A lot of couples often ask for guidance for photos for their special day. Of course, the old method of searching through Pinterest for ideas is always helpful, but today I wanted to put together a list of some of the top wedding photo ideas you should consider for your wedding day. It’s Dave with Dave McIntosh Photographics, your source for Baltimore, Maryland wedding photography and videography. Let’s get inspired!
Flower Petals
Throwing flower petals is an old but a goodie, and it’s become a popular “must-have” wedding photo in recent years. It’s easy to see why–bright colors, movement, smiling faces, and some unpredictability! In our cenote ceremonies and Mayan weddings, the flowers are actually blessings showered over the couple.
My top tip: involve your guests. Moments like these are why we prefer to document weddings with 2 photographers: so I can capture you and your guest’s reactions! Also, it’s not a bad idea to have generous amounts of flowers to throw!
Put a twist on your unity ceremony
Unity ceremonies are a great way to have fun and express your personality at your wedding ceremony. They are also a way of introducing symbols and actions to your wedding photography. Unity ceremonies like handfasting or a Celtic oathing stone incorporate culture while playful ideas like a “unity cocktail” are more about your personal, ahem, tastes! There are also unity ceremonies that reference your religion, even if your ceremony is symbolic.
Top Tip: The sillier the unity ceremony, the more fun the reactions will be! If you are having a destination wedding, there really are no rules about how your ceremony should be. Be as creative as you want!
Include the kids
There are a ton of reasons wedding photographers love kids at weddings. Children don’t give 2 hoots about formalities, so they often provide a comical juxtaposition to wedding traditions. They are also pretty cute, and weddings are a great excuse to dress them up as a ring bear, or ring security, or just in a dress that’s fun to twirl in! Whether it’s your own kids or nieces, nephews or children of friends, I highly recommend allowing kids to be kids on the wedding day!
My Top Tip: if you are up for rolling the dice and seeing the magic that kids can bring, let parents/guardians know that it’s no biggie if the kids move around during your ceremony, reception, or first dance. So many times, I’ve seen a beautiful moment unfolding and kids have been whisked away not to ruin the “perfect moment.” I am all about showcasing and perfection in imperfection–that’s real life, after all!
Get everyone on the dance floor
I get it–not everyone loves to dance, but some of my favorite photos are party pics! Having a photo surrounded by your loved one’s having the time of their lives is one of the best destination wedding memories you could ask for. It’s also a great opportunity for your photographer to capture fun, candid photos of you and your guests.
My Top Tip: Consider having one song announced by your MC that you request everyone will come up and dance for! If you have friends who are known to get the party going to make that their wedding present to you. And be sure to dance with granny.
Play a game
Reception games are a great icebreaker. They help the mood of the wedding switch from formal to fun, and they can provoke some great candid moments! There are a ton of classic games out there, like the shoe game. However, one of the most interesting is the kissing game! The different couple in the wedding group will show their best kiss, and the couple has to copy them.
About Dave McIntosh Photographics
My talent helps you remember each moment fondly. This means not only gorgeous photos and video but also a positive experience. When you look at the photos, you recall how you felt. Capturing special moments is more than picking up a camera. Sometimes is it creating a safe space for you to relax and be yourself. Sometimes it is creating a moment. Once you relax and be in the moment, the magic begins. I will guide you to create memories perfectly suited to you based on over 10 years of photographing weddings.