Wedding Reception Photography - Capturing Your Celebration

Have I mentioned that Ben and I have four children?  That’s right, four.  No, we aren’t crazy.  Yes, we actually planned for this. 

Okay, maybe we’re a little crazy.

Many weekends you can find us in the middle of a spontaneous dance party, breaking it down on the family room rug.  Ben’s record player spins tunes, usually something vintage like The Beatles.  The little ones twirl and jump in all manner of un-choreographed chaos. 

Sometimes I pause and watch, taking in their pure happiness.  I love that they are learning how to celebrate life.  Celebration is such an important part of our humanity.  My hope is that our little ones learn to dance to any music life brings their way. 

A wedding celebration should be full of every joy, welcoming the journey of marriage.  We pop champagne, serve the best dinner, and dance the night away.

Those details you painstakingly chose?  I love taking an editorial approach to your details, such as flowers, centerpieces, food.  They will be captured in all their glory.

I take a photo-journalistic approach to the events of the reception.  I want to capture the sentimental smile, the tearful happiness, and your flower girl sneaking an extra piece of cake. 

Here are ways to make your reception images shine. 

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Lighting

As the sun sets and your reception begins, lighting is very important for the aesthetic of your reception.  Lighting has come a long way with fabulous up-lighting, café lights, and chandelier rentals.  I highly recommend investing in quality ambient lighting.  It will make a huge difference in the atmosphere of your celebration and the aesthetic and your images. 

Warning - Any colored lighting will cast that color on your skin.  Flash will help off-set this, but the prettiest lighting is always a neutral color. 

A fabulous DJ or band can really make your reception the one of your dreams.  They sway a lot of party power with getting guests on the dance floor and moving the night along.  Occasionally, a DJ’s special affect lighting can be difficult to work with.  If your DJ is using laser spot lighting (they look like tiny polka dots), that is the most challenging to work with.  Flash will not offset the dots all over skin.  Not typically an attractive look.  Just have a conversation with your DJ about the lighting set-up so that there aren’t any surprises. 

Grand Entrance

This is when the band or DJ announces your entrance into the reception area.   

Traditionally, each bridesmaid and groomsman pairing enters together to some fun music.  The bridal party enters beginning with the same order that the bridesmaids walked down the aisle, ending with the Maid of Honor and Best Man.  Then, you are announced in, as the newlyweds. 

Tip: If you want an amazing entrance picture.  Stop once you’ve just entered the dance floor for a kiss.  This will help freeze the movement and allow for a prettier entrance image. 

Typically the bride and groom then sit down or go into the first dance. 

The benefit of going right into the first dance is that you have the attention of all of your guests.  It’s a very natural transition.  It also helps if you are on a tight timeline with your photography coverage. 

First Dance

The first dance is one of those special moments where you hold each other close and breathe in the moment of the day.  Everything slows down for whispers, quiet laughter, maybe even a tear of joy. 

If you have anything special choreographed, definitely let me know in advance.  It’s helpful to be prepared for any unique elements to the reception. 

Parent Dances

Ahh, I’m a sucker for the father/daughter dance (you maaay find me wiping a tear in between shots). This is another sweet time to spend a few moments with important people in your life. 

These dances do not have to be stuffy and traditional.  One bride and her father broke it down to “I Don’t Need Anyone But You”, such a joyful moment. 

You also don’t have to make it Father/Daughter and Mother/Son dancing.  If a parent is absent or not playing that traditional role in your life, you can get creative.  Include grandparents, or make it a “family dance”, bringing up parents and siblings.  Modern weddings welcome new celebratory memories. 

Dinner

That Filet Mignon is going to sound pretty amazing about now.  Take the time to sit down and enjoy your meal.  There will be time to make your rounds with guests once you are finished. 

The worst time of the day for pictures is during dinnertime. 

When I was a new photographer, I would shoot and shoot and shoot all through dinner.  Guess what?  Not one image ever turned out.  Ever.  Instead, I would get the “evil eye” from guests who instinctively knew their best look is not while stuffing a bite of salad into their mouth. 

Artist & Vendor Team

This is also an ideal time for your vendor team to eat as well.  That way we are free to keep working once you complete your meal.

