5 Secrets to Carefree Wedding Pictures

One of the most common questions we get around here is how our couples can get the same carefree, natural wedding pictures that they see on our website and social media. Well, friends. To be completely honest? It’s not that difficult, we promise. 🙂 In fact, over the years we’ve learned that there are a few things that most of our couples do that result in wedding photos that they can’t get enough of and that represent the most “them” version of them. Today, we’re sharing those 5 secrets to carefree, natural wedding pictures. 

5 Secrets to Carefree, Natural Wedding Pictures

1. Let go of what you think your wedding pictures “should” look like

That’s right, we’re starting off with a heavy hitter. But in all honesty, this is probably the most important of all of these. We know that as you’re planning you dream of what your wedding will look like in pictures. Pictures of you and your honey, your family, your reception, and of course with your wedding party too. 

And trust us when we say that we know just how important these photos are to you. Which means it’s that more important that you try to let go of what wedding blogs and Pinterest say your wedding “should” look like. Worrying and stressing over all of those ”should”s means that you’re not going to be able to sit back and relax so that you and your honey actually look like yourselves in your photos. Trust us here, friends. Let go of the “shoulds” and revel in what makes your day yours. 

2. Spend some time alone with your honey

Yep, it’s true. At some point during your wedding day we recommend ditching your family and wedding party to take some time for just you and your honey. Not only will you two get to rehash your whole day, but you’ll also get to spend some time with the only other person who the whole day is about. Even if it’s just 15 or 20 minutes you’ll be able to relax and focus on what matters: the love of your life. Get so wrapped up in each other that you forget everyone else is there, or close by, and just enjoy your time together. 

We promise that whatever your photographer winds up snapping during this time? They’ll likely be the most “you” and the most relaxed of the whole day. 

3. Build plenty of picture time into your wedding day

True story here, friends. The more rushed you are on your wedding day, the more stressed out you’ll be, and the less likely you’ll be able to relax. When you’re able to relax on your wedding day your photos will automatically reflect it, and will automatically be more carefree, natural, and you. 

Even if you don’t think you need it, we recommend tacking on an extra 15-20 minutes to all of these wedding day photo times: getting dressed, first look, couple photos, family photos, and of the night photos. Taking those few extra minutes will ensure that you’re not rushed or rushing through any of your moments trying to catch the next one, but that you’ll be able to really relax and live in your moments. 

4. Soak it all in

If we’re being honest, by the time your wedding day rolls around, if there’s a detail or task that hasn’t gotten done it’s not going to get done. And you know what? That’s completely okay. Let go of the details or delegate them so you can focus on sitting back, relaxing, and soaking every moment of your big day in. 

In our 14 years of photographing weddings in Kansas City, our couples that have not focused on every single detail on their wedding day? They wind up being able to relax and enjoy their day. They’re able to soak up all of the moments, really live in them, and wind up loving their wedding pictures that much more because they’re so natural and carefree. 

5. Hire a photographer that you trust and LOVE

This is another big one, friends. Because here’s the deal. If you hire a photographer that you don’t feel absolutely comfortable with? Or that you don’t trust or love? You’re going to be on your guard all day long. You’ll be so focused on what they are (or aren’t) doing, or how you “should” look, that you won’t be able to relax for your photos. Hire a photographer that you love, and that you trust and you’ll love your wedding photos. It’s that simple, friends. 

Really, truly, we promise it’s that easy, friends, to get those carefree, natural wedding photos that you want from your wedding day. We hope our “secrets” help, and that no matter who your photographer is you love your wedding photos.