Capturing those raw, emotional wedding day moments is more than just clicking the camera at the perfect second. It’s about setting the stage where couples can truly be themselves, letting their real emotions glow. In this blog, I’m spilling the secrets behind my candid style, sharing how to snap those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments, and giving you some tips to relax and soak in every second of your wedding! Enjoy Victoria and Manuel’s emotional wedding day at 1620 Winery Wedding in Plymouth, MA.
1. Create a Connection Before the Big Day
My number one goal when documenting a wedding is to make sure your wedding photos are as genuine and heartfelt as your love story. To do this, it is so incredibly important that I build a connection with you and your partner before your wedding day! This usually happens during your engagement session if you decide to add one on or during our planning video calls!
I truly believe that understanding your personalities, how you interact with each other, and what makes you feel comfortable is the key to creating the most authentic gallery on your wedding day!
2. Documentary Photography is About Blending Into the Background
A big part of my candid style is mastering the art of blending in! Rather than stepping in and directing the show, I love to let the day unfold just as it is. Of course, if there are moments where I need to step in, I will! But, for the most part, you’ll often find me tucked in a perfect spot—close enough to catch the magic, but far enough to let those special moments happen naturally without me getting in the way.
3. Focus on the In-Between Moments to Capture Emotions on Your Wedding Day
The most heartfelt emotions on your wedding day often bubble up in those quiet, unexpected moments. Whether it’s a bride sharing a giggle with her mom or the groom nervously fixing his tie before the “I do,” these little in-between moments are where the real magic happens. And they usually tell the best stories!
4. Natural Interactions Create Natural Storytelling
Rather than having you strike a pose, I love to encourage you to just be yourself and interact with your partner naturally. Little prompts like “take a moment to yourselves to share how you’re feeling with one another” or “stroll hand in hand enjoying the scenery” work wonders for sparking those genuine emotions. It’s all about gently guiding instead of directing every move, letting your unique vibe shine through. This is where the real candid magic happens. Every couple brings their own special twist to the moment!
5. Create Space to Let the Candid Moments Unfold
One of the trickiest parts of a wedding day is feeling like you need to hurry things along or make certain moments happen, but the most genuine emotions usually bubble up when you give them the space to unfold naturally. This is why I will work hand in hand with you in creating a timeline that has room for those special moments that you want to prioritize capturing.
6. Capture the Environment and Context
Authentic storytelling on your wedding day is often tied to the environment! Without context, we can’t really know the fullness of your story right? Whether its a moment of frolicking around the open field outside of your venue, your guests enjoying a bite to eat, or the hug you give your dad before you meet your partner at the end of the aisle, capturing the environment adds depth to the emotional story of your overall day. It’s all about the capturing the little details just as much as the big details!
Tips for Couples to Relax and Be Themselves
1. Trust Your Photographer
I am there to capture your story just as it is. Trust the process, and the expertise I bring to the table, but most importantly, just enjoy your day! The more relaxed you are, the more authentic and heartfelt your photos will be.
2. Focus on Each Other
Forget the camera is even there and just dive into each other. Whether you’re sharing a quiet moment or cracking up together, focus on your connection and let those emotions flow naturally. That’s where the real magic happens!
3. Embrace the Imperfections
Some of the best photos come from those perfectly imperfect moments—a flyaway hair, a breeze, a tear rolling down your cheek, or a spontaneous laugh. Embrace these little quirks; they’re what make your story REAL and uniquely yours!
4. Take Breaks Together
Throughout the day, take a few moments to step away from the crowd and enjoy some time together. Not only will this help you both unwind, but it also sets the stage for some beautifully intimate, candid shots. At the end of the day, this is about marrying YOUR person, so make sure to spend some intentional time with them!
5. Stay Present and Intentionally Slow Down Your Day
The day will fly by, so make the most of every moment. Savor the laughter, the tears, and those delightful surprises—they’re all the special touches that make your wedding day uniquely yours. Also, be sure not to squish too many events in such a short time and always account for any potential delays, specially if travel is included!
Capturing authentic emotions on your wedding day goes beyond just technical skill, it’s all about creating the space where you and your partner can be truly yourselves. By letting moments unfold naturally and focusing on the connection between you, you will capture timeless wedding day photos that genuinely reflect the love and joy of your emotional day.
Boston Wedding and Elopement Photographer | Paula Milena
For the romantics who cherish genuine, unscripted moments and are deeply in love. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, I’m passionate about capturing your unique story just as you envision it. You deserve a photographer who’s as enthusiastic about your day as you are. Think we’d make a great team? Reach out through my contact form to reserve your date!
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