Newlyweds certainly hold the star power on their wedding day, however the wedding party is not too far behind. These very important people are not only family and friends, they are the party starters, the enthusiasts, the joyful cryers, the jokesters and the best buds that have been through it all with you, so it is safe to say they deserve some limelight as well.  Your wedding photos are the single most important keepsake that will enhance the memories of your special day for years to come.  

Your wedding day is a day filled with so much love, joy and romance; a day that was not just about you but also all the people that were part of your journey.  Having a few key ideas of what you would like your wedding party pictures to look like is the perfect way to make sure those memories are long lasting and not forgotten. Read on for six wedding party photos that we think you will cherish for years to come.

Keeping It Classic 
Nothing beats the classic wedding party photo. Traditionally this photo is done with the couple in the middle and can be done in both a serious manner and then a more candid and fun demeanor.  Whether you want your wedding party jumping into the air or striking a funny pose, the options are endless and should not be missed. These are treasured keepsakes of you and your VIP’s; something you will want to look back on for a lifetime. Planner’s Tip: We love a shot with the couple in the middle, facing forward while the wedding party turns their backs to the camera. This is a great way to highlight the bride and groom while still having the wedding party by their side.

The Wedding Party Walk 

We love the idea of a walking photo. Picture this…the couple walking a few paces before their wedding party and their VIP’s a few steps behind in a moment of their own.  A walking shot brings elegance and dimension to the classic wedding party photo.  The movement offers a dynamic yet natural look. We love the idea of the couple holding hands and looking at one another, while the wedding party looks on adoringly. Sometimes the best photos are the candid ones.

At the Ceremony… Front and Center  

The moment  the couple is face to face reading their vows to one another, is an integral part of the ceremony and should not be missed. A panoramic shot of the couple and their wedding party at this intensely romantic moment will be treasured for years to come. This is a beautifully symmetrical shot and one of the most “frame-worthy” photos you will have.

The Big Kiss 

The kiss is obviously very symbolic when it comes to weddings and so is  your wedding party…so let’s combine this moment.  A sweet kiss with the couple in the foreground and the wedding party in the back is a definite go-to shot. Asking the wedding party to cheer in excitement, throw bouquets or hold a cute sign are adorable additions to his sweet shot. 

Cheers to the New Couple 

Once the photography session is over and the party is on the horizon, a shared cheers with your wedding party makes a great shot. When the couple and all of their friends are ready to begin the celebration, photographs of the couple dancing with their wedding party or just having a good time are treasured moments that deserve to be captured. This is the perfect chance to photograph the wedding party in their element with the couple…fun, lively, and entertaining!

The Grand Exit 

This moment can be captured as the couple exits the ceremony, just married as their wedding party stands alongside them. This is one of the best ways to photograph the entire wedding party in a truly special moment.  This “grand exit” can also be used as the couple leaves the reception. Giving the wedding party sparklers or having them form a “tunnel of love” is such an enchanting shot. The exit from the reception can be a more candid and boisterous version of the ceremony exit, and to be honest, we love both!

Photographs on your wedding day are going to be your most treasured memories years down the road. We urge our clients to go with a photographer that they feel connected to and cannot stress enough that this is not the vendor to skimp on.  We have worked with some of the best photographers in the Charlottesville and DC area and urge you to take a look at our portfolio for some great inspiration.

If you are ready to start thinking about wedding photography in your planning journey,and want to learn about what you need to ask when meeting with them for the first time, take a look at our blog, The Most Important Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer During an Interview.