5 TIPS TO MAKE YOUR WEDDING PHOTOS AWESOME!

wedding couple embracing with sun flare in asheville nc

Hey there! This isn’t your typical wedding blog with generic advice like “Get a good florist” or “Hire a professional photographer.” Instead, I am sharing five often-overlooked tips that I have seen make a big difference on your wedding day in Asheville, NC.

I have been lucky enough to be a part of many weddings, and these things jumped out at me as easy to forget, but super important.

KNOCK, KNOCK...HOUSEKEEPING

First up? Cleanliness. If you want great photos of your getting ready process (and who doesn’t?), make sure the room is tidy when your photographer shows up.

Things can get pretty chaotic in the ladies’ getting ready space – hair and makeup, dresses, shoes, jewelry, and snacks (plus champagne, of course!) can all add up. It’s easy for the clutter to spill into the background of your photos and detract from the beauty of the moment. One way to avoid this is to designate one person to keep the space clean, or to at least keep everything in one area of the room. Trust me – your photos will thank you!

The bride of the wedding, getting ready inside a sweet ocean, key resort and spa in Key West

FIRST DANCES MATTER

Close your eyes and picture your first dance as a married couple. Can you feel the love in the air? Are you gliding effortlessly across the dance floor to your favorite song? As you gaze into your partner’s eyes, are you worried about your arms getting in the way of the perfect shot?

Listen up, short brides and tall grooms! This one’s for you. I’ve seen it happen before – one of you is towering over the other, and suddenly, arms don’t know where to go. But fear not, we’ve got some tips to ensure that your first dance is picture-perfect.

If your spouse is so tall that your arms have to reach high enough to block your face from the camera, it’s time to adjust. Same goes for when your hands are held high – no one wants to see a face obscured by a hand. Work with your partner to find a comfortable position that allows the photographer to capture your loving gaze without any obstructions.

So go ahead and put a hand on your love’s waist, and wrap the other around their shoulders. Or, if you prefer to go hand-in-hand, make sure your arms are positioned just right. Take a moment to practice before the big day and avoid any surprises.

Remember, your first dance is a special moment that you’ll treasure forever. Don’t let pesky arms get in the way of the memories!

Groom, dipping his bride during first dance at a wedding in Key Largo

INTIMATE FIRST LOOKS

If you’re excited about your first look, you’ll want to hear this. There are a few reasons why couples choose to have a first look on their wedding day, but two of the most popular are capturing the moment and the genuine expression on your partner’s face, and being able to have a private moment without the pressure of being watched by all your guests.

To make sure you have an intimate and unforgettable first look, I suggest not inviting anyone besides your photographer and videographer. Trust me, having a crowd of family and friends can distract you from the moment and ruin the experience. Plus, you want to be 100% present with each other during this special moment.

Don’t be afraid to say no to that friend or family member who wants to film your first look for social media. This moment is about you and your partner, not about others. So, if having the perfect first look is important to you, set some boundaries with your guests and make it clear that you want this special moment to be just for the two of you. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

A bride and groom share a first look at Fort Zachary Taylor in Key West Florida

HERE COMES THE BRIDE

Let’s talk about an all-too-common wedding mishap: the unwanted third wheel in your aisle photos. You know the one – the coordinator or church official who’s still holding onto the bride’s train for dear life even as she’s trying to walk down the aisle with her dad. It’s a recipe for disaster, folks. But fear not – with a little planning, you can avoid this situation altogether. Talk to your planner or whoever is helping beforehand to make sure they know exactly when and where to let go of your train and disappear into the background. Trust us, you don’t want them photobombing your special moment. And here’s a pro tip: don’t rely on Photoshop to fix this problem – it’s often not possible. So do yourself a favor and plan ahead!

Father of the bride and bride, walking in the processional during wedding ceremony at Ocean key resort in Key West Florida

Have you ever scrolled through wedding websites or social media and noticed all those happy photos of newlyweds walking back down the aisle? It’s a super special moment that everyone loves to capture. But here’s a tip – don’t forget to look up! Sometimes, couples get so nervous or shy that they keep their heads down the whole time. I totally get it, but why not take a second to look towards your guests or even the camera? This moment is all about your love and happiness, so let it shine!

Oh, and don’t forget about the processional! If you’re part of the bridal party, remember to smile as you make your way down the aisle. It might sound silly, but trust me, those extra happy vibes will make for even better photos later on.

A bride and groom have a beautiful Casa Marina Key West wedding on the beach.

TALK TO YOUR DJ ABOUT LIGHTING DURING THE DANCES

Alright, let’s be honest here – I’m all about funky colors and groovy lighting on the dance floor. Who doesn’t love a good party vibe, right? But when it comes to those special dances – you know, the ones with your dad or mom or sweetie – it’s important to keep it natural. If your band or DJ decides to shine a spotlight on you with some crazy intense light and you end up looking like a smurf, trust me, no amount of filter magic is going to save the day. So let’s just stick to the real deal, shall we? You and your loved ones will shine without any help from the disco ball.

bride and groom entrance to wedding reception photo taken from above the dance floor

These little things can make a BIG impact on your wedding photos. They may not completely ruin the pictures, but they can definitely affect the overall look and feel.

Planning a wedding in Asheville NC might seem overwhelming at first, but don’t worry! Hiring an experienced Asheville wedding photographer can make all the difference. Trust me, you’ll want to have a photo you’ll want to hang on your wall, not one you regret. So, take note of these tips and make sure your special day is captured flawlessly!

Check out more wedding planning tips HERE

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