It may seem strange that your vendor team requires dinner.  Speaking as a photographer, I can say how important this dinner break really is.  I promise, it’s not a diva request.

Our day is filled with non-stop action from the moment we step foot into your day.  It can be a long day of hustle with no food or drink breaks.  This dinner break is important to maintaining momentum for the evening work. 

Sometimes, I am asked what the ideal scenario is.  Really, I welcome any break that involves a little refreshment.  My requirement is that dinner is provided or that a one hour break given so that I can go grab dinner.  

The perfect set-up is a quiet, simple, little table in the corner of the reception room.  This is a table, just for the vendors, so that we can jump up and work, as needed.  When I am off in a vendor room (while a lovely break) I do get nervous that something may happen in my absence. 

Toasts

Oh that time of the night when everyone hears your embarrassing childhood antics.  This is my favorite time for reaction shots, as parents laugh and as guests tear up over the sweet words and stories. 

If toasts happen during dinnertime, just give your vendor team a heads up (especially if we’re in a vendor room) so that we are prompt when they begin. 

A reception schedule is super helpful for the photographer to have, this way we are ready for all the action. 

Sunset Portraits

Those moments, just before sunset are absolutely breathtaking.  Your skin radiates a warm glow, the colors are soft and romantic. 

I love sneaking the bride and groom away for a quick 10 minutes of beautiful sunset portraits.  The results will make you forever grateful.

Special Friend or Family Portrait

Your reception is a perfect time for pictures with any special friend groupings or family groupings.  There is usually more time and everyone is more relaxed about jumping in for a picture. 

Simply list these groupings in your prep form so that I can remind you to gather them during this time.

Photo Booth

A photo booth is a perfect way to capture your guests in a fun way.  Most guests love jumping into a photo booth with their significant other or group of friends.  Just as much as they do not like gathering for that awkward “table shot”. 

I highly recommend investing in this as a part of your wedding day. 

If you aren’t able to, the best time for your photographer to get candid images is over cocktail hour.  This means, hiring as second shooter to ensure candid images are taken during that portion of the day.      

Bouquet & Garter Toss

Whenever there is fast movement with low lighting, even the best camera equipment can struggle a bit.  This is why I usually recommend that my couples “fake throw” first to make sure I get that image.  That way I can focus my energy on “the catch”. 

Dance Floor

Time to put those gorgeous stilettos to work on the dance floor. 

Okay, more realistically, it's a great idea to use those bridal flip-flops. 

My wide angle lens will get right in the action.  I shoot fast and furious.  Then, I back away for a bit.  Repeat.  I want to give guests their space while still documenting all the fun.  

Tip: to look amazing in dancing pictures, grab a friend, pause and smile mid-move.  A little love to the camera goes a long way towards making your dance moves look super fab. 

Grand Exit

It is now time for your great escape.  While it is sad that your celebration has come to an end, the marriage journey is just beginning.  That is worth some serious honeymoon celebration.

Once again, any time there is fast movement and low lighting, that camera equipment is working extra hard.  Whatever type of exit you are making, take time to pause for a kiss, maybe even two.  Those images are always the prettiest. 

Follow-Up

Each photographer has a different post-wedding workflow.  Be sure to chat about that before your exit so that you know when you can expect your sneak peek. 

You can read all about my post-wedding workflow, right here.

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On a wedding day, something is bound to go wrong.  Keep moving forward, dancing to the music.  It is all about embracing your day and any unexpected surprises.  It's all good practice for the marriage journey ahead.  

Make spontaneous dancing  a part of your newlywed life.  The best is barefoot on the family room floor.  

Then, if your dance party multiplies, embrace every un-choreographed moment.

xoxo Lovelies

Ceremony Wedding Photography

It was a torrential downpour.  Not like a mid-day summer Florida storm, more like a tropical storm that somehow escaped radar calculations.  Palm trees swayed, the coastline roared and swelled.  Not an ideal day to go house shopping.  But, we didn’t have a choice. 

We toured three beautiful homes in the sweet coastal town of Ormond Beach.  We needed to decide on a house today.  For many reasons, we were on a tight timeline. 

We weighed pros and cons over lunch at a little Mexican restaurant.  Because every big decision needs a little queso. 

