Have you ever thought about what the most emotional part of your wedding will be?
Will it be the speeches?
Maybe your first look?
Or your wedding dance?
Sure, any of those could be the right answers for You. But based on my experience as a wedding photographer who lives for capturing these magical moments of pure love – it will probably be your wedding ceremony.
The moment you say “I do”. And – surrounded by your friends & families – commit your life, heart, and soul to the one true love of your life.
And indeed, all the ceremonies I’ve witnessed – and had the privilege of capturing – over the years were truly unforgettable.
Some warmed my heart, so brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face, and others just simply took my breath away.
But they were all uniquely beautiful in their own way. Every single one of them.
So today, I’m here as your favorite wedding photographer from Melbourne to share my top 6 tips on how you can also have the best wedding ceremony ever. So, grab a cup of coffee (make it irish?), sit back, and let’s dive in!
1. Make your first kiss count
Once you hear the words: “…and now you can kiss the bride”
– it’s time to seal your love with a kiss!
Now, don’t be shy here – make it epic. Make it count!
A gentle peck simply won’t do justice to all the romance in the air. And besides, nothing is worse (for me, your photographer) than trying to capture that millisecond of a quick peck that some couples mock as their first kiss.
So pucker up and show the world (or at least your guests) what true love really looks like. This is the moment everyone has been waiting for, so don’t be scared to take your time and take it slow.
Embrace your first kiss – indulge in it. Let your love shine through as you lock lips with your partner. Even better if you do something wild, like dipping each other or literally sweeping each other off your feet.
And I promise you, that this way you’ll not only get to have a much better ceremony experience, delving in love & joy…
…but you’ll also give your wedding photographer more – and better – opportunities to take heartfelt photos of your first kiss as a married couple.
So don’t hold back. Kiss like there’s no tomorrow.
2. Think about the ideal timing & location
Timing is everything (okay… almost everything), especially when it comes to your wedding ceremony.
So consider the time of day and the season you’re planning your ceremony.
Will the golden hour sunset cast a warm glow on your faces?
Will the cherry blossoms be in full bloom, adding a touch of whimsy to your backdrop?
Or will the autumn leaves provide a unique vibe for your wedding day?
One key thing to remember is that harsh light directly in your eyes is never nice – but it’s even worse when you’re trying to see your partner for the first time.
So, harsh direct light can ruin your experience – but it can also lead to some not-so-good photos too. So, I’d usually recommend taking the direction of the light into account when planning your ceremony. And – if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony – try taking advantage of the soft, natural light that’s usually present 2-3 hours before sunset.
Other than that, just choose a location that resonates with your love story and sets the perfect stage for your “I do’s.” Whether it’s a charming garden, a rustic barn, or a sandy beach – make sure it speaks to Your hearts.
3. No phones please
In this digital age, it’s easy to get carried away with documenting every second of our lives.
But on your wedding day, let’s put those phones away, shall we?
So, encourage your guests to be present in the moment, fully immersing themselves in your beautiful love story. Imagine unplugging from the virtual world and creating an atmosphere where everyone can truly connect and celebrate with you with true & real emotions. Imagine their reactions to seeing you in person – instead of through their screens.
Trust me, those Instagram-worthy moments will be even more magical when experienced firsthand – without a f*ck-off giant iPad in front of their faces. And I’m there to make sure that those Instagram-worthy moments will still be captured for you and your guests to cherish for eternity.
But again, it is your wedding – so you don’t have to listen to me.
But there are few things worse than you walking down the aisle, and me trying to dodge your guests (and their phones) blocking my best vantage points.
I mean, do you really want me to stick my big arse in your guests’ faces, trying to get that perfect shot of you?
4. Make eye contact
Look at each other and soak it all in!
Especially when you say your vows…
…take your time. And let the world fade away as you gaze deeply into the soul of your partner.
After all, it’s not just about the words you speak. It’s about the emotions you feel – and convey – with your eyes, your face, and your body language. So embrace. Hold hands, or kiss. And if you happen to make a mistake, don’t worry, it’s no big deal – just laugh it off and keep on going!
Now, this might sound absolutely ridiculous, but I’ve seen so many couples looking at their celebrant during their ceremony – instead of looking at each other. Sure, you can choose to take a quick glance at your guests from time-to-time – they’ll be so stoked! But focus on each other, and just let the world stop spinning for a brief moment.
This simple act of making eye contact will create a profound connection between you two and leave an indelible mark on your memories. It will feel super special. And it will look extraordinarily romantic in your wedding photos too.
5. Nail your confetti toss
As you make your grand exit as newlyweds, don’t forget to nail that confetti toss!
It’s your time to shine and add a sprinkle of whimsy to your photos. Embrace the moment, get confetti all over yourselves, and revel in the sheer joy that will surely fill the air.
To truly embrace this moment – and to get the best photos of your confetti exit – make sure to walk slow, and pick a song that’ll get the good vibes going for the both of you.
Meanwhile – as your wedding photographer – I’ll get everyone to throw the confetti upwards (rather than straight in your faces), which will not only spare you the “pleasures” of getting confetti in your noses & mouths, but will also lead to much better photos.
If you need some guidance on how to pick the perfect type & color of confetti for your wedding, make sure to check out this blogpost on how to nail your confetti toss.
Other than, hold hands, laugh, or do a dip-kiss in the middle of the aisle, dance, or even spin each other around. And just let the confetti rain down on you as you embark on this beautiful journey together.
Just remember: if you’re having fun together, it will show on your photos too!
6. Celebrate with your loved ones
Now that you’re married, it’s time to get that party started down the aisle!
After all, your wedding day is not just about the two of you; it’s also about sharing these beautiful moments with your loved ones too.
And what better way to share your love & joy than indulging in your post-ceremony celebrations together?
So, once you’re surrounded with family and friends who have supported your journey, it’s time to dance like nobody’s watching, laugh until your cheeks hurt, and cherish every moment spent with those who mean the world to you.
With confetti all over your outfits, high-five your best mates, hug your parents, and just own the moment.
Take some time to enjoy the company of your guests, allow them to congratulate you, or indulge in some heart-to-heart conversations with your closest circles.
And even if you’re a bit short on time, this is something you definitely shouldn’t miss out on.
Like, even if it’s just 10 minutes: it will add so much to your overall wedding experience. Plus, this is where we’ll get the best candid photos of the two of you with your families & friends – with a heap of emotions flying around.
And there you have it, my top 6 quick tips for having the best wedding ceremony ever. I hope these insights will help you create a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Remember, this day is all about celebrating your unique love story. So embrace the romance, enjoy every precious moment, and let your wedding ceremony be a reflection of your beautiful journey yet to come.
And hey, if you’re still looking for a wedding photographer who knows how to capture all the magical moments of your ceremony (and more), feel free to get in touch with me. Together, we’ll make your dream wedding come true!
