How do you look your best on your wedding day? The answer to this question is in your makeup. Or your wedding dress. Or any of the thousands of small details in your wedding venue. It is in you!
And the best way to give you advice o this, is to say: “Don’t stress the small stuff.” Time and time again I have witnessed brides who are so stressed that they ruin a beautiful photo moment when they run to check up on a detail or something literally out of their hands. I have also witnessed how brides are so stressed that they simply find it hard to be their natural self.
If you are stiff and worried about every detail, it’s a challenge for any wedding photographer to show you relaxed and loved up in your photos! That’s not to say we don’t have tips and tricks to help you loosen up and enjoy the moment. Couples who are connected and enjoying themselves are guaranteed a lot of amazing images because they are radiating happiness and love.
So: Relax. Don’t stress. And enjoy the moment. Most of the time you can’t control what is happening. And you don’t need to. Your behaviour and energy can have an impact on how the photos turn out. No matter what is happening. So, focus on just being in the moment. That will make all the difference. This is the best advice if you want to look good in your wedding photos.
Too often I see couples lost in anxiety because of things out of their control… when everything is actually going to be OK. Just let go, trust people, and enjoy what is happening in this moment. Even when you are crying tears of joy. Don’t worry that it will ruin your makeup. Just let it be. The moment of him wiping your tears of joy in a photograph is a classic memory for a lifetime.
And give your self permission to fully experience your emotions. All of it. Your emotions are contagious and are frozen in time by photography. No matter what has happened – gone right, gone wrong, gone different to how you imagined. Dedicate yourselves to being present. Focusing on all the beauty and love of your wedding day.
Relax, take a breath, enjoy the moment – and then forget your photographer is there! If I need something I’ll tell you and ask you to move. During your portrait session, I’ll direct you. In the in-between times focus on the two of you and love for each other!
Remember to include patience and playfulness in your wedding day mood. As a wedding photographer I have to make sure that I produce “those shots” which we bust out on every wedding day. However – the magical shots often come to us when we have a couple who are up to play and enjoy. By doing that you allow me a moment to take a breath, see the light, see you, and create something unique and beautiful for you. I will always give my very best to you – when you trust me and trust the process you will be blown away by the results.
And, specifically, don’t fret yourself about the weather. Whether it is extremely hot. Or the wind is blowing. Or it looks like it might rain. Just accept it as part of the reality of your wedding day. None of these things really matter when you lose yourself in the moment!
Let your hair fly, don’t mind the heat, and stay connected with your partner – some of the most magical photos come along when you least expect it. Whatever you do, don’t worry about the weather – embrace what mother nature sends your way. And enjoy the moment. Most of this is common sense, but just as a reminder: be cool! Get plenty of rest and trust that everything is going to be ok… really it is! Your connection with your partner on the wedding day really depends on you. Take care of yourself and the mood you are in… and you will take care of making great photos.