It's no secret that I'm a romantic at heart. I love sappy romance movies. I love gazing into my husbands bright green eyes until he thinks I'm a weirdo. I love love. That's a fact. And its a fact that goes really well with what I love to do...weddings and couples photography. There are so many different parts to weddings that I love but my little romantic heart skips a beat when we get to do couples portraits. It just my thing guys! So today I wanted to talk a little bit about why I love them, why I think they are important, and some tricks of the trade to help you have killer couples photos.
1. What I LOVE about them | The heart of a wedding, to me, is about your story. What brought you both to this moment. I love taking the time during the wedding day bustle to focus on the two of you, your story, your love, and the fact that you decided to both say yes to the adventure of marriage. To me these are intimate moments that will last a last time and remind you, when it gets hard, why you fell in love in the first place.
2. Why are they important? | So I kinda just answered that above. Marriage is hard. That's a fact. It takes work and saying yes, I choose you over and over again. Even when you are both growing and changing. Love is an adventure. Having visual reminders of that love is vital. Especially if they are intimate, authentic, and unposed my friends.
3. I'm ALL IN. What's next? | Okay so now that I've talked about how awesome they are, how do we make sure they will be awesome?? We all have been to weddings unfortunately where the couple disappeared for hours on end and the party well...kind of died while they were gone. I know so many of my couples are worried about this happening while they do couple portraits but the truth is these don't have to take long to be wonderful. So relax, sit back, and let me tell it like it is.
- Talk to your photographer in detail about this time frame and what you you're worried about, what's important to you, and listen to their advice. It's why they are the pro right?! This part of the wedding day should take 30 min but if you're in a rush doesn't have to be longer than that.
- If you're worried about time, you've got options. If you're really worried about time, or have difficult restrictions due to location etc think about doing a first look or a day after adventure session. A first look can give you time alone before the craziness of the ceremony and reception. If you want that epic entrance but still really want a long couples session think about a day after adventure session, especially if doing a destination wedding. This can be a great way to get out and explore together without the pressure of a timeline.
- Communication. Most people respond well to knowing whats going on. It's our nature. If you want to make sure you have time for some epic couples shots, make sure someone does an announcement for your guests so they know not to expect you right away. Have some appetizers and cocktail hour so people can munch and mingle while you're out being romantic. People get it and will be totally fine with waiting. They're there because they love you and want to support you after all!
- Last but not least, relax and be yourselves. This is the time when its just you two. Be weird, be goofy, be awkward, make out, jump for joy, kiss, hug, cry. Be you and I promise you will love these photos forever and be so glad you took the time for them.
Cheers!
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Beth Bowman is an intimate wedding, destination, and elopement photographer with a heart for adventure based in Lexington, Virginia. She thrives on awkward, intimate, and authentic moments. Her mission is to document moments of love and light that they may encourage and inspire others during hard times--that love is the only true adventure. Her style is romantic, creative, and genuine. She believes in getting out in the rain, head back laughs, taking risks, and brave love stories.