TIPS TO GET YOU EPIC WEDDING PHOTOS

This is more than a “quick guide” — it can genuinely make the difference between nice photos and images that feel like your day.

Pour yourself a glass of vino (yes, both of you should read this), and take it in properly.

These aren’t rules — just things I’ve seen consistently make a difference when it comes to natural, honest photographs.

First and foremost — do it your way

It’s your day. Don’t feel pressure to follow traditions that don’t mean anything to you.

I’ll guide you on what helps visually, but everything here is flexible.

You don’t have to cut a cake. You don’t need matching anything. You don’t need a garter, something blue, or a long list of formalities.

If it matters to you — do it. If it doesn’t — leave it out.

Getting ready

Getting ready sets the tone for everything that follows.

Don’t worry about the camera — just get on with your morning. I’ll guide you if needed.

If you want detail shots, it helps to leave things together:

invitations / stationery
rings
vows (handwritten or printed)
jewellery / accessories

If you don’t care about details, that’s completely fine — just tell me.

Natural light makes a big difference here. If possible, choose a space with windows and keep things fairly clean and simple.

I’ll usually move things, fix light, and clear distractions anyway — so don’t stress about perfection.

Set the vibe

Music on early helps more than anything else.

It relaxes the room and stops things feeling too formal.

A glass of champagne helps too — especially once the nerves kick in.

Wedding invitation stationary - The Maldives

The boys

Keep this relaxed.

Start with beers, then once I arrive, move into getting dressed — shirts, pants, jackets, final details in natural light if possible.

No need to overthink anything here. The best photos always come from natural interaction, not staging.

Eichardts Penthouse Wedding Venue Queenstown

Pre-ceremony

This part is often underestimated.

It’s not just prep — it’s anticipation, nerves, movement, and all the small in-between moments before everything begins.

It also lets me capture your guests and the atmosphere before you arrive, which often becomes some of the most meaningful storytelling from the day.

Kim Matt Sandalford 109 websize

The ceremony

This should feel like you, not a performance.

Choose a celebrant you actually connect with.

Speak to each other. Hold hands. Take your time.

The best ceremonies aren’t complicated — they’re personal and present.

Michelle and Luke's Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat Wedding

A few important notes

Unplugged ceremonies are worth considering (it makes a big difference in photos)
Take a moment together after vows before walking back down
If you’re wearing a veil, be mindful during hugs so it doesn’t get pulled
Hand your bouquet off during congratulations so faces stay visible

Small things, but they matter visually.

Confetti + congratulations

I still secretly love confetti…

After the ceremony, don’t rush away. Stay with your guests and take it in.

Some of the strongest moments of the day happen right here.

Family photos

Family photos work best when they’re organised beforehand, everyone is made aware prior to the ceremony and at the end of the ceremony that they are required to hang around immediately after the ceremony for family portraits.

A simple list and someone who knows both sides (or someone from each side) of the family makes this much easier so please ensure you do this.

Each group usually takes seconds when it’s running smoothly — but delays happen when people aren’t sure where to go, Uncle Bob’s at the bar and Granny’s gone to the loo – time is crucial here, we don’t want to miss golden hour or eat into your portrait time so having a helper is key.

Group shots are fine if you’d like one, but if you’ve got more than 40 guests chances are you’re all going to look like ants.

Bridal party portraits

This is usually where things loosen up.

The pressure drops and the energy shifts.

Champagne, movement, walking, laughing — anything natural always photographs better than anything staged or overly directed so bring along a cooler with some drinks.

You don’t need to “do” anything here. Just interact normally and I’ll guide where needed.