TIPS
Here are some practical tips for the big day that will help you optimize your wedding day and get the best possible photos.
01.
How to Prepare Well for Your Engagement Session
More Than a Session: An Experience!
An engagement session is, first and foremost, a great reason to have beautiful photos of you before the wedding! It’s the perfect opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera, build a connection with your photographer, and share a fun, relaxed moment together. I emphasize approaching the engagement session as an experience to live. I prefer to avoid a strict two-hour shoot and instead focus on quality time with the couple. Usually, I encourage couples to see it as a stroll together, allowing me to capture their natural selves. If the session lasts four hours? No problem — get ready to escape and enjoy the moment.
The Importance of Timing
Generally, the session should be scheduled when the light is most beautiful: sunrise or sunset are clearly the two best times for an engagement shoot. Don’t be afraid to wake up early — watching the sunrise from a mountaintop is priceless!
Preparing Your Engagement Session
It’s best to prepare your session carefully and think about what you want to do. Choose the location wisely and consider the season — autumn and winter are fantastic times to enjoy breathtaking nature. Also, pick outfits that fit the setting: for example, I don’t bring high heels for a shoot among rocks. For women, it’s better to leave your handbag behind — it’ll only weigh you down all day.
02.
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CEREMONY
The Importance of the Background
Don’t forget to consider what will be behind you in the photos, and choose your décor accordingly. If you’re lucky enough to get married somewhere with a stunning view, that alone can be enough to create the perfect setting for your ceremony, needing very little else to be enhanced. Avoid placing speakers too close to you to broadcast sound — simplicity is key!
Also important to consider, especially for outdoor ceremonies: the microphone and speakers. Of course, you want to be heard clearly. If your ceremony requires a microphone, opt for a wireless one. For aesthetic reasons, nothing is less attractive than cables trailing in photos. Ask the person in charge of the ceremony or your DJ for advice. The same goes for microphone stands and visible speakers — poorly integrated equipment can spoil the photos.
And Then There Was Light
As with everything else, the timing of your ceremony will affect the lighting, and therefore the photos. Aim for a later time of day for softer light. Avoid harsh midday sun with no shade — it causes squinting, discomfort from heat, and other inconveniences. This will also keep guests from seeking shade and leaving their seats. If timing forces an earlier ceremony, try to find a shaded spot!
If full sun is unavoidable, position yourselves with your back to the light from the guests’ perspective — the light will be more flattering. Why not provide parasols for your guests?
A Smartphone-Free Ceremony
Don’t hesitate to ask your guests to switch off their phones during the ceremony, or at least during the bridal entrance — so they can fully enjoy the moment! A professional photographer will be capturing the day, and guests will have access to the gallery later. You can have the officiant share this message. For an extra step, consider an “unplugged” ceremony and ask guests to deposit their phones at the entrance in a designated spot.
The Entrance
As mentioned earlier: limit guests’ use of cameras and phones. These devices often disrupt the moment. Encourage guests beforehand to put away their mobiles and remind them that a professional photographer is taking care of the images :) Take your time! Space out entrances so the photographer can capture each person clearly, instead of the bride or groom being blocked by passing attendants. This advice also applies to the exit.
The Exit
Get creative and brief your guests well to create a warm, memorable send-off. Consider having a narrow aisle so you can weave through while being showered with confetti or other fun effects — perfect for photos! (Confetti cannons create a lush abundance that looks amazing in pictures.)
Useful link: You’ll find valuable advice for organizing the ceremony of your dreams at La Mariée aux Pieds Nus.
03.
GETTING READY
Natural Light
Whether you’re getting ready at the venue, a hotel room, or at home, choose a bright room for your preparations. Opt for a space with plenty of natural light—avoid artificial lighting, stay close to windows, and keep things simple: less is more :) Also, tidy up the areas you’ll be in. This will help avoid unwanted items like irons, open suitcases, or clothes scattered around appearing in your wedding photos.
Stay Calm
Most importantly, take your time on this day! Allow plenty of buffer time in your schedule—unexpected things can happen. Delegate tasks! This is your day to relax and enjoy, not to manage.
Be Well Surrounded
Surround yourself with close friends and witnesses on this day. Getting ready isn’t a stressful moment but a time to share with loved ones. Still, keep the number of people present during preparations limited. Invite friends and family to join you for dressing rather than during the entire prep. Avoid everyone getting ready in the same room with open suitcases and clothes everywhere—it won’t make for good photos. Ask your friends and witnesses to join once they’re dressed! Consider toasting with a bottle of champagne (or more…), and put on some background music to keep the mood light and help you focus away from the ceremony. Have fun during your preparations!
Choose a Lovely Outfit
It might seem like a small detail, but wearing a nice outfit (like a robe) during preparations makes a difference in photos. It helps you feel relaxed and ensures beautiful shots during makeup and hair.
Tidy Up / Keep It Simple
Prepare in a clean, organized space—no suitcases, piles of clothes, or clutter that could detract from the background in your photos.
The Details That Make the Difference
Preparations are also when the photographer will capture details. Gather and showcase your accessories—dress, suit, shoes, stationery, flower crowns—to highlight them beautifully.
04.
GROUP PICTURES
Favor Small Groups
I advise couples who want to take group photos to opt for small groups. Small groups look more aesthetic than large ones, where it can be hard to tell who’s who, with taller people hiding shorter ones, and so on.
Plan Your Groups in Advance
I usually ask couples to prepare a list of the groups to be photographed on the wedding day. This list is given to a witness or family member who will gather the groups as I take the photos. Try not to exceed eight groups.
Remember to Enjoy the Moment
Group photos are nice and make great keepsakes. But don’t overdo it — enjoy your guests beyond just taking pictures! Don’t multiply the groups; keep it simple and focus on what matters. You’ll capture beautiful candid moments with your loved ones during the cocktail, for example.
05.
COUPLE PICTURES
Soft Light
The best time for your couple session during the wedding is at sunset. The light is softer, warmer, and offers beautiful opportunities to play with it. Don’t hesitate to slip away during the cocktail because after that time, the light changes.
Regarding timing, I usually ask for at least 20 minutes for the session.
If timing forces you to do the session earlier in the day, prioritize shaded areas—but save at least 15 minutes for the sunset.
A Suspended Moment
Don’t see it as something formal or posed — it’s above all a moment for you two to reconnect and enjoy each other, away from the wedding excitement, before diving back into the party! Be sure to discuss this timing carefully with your photographer.
Emotion Above All
Be present in the moment without thinking about what you should do: forget the camera, hold each other, run, laugh, and show your passion!
06.
NIGHT / PARTY
Lighting for Dinner
Make sure your dinner area is well lit. While a soft, dim ambiance is pleasant for dining, ensure there’s enough light for photos. Candles, string lights, fairy lights—there are many ways to create a beautiful effect! For the dancefloor, opt for white lights.
Lighting on the Dancefloor
You’ve probably chosen your DJ for their musical skills to keep you dancing until dawn—and rightly so! But remember, your DJ also controls the lighting: effects, mood lights—they can truly transform the atmosphere. This is crucial for photography, allowing play with light and movement.
Accessories?
Consider fun accessories like masks, hats, or other props—guaranteed to bring a party vibe!