Your wedding day is filled with love, excitement, and countless moments and details you’ll want to remember forever. Your couple portraits are an essential part of this, but they shouldn't take you away from your guests for hours. I'm a big believe that your photos should be about the wedding rather than your wedding being all about the photos. Here’s how to make the most of your portrait time while still being fully present for your big day.
Short and Sweet
Many couples worry that portraits will take up a huge chunk of their day, but it doesn’t have to be this way. My approach involves two shorter sessions which usually take place:
- After the Ceremony: This is when emotions are fresh, and you’re glowing from just saying “I do.” We’ll capture those first moments of newlywed joy in a relaxed way. It's also a great opportunity for the two of you to come together for a bit of calm before being bombarded with congratulations and hugs!
- Golden Hour Magic: As the sun sets, the light becomes soft and romantic, perfect for creating dreamy, golden-hued portraits.
By splitting the time into two shorter sessions, you get beautiful photos without missing the fun and celebration with all your favourite peeps!
Communication is key!
Before the wedding, we’ll discuss your vision for your couple portraits:
- Do you love candid, unposed moments? Would you like natural looking photos but also need some guidance and "soft" posing? Or are we going for vogue worthy editorial style images?
- Are there specific locations or backdrops you adore?
- Are there poses or angles that make you feel your best?
This ensures that every photo feels like you and reflects your unique story.
The Power of a Pre-Wedding Session
A pre-wedding or engagement shoot is the perfect way to:
- Practice Being in Front of the Camera: Many couples feel nervous about posing, but this session helps you feel comfortable in front of the camera and feel at ease with me..
- Discover What You Love: We’ll try different poses, so you can see what feels authentic to you as a couple.
- Save Time on the Wedding Day: By the time your big day comes, you’ll already know what works, making the process quicker and stress-free.
Think of it as a rehearsal for your wedding photos, a chance to connect and have fun while building confidence... plus you get some amazing photos of the two of you before you tie the knot!
Make the most of your setting
Whether it’s the ruins at Godwick Barn in the glorious Norfolk countryside or the iconic sites of the big smoke, I love incorporating the beauty of your chosen venue. We’ll use a mix of celebrated spots and hidden gems to create a variety of images that showcase both you and your surroundings.
Embrace the moment
Finally, the most important tip: relax and enjoy your time together. Couple portraits aren’t just about the photos, they’re a chance to pause, soak in the moment, and celebrate being newlyweds. I’ll guide you through the session to ensure it’s fun, comfortable, and effortless. Trust the process, embrace being in the moment and the results will speak for themselves!
"Some of the most enjoyable moments of our day were during the couples shoot with Abi, who brought such a joyful and relaxed energy"
L & G - August 2024