Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, but it can also feel like a whirlwind. Between the schedule, guests, and endless emotions, it’s easy to get caught up in everything around you. But if there’s one piece of advice I can give you, it’s this: be present. The more you focus on being in the moment with your spouse, the more genuine, relaxed, and beautiful your photos will be.
It’s true that “you get what you give”—if you stay connected with your partner and show up for each other throughout the day, that connection will shine through in your photos. As an Ohio Wedding Photographer with over a decade of experience, I have put toghether some tips to create a wedding day experience that not only feels incredible but also captures that same magic on camera.
1. Stay Close—Hold Hands, Steal Kisses, and Enjoy Each Other’s Company
After you’ve had your first look (if you’re doing one), don’t separate. Stay close to your partner. Hold hands, hug, kiss, laugh together. The way you interact with each other throughout the day shows up in the photos. When you’re constantly connected—whether it’s holding hands during the ceremony or sneaking moments together at the reception—it adds a layer of authenticity to your images.
When you spend the day loving on each other, your photos will reflect that intimacy. You won’t need to pose for those candid shots because they’ll just happen naturally as part of your connection.
2. Relaxed Photos Come from a Relaxed Mindset
I know wedding days can feel chaotic at times, but it’s so important to take a breath and let yourself be in the moment. The more you can relax and focus on the love you’re celebrating, the more that ease will come through in your photos.
Here’s the thing: if you’re tense or stressed, it’s going to show on camera. But if you’re relaxed and in the moment, your photos will capture the joy and calm you’re feeling. Take a few deep breaths when things get busy, focus on the love of your life standing next to you, and let go of the small stuff.
3. What You Experience is What You’ll See in Your Photos
Your wedding day is a reflection of the energy you bring to it. If you’re caught up in the details or stressing about the timeline, that’s going to come through in your photos. But when you’re present—when you’re really soaking in the day—the photos will capture that sense of joy and connection.
This is why I always encourage couples to take a few moments alone, just the two of you. Whether it’s right after the ceremony or during the reception, taking time to breathe, laugh, and be together not only helps you stay present but also leads to some of the most emotional, intimate photos of the day.
4. Be Present to Make the Day Feel Even More Special
It’s easy to get swept away in the logistics of a wedding day, but remember: this is your day. The moments you’ll remember most are the ones where you took a step back and really soaked it all in. Whether it’s during your vows, watching your guests laugh and dance, or sharing a quiet moment together, being present allows you to experience your wedding day fully.
The more present you are, the more these moments will shine through in your photos. I can tell when a couple is truly in the moment, and it shows in every image.
5. Your Connection Tells the Story
The time you spend together during the day is what creates those effortlessly beautiful, connected photos. If you’re together, hand-in-hand, and prioritizing each other, that’s what I’m going to capture. Your wedding day isn’t just a series of events—it’s a celebration of your love story. And the best way to document that story is by showing up for each other throughout the day.
Hold hands during the ceremony, share a dance under the stars, steal a kiss during cocktail hour—whatever moments feel authentic to you. These are the moments that will fill your wedding album with meaning and emotion.
Final Thoughts: Be Present, Stay Connected, and Let Your Love Shine Through
At the end of the day, your wedding is about celebrating the love between you and your spouse. By staying present and focusing on each other, you’ll not only create a wedding day filled with unforgettable moments, but your photos will reflect that same joy and connection. Remember, you get what you give—when you’re relaxed, connected, and focused on the love you share, your photos will naturally capture that magic. So take a deep breath, hold your partner close, and enjoy every second of this incredible day. You’ll be amazed at how much love and beauty comes through in your photos when you simply let go and be present.
+ view the comments
