Tips for Brides: Getting The Best Ceremony Images Possible

In this image the sun was behind the large weeping willow tree, diffusing through and giving a warm glow and most importantly keeping bride and groom in even, open shade throughout the entire ceremony.

I love helping in any way I can to ensure we get the best images during every portion of your big day. Here are a few tips and suggestions after years of shooting weddings in all sorts of locations and lighting situations.

1. Location, Location, Location! You really need to consider lighting and where the sun will be at the hour and time of year of your wedding day. If you’re having your ceremony outdoors, this is a must. If you’re able, visit your ceremony location about a year in advance and try and choose your spot at that time. The lighting should be very similar so you can make the best decision possible. You should look for open shade; that means an area where sun isn’t speckled and spotted. I prefer the sun to be behind the ceremony setup like in the image above. Having the sun behind (either directly or off to the left or right) allows a warm glow to wrap around you making the difference between “pretty” images and “stunning” ones. It will also ensure that you and your fiance aren’t squinting at one another the entire time. The one downfall of this may be that the sun is on your guests, however, the photos of YOU will be much better. Below are a few more examples of ceremony lit from the back.

2. Natural Light: Should you choose to have an indoor ceremony, think about how much natural light the space has. The more windows the better! Try and position yourselves so that the light pours in from the windows toward the ceremony space (for example, if you’re in a venue with floor to ceiling windows on one side, and plain brick on the other you would choose to stand in front of the brick wall as opposed to in front of the windows. The key is to have the light coming in toward you, not behind you like you’d choose outdoors!) The reason for this is so that you and your fiance don’t become silhouettes in the photo, with a blown out (white) background.

3. Slow It Down! Sometimes it is nerves, sometimes you just want to get it over with but no matter what the reason for speeding up as you enter or exit, please think about slowing everything down. Lighting may be changing and we work quickly to get the best shot as your bridal party enters. Take your time and enjoy the moment. Once you are pronounced husband and wife, take your time with the first kiss! We want to get the best shot of this must have moment and your guests LOVE to see this part so don’t feel like you' are kissing “too long”! But the most important time to slow yourself down is during your recessional. You’ve been pronounced husband and wife and you are ready to run out and celebrate, but these are some of the most amazing photos we get of the day so taking it slow so we can get every sweet image of that moment when your faces are the most full of joy!

4. Make Your Exit Fun! I love when couples have their guests toss petals or blow bubbles. Once couple had gold and white mini poms that guests shook, while another had confetti poppers. These images of a really fun exit are always some of my personal favorites and are sure to take your wedding from amazing to over the top stunning!

5. Think About Spacing: Make sure there is adequate room between your first row of guests and your bridal party. As photographers we utilize this area a lot during the ceremony. During your entrance I stand at the front to get you coming down the aisle while Jonathan (my husband and second shooter) works from the back. In the up front space I step/squat so that I am not visible from his photo from the back. During ceremony we may come up on the sides to get up close reactions of you during your vows. This space allows us to work discreetly and get the best shots as possible.

6. Restrictions: If you’re getting married in a church, make sure you’ve communicated with the staff or pastor about any possible restrictions. Did you know some churches don’t allow photography at all? There is nothing worse than us finding out we aren’t allowed to be in the aisle or use flash if needed until 3 minutes before you’re walking down the aisle. If we know about special requirements ahead of time we can prepare adequately.

7. Use Our Expertise: If you have a wedding planner, chances are they are already on top of all these things. But if you don’t, (or even if you do!), don’t hesitate to include us in the the decisions about location and lighting for your day. Being included in the process ensures you get the best of the best for every moment.

If you keep these tips in mind, you’re sure to have the ceremony images you’re dreaming of! Browse for tips for brides below!

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