So you’re engaged and you’re starting to plan & pin and save inspo photos you hope to see at your wedding. You’re searching for a documentary style, natural light wedding photographer because that’s important part of your wedding day style but all you come up with are overly staged, fake moments from wedding photographers that LOOK candid. Of course you want amazing portraits of you + your partner but what about when you’re just enjoying the day?
I’ll give you a little secret from someone who’s been photographing weddings for over 10 years:
the best moments are the ones that happen organically.
Yep. That means you just have to let go of your plans for the day and listen to your photographer. In 10 years of photographing weddings I can pinpoint some of my favorite sections of the day and how to get the best candid wedding photos on your big day.
I LOVE STARTING THE DAY SLOWLY
Getting ready is the most exciting and glam part of the day! Anywhere the natural light is good with room to move around your hair and makeup artist is my ideal situation. The bigger the window, the softer and more flattering the light. I also love this time because I enjoy getting to know your wedding party and family in a relaxed, laid back way which means lots of fun laughing shots! For best candids, try to keep the room clean.
LET’S DANCE
Y’all should know this but a boring wedding is one where no one dances. So get on the dance floor and shake your thing. My couples love having fun and your guests are more inclined to be on the dance floor if you and your new husband or wife are as well. A wedding band does a great job of keeping the energy and dance floor going since they can engage with the crowd more easily than a DJ. Guests love the interaction and it makes them feel like they’re at a concert, hearing some old favorites. A busy dance floor with a lot of energy is a candid gold mine.
Final Thoughts:
Just remember: things go wrong (and will!), imperfect IS perfect. Don’t stress. Allow yourself to be open to suggestions from your vendors, your photographer especially, and let yourself enjoy your wedding day after months and months of planning! Leave some room in the timeline for those moments to naturally happen. I can’t capture the in-between moments as well as the bigger ones if I’m taking staged photos all day.
These tips are just a small portion of what I go over in my wedding guide with couples. If you’re looking for a photographer whose super helpful and feels like an old friend then send me an email to check your date!