“But, where will the band practice?”  he asks seriously.  I stare back, blinking, mid chip-dip.  “What band?” I ask genuinely confused.  “You know, the band.” he says with emphasis.

He went on to tell me his dream of all of our children learning instruments and creating a band someday.  “They need a place to practice.”  My heart melted.  He’s always loved music and how he wanted to pass that love down to our growing family. 

The house?  Well, we chose the house with “the music room”. 

Needless to say, ceremony music was important to my musically-inclined Ben.  We have crazy talented friends who generously arranged and played the most beautiful live music for our ceremony. Piano, strings, trumpet, and gorgeous vocals all created a special kind of magic. 

Ben's main request was, "No Canon in D". He felt it was too cliché.  Instead, my bridesmaids and I came down the aisle to "Say You'll Love Me" from Phantom of the Opera.  Ahhh, you guys, this is still my favorite ceremony detail. 

Let’s chat wedding ceremony.  You know, that time of the day where you actually get married.  Really, the only part of the day that has to happen to say your wedding day was a success. 

For ceremony images that embody the beauty of your day, a little extra planning goes a long way. 

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Ceremony Location

Choosing a ceremony location is very personal.  Choose from your heart and what best honors your values, heritage, and couple style.  Your ceremony location will greatly determine the type of images you receive on your wedding day.  But, lighting is of lesser importance than what is most meaningful to both of you. 

Cathedral Ceremony

This type of ceremony is usually very formal and the photographer and cinema team is very limited with equipment use and placement.  There may not be as many varying angles and the shots may not be quite as tight as other locations.  But, most of the time, these churches are absolutely stunning. 

Indoor Ceremony

Lighting plays a huge roll with indoor ceremony images.  Most churches have side windows which offer enough ambient light.  However, if there is no window lighting and harsh overhead lighting, there will be shadows and high contrast in your images.  I try to stay away from using flash during a ceremony as it is so distracting.  

Below is an image from a recent wedding where the lighting was less than ideal.  However, this couple grew up in this church and attended private school at the church academy.  Within these walls are memories of their first crush, halls where they got lost in conversation.  It is where they grew up and where their love blossomed.  This ceremony location takes on far greater meaning than any other perfectly lit aesthetic.  

Outdoor Ceremony

Outdoor ceremonies can be the most beautiful of all.  They too, however, can be tricky.  Lighting is everything.  Consider marrying in a shaded area, your guests will thank you.  You can also plan your ceremony at a time of day when the sun will offer soft, beautiful light. 

Officiant Communication

Just before the ceremony begins, I try to talk with your officiant to discuss any rules or regulations for my placement and equipment use.  I always do my very best to honor the sacredness of a wedding ceremony while also documenting these pivotal moments. 

Special Angles or Shots

If you have a special request, ensure you have the permission of your officiant in order for me to capture the moment. Things like, first kiss captured with guests in the background.  If it comes from you, the officiant will know that it’s not just a photographer attempting a fun angle for the portfolio. 

Unplugged Ceremony

An unplugged ceremony is when guests are asked to put away cell phones, iPads, and cameras so they can be present during the ceremony.  The hired photographer and cinematographers capture everything.

There are many creative limitations during a ceremony.  We strive for stealthy movement, to blend in so that everyone can focus on the most important event – your marriage. 

When guests lean into the aisle with a big iPad or their camera flash goes off, we have no way of shooting around that.  It compromises the images of your collection. 

Most importantly, in an unplugged ceremony the guests focus on the experience, not a screen. 

There are a lot of fun ways to ask your guests to "unplug", simply do a Pinterest search and you'll find super cute ideas.  Often the officiant will also request this of the guests when he or she arrives with the groom at the front.  

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Whether it's "Canon in D" or a dramatic score, time to get back to planning that processional.

 And when you buy your house, fill it with music.  I have a soft spot for that little band playing every night upstairs in our music room.   

xoxo Lovelies

A Wedding Day "First Look"

Firsts are pretty important, right?  First steps, first crush, first kiss, first fight, first baby - all those beginnings in our lives.  

I still remember the first time I talked with Ben.  It wasn't my first time running into him, but it was our first actual conversation.  

