislike.

8) Candids Vs Posed

As much as I’ve emphasised the importance of organising this, it’s important to also have some candid shots. Your teams should naturally take this too. You may want to do some ‘posed candids’ which are when couples look at each other, laugh, walk etc. If you find this awkward just have a normal chat and this should create the same effect.

In my pre-shoot, a photographer told me to say the words ‘ha ha hee hee’ on repeat to each other. This sounds ridiculous but I promise it actually really worked getting some cute smiling and laughing shots!

9) Sentimental additions

If you have any sentimental things you want to include, doing it during your couple shots is a good time. Examples can be photos of loved ones who are no longer with you, any personal items from your relationship or even your dog (if allowed on premises!)

10) Be flexible

As much as I’ve recommended to plan everything, please bear in mind you still need to give your photo/video team room to do what they’re best at. On the day you may need to change photo spots or timings depending on weather and lighting but you’ve got to trust in your team!

Hope that helped give you some food for thought on getting your couple shots! As always, please feel free to give any Bridal Diaries feedback and if you are finding the content useful!

Lots of Love,

Priya