Your Photographer will likely have a list of photos that they will work through. A must-have photo list is essential to planning as it will effect the time of your ‘Bridal Party Photo Session’ as well as other events in your schedule. Some photographers will welcome photo lists, while others may prefer that you don’t prepare one. Having a list of essential photos can streamline the whole process. However don’t let the list restrict you. There will be moments like perhaps an unplanned rain storm and rainbow will create an opportunity to add an amazing photo to your growing collection.


Discuss with your photographer any planned activities or events that will transpire. It’s become a norm these days for couples to have some sort of entrance into the reception - it’s important that your photographer is made aware of such entrances or anything non-traditional so that they can be prepared for such events.  Your wedding day can be divided into four shoots.

  • Pre-Ceremony
  • Ceremony
  • Post Ceremony Formal
  • Reception


The Bridal Portrait

The bridal portrait is a cherished tradition that captures the essence and beauty of the bride on her wedding day. It is an intimate and timeless keepsake, highlighting her elegance, joy, and anticipation as she prepares to embark on a new journey. This portrait not only serves as a personal memento for the bride but also becomes a treasured family heirloom, symbolizing love and celebration. The bridal portrait allows the bride to express her individuality and style, preserving a moment of pure happiness that she can look back on for years to come.


The bridal portrait is a fantastic way of showing off the bridal attire, jewelry and makeup. Bridal portraits are arranged to present the most flattering image of the bride on the day of her wedding. I like to capture her beauty, the details of her dress, and her joy on this special day. This can be done in a picturesque location or a beautifully lit room. This can be a pre-ceremony shot or it can be done afterwards as part of the Post Ceremony Formal Shoot. I like to get it done before the ceremony and that way we can concentrate on the couple after the ceremony.

The Groom's Portrait

Just like the bride, the groom deserves a solo portrait too. The Groom's portrait on his wedding day holds significant importance as it captures a pivotal moment in his life, marking the beginning of a new chapter. This portrait serves as a timeless keepsake, reflecting his emotions, personality, and the unique style of the occasion. It complements the bride's portrait, contributing to a complete narrative of the wedding day. Additionally, it allows the groom to have a special moment in the spotlight, celebrating his role and individuality amidst the shared celebration. These portraits become cherished memories, preserving the joy and essence of the day for generations to come.


I like to capture him looking dapper in his suit or tuxedo, and highlight his excitement and anticipation for the day. Often I find that the groom is more nervous than the bride. I like to get the groom with his tie loose around his neck or buttoning his jacket. It is important for me to try capture who he is, his character.

The balance of my favourite poses are all Bridal Couple photos. I won't go into detail with the importance each pose as I did above. This paragraph suffices o cover all. Bridal Couple photos  are more than just images; they are the heart and soul of your wedding day, encapsulating the essence of your love story with timeless elegance. These cherished portraits stand as a testament to your unique journey together, capturing the intimate smiles, tender glances, and heartfelt moments that often go unnoticed amidst the day's whirlwind. With over 30 years of experience, I understand the importance of these fleeting moments and am passionately dedicated to preserving them with meticulous attention to detail. As a creative powerhouse, I take the time to listen and understand your vision, ensuring each photograph reflects the natural, classic beauty of your love. These images will not only adorn your walls but will also serve as a lasting legacy, a beautiful reminder of the day you embarked on this incredible journey together.

Chest to Chest

In the Chest to Chest pose I have my couple standing right up against each other, as close as possible with their chests touching. I do a number of variations of this pose some looking at each other and others looking at me. I come in close and go out for a full body shot. Depending on the location we can also go wide. Sometimes I step back and combine chest to chest with the next pose which is the head cuddle. I like to have the bride on the right so that I can often place her hand in a position where I can highlight her wedding ring.

Head Cuddle

The Head Cuddle is a great shot for interaction between the couple. I usually start with the couple having their eyes open and I prompt them with something silly like, "In your sexiest voice, whisper the weekly grocery list", this usually gets a good reaction and sets the mood, I get to capture some of the emotion of the day.

The Spoon

The spoon is a classic pose where the Groom stands close behind the bride with his front touching her back. I often have the bride leaning back into the groom, their heads almost touching or the groom nuzzling in at her neck. With larger or plus size couple this can appear a little awkward so it's not a pose I would do as their are better poses.  Like all the poses I shoot a variety of shots from close or wide. Variation can depend on the size difference of the couple for example a taller groom allows for him to put his arms around over her shoulders which would not work for a couple of about the same height.

Reverse Spoon

I would have to say this is really a favourite of mine and I tend to use it a lot. There is something peaceful and magic that comes over a bride when when she puts her head against her just married husbands back and closes her eyes. I like to get the groom trying to look back over his shoulder at her. We can have the brides hands on his back or around his waist. It all depends on the couple and the mood.

Wide Shot

The wide shot is totally dependent on location. You cannot have a wide shot in a narrow location.  Depending on the location I either have the couple walking across the shot or just standing. As in the shot below I have the wedding party posed in from of the wedding cars. This can be an intimate shot with just the couple or a shot with the whole wedding party. There are a lot of variations on this shot.

The Dance & Twirl

With the Dance and Twirl I have the couple dance walking towards me or just dancing on the spot and then I get the groom to hold the brides hand and twirl her. It is a fun shot that can be full of emotion and laughs.

Classic Look At the Camera

This is the classic shot of yesteryear. This can be close, waist up or wide full body. The couple stand obliquely towards each other or bodies  almost facing the camera and they look directly at the camera. They can be holding hands or hands crossed over. This is a classic for wedding prints.

Wall & Hedge Bokeh

This shot can virtually be done anywhere there is a wall, attractive fence or hedge. With this shot I use a longer focal length lens and shoot down the length of the wall or hedge getting as close as I can to the wall or hedge. The wall or hedge creates a leading line to the couple who could be facing me or each other.

Conclusion

Photography is all about light, I will pose my couples where I can get the best light on them. If I have the option of good light or a good background I will always go for the good light unless I have the time to set up portable lighting to compensate for bad light.