How to Look Your Best In Your Wedding Photos

Bride Allison straight slaying at her Rush Creek Lodge Yosemite wedding.

Embrace surprises and the unexpected

Much in life and marriage is like our wedding day. We may not always be prepared for changes or surprises, but we have to roll through every event as a strong and powerful duo. Whether that means a scheduling mishap, running behind schedule, bad weather, forgotten items or hungover groomsmen, don’t let anything spoil your attitude and the joy of your day.

Allow Enough Time  

30 min to an hour should be scheduled into the day for the bride and groom’s portraits. The longer the better, in my opinion. The portrait session can create an unexpected “scheduled” time for being (mostly) alone with your partner, and a pleasant retreat from the stimulus of the event. And so for this reason, having designated alone time will never be time wasted.

Outdoor ceremonies

Early evening light, the few hours before sundown, is fantastic for gorgeous glowing light, and reduces harsh shadows caused by high, direct sunshine. If you do not of the leisure of planning your portraits at this time - seek out some shade for soft, even light which most flatters the face.

Posture

Do what your momma told you! Stand straight! No slouching - an upright posture makes you appear healthy, strong and confident. And be sure to remind your partner, too!

Relax your mind

The emotions will be raging like a whirlwood come wedding day. A calm and present mind will not only sooth your psyche, but remove any hints of nervousness or distraction in your face once it’s time to take portraits.

Do a hair and makeup trial

This is imperative! You want to LOVE how you look, and make sure you will be presenting exactly how you envision. There are no do-overs on this day, and feeling self conscious because of a styling mishap is not something you want to look back on.

Consider Shooting a First Look

A non-conventional “first look” will be an excellent opportunity to catch the raw response to seeing your partner for the very first time. This may also be a good chance to schedule your portraits before the ceremony instead of afterwards. So, you get two opportunities to relax and put your best face forward. Highly recommend.

Show real emotion

“Fake it til you make it” should NOT apply to your wedding photos. You don’t want a plastic smile, you want looks of pure joy! Don’t focus on the photographer, focus on your partner and you won’t be able to stop smiling and laughing. Be playful with each other. You’ll love the results.

Trust your photographer

Have you considered doing an engagement shoot before the wedding? This allows you to build rapport with your photographer and getting a better feel for how to work together. Come wedding day, this should be a breeze! You should (hopefully) already know and trust one another. Follow their lead, and you will be sure to have the memories you will love for a lifetime.

Tips for your Engagement Session

I am often asked by my couples, how do I prepare for the engagement session?

This is a unique time for the couple to experience intimate and fun moments of being themselves without all the bells and whistles of the big day. I’ve compiled a list of my best engagement photo tips to ensure this unique session goes smoothly.

1. Make the session personally relevant to you. Do you two spend long Sundays on the beach with the dog? Head to the shore and bring the pooch! Are you two the outdoorsy types? Find a location and hit the trails! The chosen setting should feel calm, relaxing, and ideally include some significance to any couple. Ideas may include a similar setting to where the two meet, where leisure time is spent, or hobbies and interests. Make sure you select a location that puts you at ease and makes you feel like “home”.

2. Wear something you’re comfortable that feels authentically “you”. There’s no harm in dressing up to the nines but consider scaling it down for this session. Do hire a makeup artist or hair stylist if you do not feel comfortable styling yourself, but formal wear or gowns look out of place in engagement sessions. Think of how you would dress for a casual afternoon together, or perhaps for an evening out with your partner. But don’t forget to steam or iron your clothing before the shoot!

 3. Make a full day couple’s date including of your session. This puts you in a relaxed state of mind and in a very present and connected place with your partner. You’re already having fun with your partner! This energy will easily spill over into light hearted and happy images. You don’t want to carry the stress into the session from a long day at work, or and you don’t want to worry about rushing somewhere immediately afterwards.

4. Prepare for discomfort and know this is normal and natural. Often, one partner is more awkward whereas the other feels more enthusiastic and takes the lead. Others just freeze in front of the camera. Most people are not models, do not have model bodies, and are not used to “posing” on request. Instead, think of your session as time spent lovingly engaging with your partner, and not a “photoshoot”. Hold hands, talk about your day, enjoy the moment. When in doubt, lean in for a kiss!

5. Don’t overthink it. Let things naturally happen, and consider this session “practice” for the wedding day. If you have an exact vision for your shoot, be able to share that with your photographer. The purpose of this session is to convey who you are as a couple and create a time capsule of this unique and exciting point in your relationship. Save the formalities and production for the big day. Being yourself is the best advice I can give!

Kelsey and Ian rocking it at San Francisco Botanical Gardens