The style of wedding photographs has changed tremendously – for the better! In the past, the bride and groom would pose for formal wedding photographs with family members and friends, and the result would be an album of classic photographs. For many couples, this was very difficult, as they did not like staring at the camera lens and saying 'cheese ', and the photographs were not able to capture their characters and rarely captured candid moments.
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Luckily today, while the traditional group shots are still taken, the emphasis is on more casual photographic studies of the couple that perfectly capture their character and their style – without them looking at the lens. Modern photographs use lighting, surroundings, and props to capture the couple relaxed and enjoying each other's company or the fun of creating amusing photographs that will make everyone laugh for many years to come.
Sunlit Garden Shoot
A sunlit garden provides the perfect photo opportunity when everything is bathed in sunlight. The golden hour after sunrise or before sunset is extra special for photographs, as the light is softer, warmer, and minimizes harsh shadows.
Capturing the lush greenery or beautiful flowers can really enhance photographs, and the wedding couple walking along a flower-lined pathway is very romantic. Perhaps there is a rustic wooden bench for the couple to relax together or a pond where they can feed the fish. The photographer will try different angles and also capture reflections on the water.
Playful studies of the couple include them dancing together on the grass or holding each other close and sharing a kiss.
Vintage Car Photos
There is something very special about a vintage car, and they add timeless appeal to wedding photographs. The bride and groom can stand in front of the car, and its gleaming paintwork and chrome contrast beautifully with their wedding clothes. Another lovely shot is of the groom helping his bride into the car, and another is of them sitting on the back seat with glasses of Champagne.
There is plenty of scope for more informal photos too. The groom can be peering under the bonnet, wondering why the engine will not start, and the couple can be photographed fixing a 'Just Married' sign on the trunk! A lovely photo is of the groom looking in a wing mirror as he adjusts his tie.
Another fun shot is of the groom sitting in the driver's seat while his bride pretends to push the car along!
Rainy Day Umbrella Moments
Sadly, not everyone can enjoy a sunny wedding day, but instead of feeling gloomy about the raindrops, capture the magic of them!
A lovely portrait can be taken of the couple under a clear umbrella sharing a kiss. An umbrella in one of the colors of the wedding scheme will offset the bride's bouquet perfectly, or you can add an element of fun to the photos with a large brightly colored umbrella and rain boots! The photographer may well want to take a number of shots as they play with reflections in the puddles, etc.
For group photographs of the bridal party, just grab numerous umbrellas! For timeless appeal, the photographer may suggest some photographs in black and white – especially if the wedding couple is wearing traditionally styled outfits.
Library Love Story
The rows of classic books in a library provide a unique backdrop to photographs. The couple can be sitting together reading a large book, with the implication that it tells their love story.
The natural lighting from the windows is soft, and the colors and textures of the old books and leather chairs highlight the details on the bride's dress beautifully. Maybe the library has a grand staircase that the couple can climb holding hands and just glance back towards the photographer – there are many creative possibilities.
Historic Building Backdrops
The intricate architectural features and mellow stonework on historic buildings act as a magnificent backdrop to wedding photographs. Historic buildings add elegance and romance too. Castles, chateaux, temples and cathedrals all have something unique to offer, and of course their architectural styles will vary tremendously depending on their location.
There are so many attractive features to discover, including huge wooden doors, stained glass windows, sweeping staircases and beautifully landscaped gardens – they all add depth and character to the wedding photographs, and these historic backdrops add a striking contrast to the bride's dress.
Rooftop Romance
Finding a special location in a city can be tricky, but consider some rooftop photographs. The cityscape acts as an amazing backdrop for photos of the couple – especially during the golden hour. The couple can be embracing and looking into each other's eyes as the breeze gently lifts the bride's veil.
The silhouette of the couple against the city backdrop is a memorable photograph. It is an added bonus if there is a roof garden with a rustic bench.
Fun studies of the couple include them flying a kite high above the rooftops or pretending to be chimney sweeps. If they are going on their honeymoon, another fun shot is of them looking skyward and pointing to an aircraft as it passes, with a suitcase in their hands.
Countryside Picnic Session
A picnic in the countryside is very romantic. Spread a large plaid rug on the grass for the couple to sit on and have some tempting foods, such as strawberries in a wicker basket. Again, the golden hour provides the perfect level of light and will reflect perfectly in their Champagne glasses.
The countryside has so many lovely features that can be used in wedding photographs. Rolling hillsides, fields of wildflowers, lakes and streams all add magic. If the couple has a dog or horse, these can be introduced in some of the photos too.
Forest Fairytale
Woods and forests with lofty trees make for fairytale photographs. This is the perfect setting for couples who love nature. The golden hour has soft golden light and will create leafy shadows, and the couple standing side by side looking into each other's eyes is a study of sheer romance!
Props can be introduced, including lanterns with candles, fairy lights, and snug woolly blankets to snuggle up in; these will all enhance the romantic ambiance and will make the photoshoot memorable for the bride and groom.
Coffee Shop Cozy
Your local coffee shop can provide a warm and intimate setting for some great wedding photographs! With a backdrop of books, magazines, and the coffee bar, the wedding couple can be photographed enjoying a cup of coffee together or sharing a relaxing moment with plenty of laughter.
To enhance the romantic vibe, fairy lights and vintage lamps can be used to provide a golden vintage glow. Alternatively, the couple can sit at a window table where they can be bathed in sunlight.
Fun suggestions for informal photos include a study of their wedding rings on a napkin or them sharing a love note scrawled on a napkin. The bride can pretend to read her husband's coffee grounds in his coffee cup.
Oceanfront Sunset
Nothing beats an oceanfront sunset for really romantic photographs. The natural golden light in the hours before sunset produces stunning soft images that glow with warmth. The couple's silhouette contrasts against the burnished colors of the sky.