Background: Veronica, his older sister, and I were good friends.  We were chatting on Instant Messenger (that's right, you guys, I'm old, like really old).  I was telling her about a New Year's Day beach gathering I'd planned.  We went on with all the girl chatter surrounding it.  Including how I felt wearing a swimsuit right after the holidays and in the middle of winter, with no tan.  Girl stuff.  

It was my first day of classes at college.  I only knew a handful of people in the entire school.  When Ben walked by me, we both paused for a brief, hey-I-kind-of-know-you kind of moment.  We stood in the main lobby area of the second floor, just outside a classroom. 

You guys, the first thing he asks me, "How did that swimsuit work out or you?"  That's right.  I was mortified and laughing all at the same time.  First, that he knew about that conversation, and second, that he'd actually use that as a segue from initial greetings.  

That's Ben, refreshingly honest in his humor.  We became fast friends.  

While it would be a year later before any other "firsts", that moment lives in my memory in it's full embarrassing glory.  

Hopefully, your wedding day "firsts" will be less comical and far more elegant.  

Seeing each other for the first time on the wedding day is a monumental "first".  There are two ways you can experience this moment.  The traditional way is at the aisle of the ceremony.  In more recent years, many couples opt for a "first look".  

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A first look is when a bride and groom choose to see each other for the first time in the privacy of a certain location.  

Do I recommend a first look?  Yes,  most photographers do for good reason.  The sweet emotions, the time it frees up for later, and they are just everything beautiful. 

But, what really matters is you.    Is a first look right for you?

Pros

• You can sneak away together for a break during cocktail hour.
• You can focus on enjoying your wedding day with your guests.
• It can calm nerves, you enter the ceremony as a team.
• It dramatically helps the timeline and keeps things less squished together. 

Cons

• You will not see each other for the first time at the aisle of the ceremony. 
• Lighting is harsh in the middle of the day, if there is no shade at your location, this could limit your flexibility with portrait backgrounds. 

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Tips for a First Look

Communicate Expectations

Take time to discuss with each other your wedding day hopes.  Is it time with friends and guests?  Is it that moment he sees you for the first time in the aisle?  Are you nervous about a grand entrance?

Be respectful of each other’s wishes and find some middle ground. 

Whatever your decision is, take time to communicate that with your parents and bridal party.  Many parents have never heard of a "First look".  Remember to stop and explain the heart behind any non-traditional choices. 

Location

Collaborate with your photographer on the location of the first look.  We know the ideal lighting and backdrop to make your images shine.  If there’s a place that you are in love with, let us know and we can do our best to make it work. 

When I am choosing a location for any portraits, lighting is priority, then backdrop setting.  Because of this, we typically choose a first look location on the day of the wedding.  I always arrive early to do some scouting in addition to the online research I did prior to arrival. 

In capturing a first look, I shoot a panoramic view of the bride coming towards the groom and then close-ups of reactions and hugs.  Ideally, your backdrop is as lovely as the lighting. 

Privacy

How private do you wish this moment to be?  Aside from the photographer, who else are you okay with being present?  Most couples prefer it being just the two of them.  Sometimes, a maid of honor stays to help with the gown, sometimes the couple allows the bridal party and parents to see.  It is completely up to each couple. 

I do recommend having everyone stand far back if you are inviting them to watch.  This way you can still whisper and talk in the privacy of your space. 

Logistics

The photographer will place the groom with his back towards the bride’s point of entry.  He is instructed to stay there and not turn until the bride arrives.

The bride walks towards the groom, she can say his name or tap his shoulder signaling him to turn around.

Of course, you can always change it up and do it your own creative way.  The important thing creating a special moment as you see each other for the first time on the wedding day.

Celebrate

Once you’ve taken each other’s breath away, emotions of laughter, happiness, crying, sweet hugs, and general romance ensue. 

Take a moment to whisper, laugh, share a private joke.  The rest of your day will whirl by, this is the time to breathe in the sweetness of the moment.

Don’t feel the pressure to have a huge reaction like tears or dramatic face cupping.  If that’s who you are, then amazing, go for it.  Just to be in the moment and true to your personality in the relationship. 

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The best part about marriage?  All the new "firsts" to come.  Until then, get back to practicing that "first kiss" as husband and wife.  Totally counts as wedding prep.  

xoxo Lovelies