Wedding photos have traditionally leaned toward staged, posed, and even photoshopped images. At first, these formal photos seemed timeless and elegant, but today, they can feel unnatural, even cold. More and more couples now want photos that capture the genuine atmosphere and emotion of their wedding day, not stiff, forced poses.
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Traditional Photos Vs. What Couples Want Now
Why are traditional wedding photos going out of style?
First, posing can feel awkward and artificial, taking couples out of the moment.
Second, guests are there to celebrate. -Not to wait in line for hours as group after group gets arranged and rearranged for photos.
And finally, staged photos often look the same from wedding to wedding—different couples, but the same backdrop, poses, and expressions.
This is where candid wedding photography comes in. A candid photographer focuses on documenting real moments without staging. It’s about capturing raw emotions, shared laughter, and unique interactions. Couples love candid photography because it reflects the true experience of their day—authentic, relaxed, and deeply personal. But you don’t have to limit your candid photographer to the wedding day itself. There are many parts of the wedding story worth capturing, and by communicating your vision to the photographer, you can create an entire collection of candid memories that cover your entire journey. Here are seven meaningful things you might ask your photographer to capture, each adding a rich layer to your wedding memories.
Capture the Proposal
If your photographer can be present for the proposal itself, consider having them record this special moment. The proposal is where the story begins, full of anticipation and joy. Candid photos of a proposal offer a raw view into this life-changing event, where nerves, surprise, and pure happiness come together. Whether it’s a private moment with just the two of you or a proposal with friends and family waiting nearby, having this memory on record is something you’ll treasure. Even a few frames of this milestone create a beautiful introduction to your wedding story, adding depth and emotion to the entire album.
Record Dress and Suit Shopping
Dress and suit shopping for a wedding is an experience that can bring out some unforgettable moments. While the shopping experience might seem trivial at first, it’s a time filled with excitement, anticipation, and sometimes unexpected emotions. Candid photos of you trying on different outfits, twirling in front of the mirror, or sharing laughter and advice with friends and family can be special memories all on their own.
Dress and suit shopping isn’t just about picking the perfect attire; it’s a memorable experience in itself. When planning to record this session, it’s essential to coordinate with both your photographer and the boutiques. Many shops may have policies around photography, so reaching out in advance to ask for permission is crucial. Some boutiques may welcome the idea, appreciating the excitement of being part of a couple’s wedding story, while others might prefer privacy for their clients. Allowing time for planning and finding boutiques open to the idea ensures that the experience goes smoothly.
Set The Stage
Once you have a boutique’s green light, you can set the stage for a “Pretty Woman” moment—think of the iconic scene where Vivian, the main character, tries on a variety of outfits, each one more exciting than the last. Capturing you or your partner slipping into different suits or dresses, admiring each look in the mirror, and sharing laughter and advice with friends or family creates a special “shopping montage” that feels both fun and cinematic.
It’s an opportunity to capture the pure joy of trying on clothes that make you feel amazing, laughing at any styles that miss the mark, and cherishing those shared moments with loved ones. By recording this shopping experience, you add a lively, glamorous, and personal moment to your wedding album, showing the joy and anticipation of finding the perfect outfit before the big day.
Capture Any Wedding DIY Projects
For couples who want a personal touch, DIY wedding projects are a labor of love. Whether you’re handcrafting table centerpieces, making floral arrangements, or personalizing invitations, these projects reflect the personality and spirit you’re bringing to your wedding. Recording these moments with a photographer adds a wonderful “behind-the-scenes” feel to your wedding album. It captures the effort, creativity, and care that went into making your day special. In a way, these photos can reveal how much you valued the details and your willingness to put in extra effort to make the day truly yours.
Follow Older Relatives at the Wedding
Weddings are significant gatherings for family and friends, and for many older relatives, it may be one of the few opportunities for everyone to be together. Photos of these family members, especially older ones, become a special part of your wedding story. Candid shots of grandparents or elderly relatives watching the ceremony, sharing a quiet laugh, or enjoying time with family are meaningful reminders of their presence on this big day. Life is fleeting, and these photos can capture irreplaceable memories, celebrating the people who have been there for you from the start.
Weddings are rare occasions when family and friends from all parts of life gather in one place, sometimes traveling from afar to be there. While older relatives hold a special place at these events, it’s also an opportunity to capture moments with family members you don’t often see. Cousins, aunts, uncles, or family friends who live far away are all part of the wedding day, and documenting these connections helps preserve memories of these gatherings.
Capture the Connections
A wedding offers the chance to capture these connections in their natural, joyful state. You may not get many chances to gather with everyone—especially all at once—so asking your photographer to candidly follow not just older relatives but also those distant connections creates a keepsake of family history.
It’s a way of saying that each guest, from the closest family members to those you rarely see, is valued and remembered as part of your life’s most memorable day. These photos create a lasting tribute to the people who matter most, celebrating not only your marriage but the broader family and community who support you both.
Record the Next Day
If your wedding guests are staying overnight, the next day is another beautiful moment to document. Many couples opt for a casual breakfast or brunch the day after the wedding, where they can unwind, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company before everyone heads home. These moments are often informal, with everyone dressed down and relaxed. It’s the day when everyone can laugh about the dance floor moments, share memories from the day before, and simply enjoy being together. Capturing these moments creates a natural close to the wedding story, showing the shift from celebration back to everyday life, but with a newfound bond between you and your spouse and your guests.
This is also a memorable moment as it is your first day as a married couple. Naturally, this may not be suitable for every couple, as sometimes they have planned to head on a honeymoon immediately after the wedding. But if you are planning to spend the night in a hotel where your guests are staying too, you most definitely want this first married morning together in casual attire.
Record Your First Dance Practice
The first dance is a wedding highlight, often carefully prepared and rehearsed by the couple. While the dance itself will be well-photographed on the wedding day, there’s something endearing about capturing the practice sessions leading up to it. These practice photos tell the story of two people working together, supporting each other, and maybe even laughing off a few missteps as they learn. Candid shots from these rehearsals show the effort behind the elegant final performance. It’s a reminder that your wedding isn’t just about the perfect moment but also the journey to get there, missteps and all.
Capture Friends and Family Preparing for Their Speeches
Weddings bring out heartfelt speeches, often filled with love, humor, and sometimes a few emotional tears. The people giving these speeches usually put a lot of thought and care into them, and recording the moments when they’re preparing or rehearsing can be as meaningful as the speech itself. You might catch your best friend jotting down last-minute notes, a father of the bride practicing his speech to himself, or a bridesmaid nervously rehearsing her lines. These moments show the love and effort that others are investing in your day. When you look back at these candid shots, you’ll be reminded not just of the speeches but of the thought, time, and care these people dedicated to making your wedding special.
Bringing It All Together
With these additions to your wedding album, you’ll have a visual story that covers more than just the ceremony and reception. By asking your photographer to capture these meaningful moments, you’re creating a fuller, richer wedding story. Instead of a few posed snapshots, you’ll have a collection of memories that reflect the true journey and the people who made it special.
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