If they stand barefoot in the shallow water, the gentle waves in the background add another dimension to the photograph.
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The couple walking hand in hand along the water's edge is another favorite shot, or standing holding hands and looking to the horizon is symbolic of them beginning their new life together.
Blossoming Orchard
An orchard can be a beautiful setting for some relaxed studies of the couple. When the trees are laden with blossoms and the grass is like a carpet of wildflowers, their natural beauty makes any photograph absolutely stunning. The bride and groom walking hand in hand away from the camera is simple but very effective, as it captures their connection with the beauty that surrounds them.
The golden hour after sunrise and before sunset will bathe the orchard in a soft golden light.
Other shots that make beautiful photographs to treasure include the couple sitting on a plaid rug on the grass, toasting each other with a glass of wine, or the bride leaning back against a tree trunk while the groom gently kisses her or presents her with a posy of the wild flowers he has picked.
Candlelit Night
The gentle glow of candlelight is perfect for magical and informal photographs. The soft golden light creates a romantic and intimate ambiance. Choose candles in different heights to add interest to the ground around the couple (place candles in holders or lanterns to minimize the fire hazard).
Choose a spot outside that is surrounded by trees where the branches can be laced with fairy lights. A backdrop of a hillside against the evening sky or the ocean stretching forever.
The bride and groom can stand simply holding each other, or he can take her hand up to his lips to kiss. Their features will be in shadow, but the golden glow will enhance the beauty of their wedding clothes.
If you do not have a suitable outdoor location, similar lovely photographs can be captured indoors. Make sure that there is plenty of space for all the candles to be displayed safely.
Heritage Train Ride
There is something truly nostalgic and romantic about an old steam train that gives it a timeless appeal. The bride and groom can stand holding each other tenderly with the gleaming engine as a magnificent backdrop. Alternatively, they can stand on the platform with their backs to the camera and each holding an old suitcase.
If you are able to go inside the train, the cozy, traditionally styled carriages are a lovely setting for photos of the couple sitting close together or handing their tickets to the inspector. Outside once again, the couple can be photographed together waving as the train leaves with smoke billowing out of its funnel.
Secluded Riverbank
Whether you are thinking of a babbling brook or a secluded riverbank, it is perfect for some special photographs of the wedding couple. The reflections on the water and the lush greenery both add interest, and of course, during the golden hour before sunset, the golden glow enhances their natural beauty.
There are a variety of lovely photos that can be taken, including the couple standing together on the riverbank or sitting on a lovely rug. If there is a bridge, an intimate shot is of them standing together on it and sharing a kiss. A fun study of the couple is to have them both laughing as they dip their bare toes in the water.
Colorful Street Art
Colorful street art can be a vibrant backdrop to city photographs as it incorporates bold colors and texture. Try to find some street art that is in the wedding color scheme so that the colors in the bride's bouquet are emphasized.
A simple study of the couple looking fondly at each other or sharing a kiss will look perfect against the mural. Try to choose street art that reflects the character of the couple, too.
Ivy-Covered Wall
An ivy-covered wall makes a natural and timeless backdrop to some great wedding photographs. The texture and history of the wall are fascinating, and the lush green leaves of the ivy contrast perfectly with the bride and groom's clothes.
The perfect intimate shot can be achieved by standing the couple in front of the wall, sideways to the camera, with the groom holding his bride's waist tenderly while she rests her hands on his jacket. They can press their foreheads together, or he can kiss hers. Alternatively, they can face each other holding hands.
The dark green leaves of the ivy make a lovely contrast to the wedding bouquet, which can be fastened to one of the branches. Another fun shot is of the couple's hands placed against the ivy, which will highlight their gleaming new wedding rings.
Desert Dunes Drama
The bride and groom stand on the sand dune and are perfectly silhouetted by the setting sun is a photograph that is breathtakingly beautiful. If there is a gentle evening breeze, let it play with the bride's veil, lifting it up so that it is highlighted by the sinking sun.
The couple's footprints in the sand are another special shot to take, and they can be walking towards the sunset and their future life together.
Chic Urban Alleyway
Finding a chic urban setting can be challenging, but it can be quite easy to create. Choose a narrow alleyway with walls of textured bricks and string a canopy of fairy lights between the two sides. You will be surprised how romantic it will be.
Choose either the golden hour or after darkness has fallen to capture the wedding couple sharing a romantic moment or two standing under the fairy lights.
Their faces will be obscured, but there will be enough light to emphasize the detail on her wedding dress and his suit. A tender kiss is all that is required to make this a photograph to treasure.
Farmhouse Charm
The charm of a farmyard setting makes for appealing wedding photos. There are weathered old wooden barn doors, tractors, bales of golden straw, and all of these add character to the photographs. The couple can walk hand in hand through a field or sit on bales sharing jokes and a glass of wine.
If there are horses, cattle, and chickens, they can all feature in lovely photographs of the couple stroking them, feeding them, or gathering eggs. An old vintage cart is another great prop, and some lovely studies of the couple sitting on rugs in the back eating some crusty fresh bread and drinking homemade lemonade give photos plenty of rustic charm.
Lavender Field Elegance
Lavender fields not only look pretty, but they also smell beautiful and provide a lovely romantic backdrop to some informal wedding photos. The soft purple hue contrasts with the bride's dress, and photographs will look spectacular if they are taken in the hour before sunset, when everything is bathed in a soft golden glow.
The couple can be photographed strolling through the field along a tiny path with their backs to the camera, or the bride can be captured twirling her dress among the flowers. The couple can sit among the beautiful lavender on rugs sharing a picnic, or they can stretch out reading a book together.
Whatever photos they choose, one thing is for sure: whenever they smell fresh lavender in years to come, they will remember their wedding day.
