Brides are very familiar with lists. All of the wedding details are listed in a line as long as the queue at a Taylor Swift concert. Things to check off before the big day. So many things!! I get it. I make lists. Lots of them. And I make lists with my couples. We talk about the special people and moments we want to photograph on your big day. But between those lines of names and places is a space I see filled with opportunities to photograph the emotions. Why is that important? Imagine years later being transported back to the feeling of the day, not just the items on the list. Grandma’s giggles, your dad’s not-so-sly wiping of his tears, the flowergirl’s delighted distraction half way down the aisle when she sees all of those faces in the crowd. The photography that captures the emotions you had and may have even missed, are now preserved forever.
One of the biggest compliments I have ever received is that I am known for capturing the true, raw emotional moments in a unique way as well as the beauty.
I feel I’m putting moments in a bottle for the entire family and friends to keep forever.
I never miss the opportunity to create a great statement photo, but life and light and emotions can level up those standard group shots too. And I love giving opportunities for moments sparked by emotion as well.
There are lots of reasons it’s important to find a photographer who captures emotion on your wedding day, but here are just a few:
1. Preserve Authentic Moments
Every wedding day has surprises. You hand mom an unexpected letter sharing your gratitude for her support over the years. Dad holding Mom’s hand to settle the nerves. Your bridesmaids watching through the trees as you have your first look. The flower girl practicing a little too early as grandma quickly gathers all the petals back up.
You want to remember and enjoy these moments forever. They aren’t on the list. But they are a wonderful, unique part of your day. They are the frosting on your sweet, sweet wedding cupcake! Adding color and flavor and extra sweetness.
2. Capture The Depth of Emotion
There will come a day when you can’t remember life without your spouse. But on your wedding day you are–you. Solo. Individual. Apart. Standing at the crossroads of a whole new life. It’s awesome!
Capturing all the spectrum of emotions on that day is so important and powerful. It allows you to look back and remember the befores, the during, and the beginning of the together.
This day changes everything for you and your spouse. It’s like the calendar of your lives begins now and you want to remember all the emotions. Every smile, tear, laugh, and heart-tug. If your photographer looks for those moments beyond the list and knows how to spark them, you’ll get to enjoy them forever and share them with friends or family who weren’t there (I’m referring to your future kiddos, and friends and family who you didn’t know on your wedding day but cannot imagine your life without now!
3. Transport You Back To Your Wedding Day Emotions
Can I state the obvious? You’re going to be busy on your wedding day.
You are the stars of the day and everyone will want to hug and chat with and see you. It is a wonderful whirlwind.
Friends you haven’t seen in awhile. Relatives meeting for the first time. The gaggle of kids running to and fro. Dad getting ready. The wedding party grabbing a snack and a flop on the couch.
You don’t want to miss a minute. All the emotions. But you can’t be everywhere.
I’m always tickled when my clients and their families marvel at all of the shots I’ve captured from the day. When I capture the emotion of many, many different folks across the entire day, the bride and groom are able to be a fly on the wall for moments they never could have seen because they were needed elsewhere. Whether it is your closest family or random friends at the reception, I know everyone is important to be captured because they are important to you.
So, wonderful, emotion-filled photography not only helps you relive the day for the rest of your life, it captures moments you can now “remember” that you didn’t even get to see on the big day.
4. Document All The Details And Emotions
Have you ever had a friend from elementary school remind you of a certain thing you wore back in the day? The hair clip, those faded jeans, or the fave t-shirt? When they mention the details of that time, it takes you right back. That detail transports you deeper into the memory. It’s like you’re standing there again.
I look for special details on your wedding day. The setting sun through the window illuminating your champagne flutes by the cake. Your special grandma’s rings next to yours with all of your gorgeous details (I lost my necklace from my wedding- so I am thankful to have photos!). I want to showcase the way your grandma holds your cheek when she tells you how beautiful you look. The up close details of your lipstick you picked out. The back of your dress. The way your veil flows in the wind. All of the little details that enhance your senses to remember those moments in full.
Details Matter
Details matter and I’m always on the lookout for opportunities to grab them with my lens. Those little details will spur emotion and enhance the feelings in the years to come. You’ll be able to sit and stare and soak it all in with your spouse (and every house guest–wink) days and years and decades later.
The statement photos are a treasure. Who can imagine their big day without a shot of the wedding party and that classic bride and groom in the middle? Absolutely! But there’s so much more! I’d beg you to have an experienced professional capture the emotion in your wedding photography–the goosebumps of the day! And those photos will take you right back to the emotion of that day…forever.