From Your Photographer – The Best Wedding Day Advice for Couples Who Want to Stay Present
MY BIGGEST WEDDING DAY ADVICE FOR COUPLES: IT’S YOUR DAY, DO IT YOUR WAY
Let’s talk about making your wedding day everything you’ve dreamed of, without letting it slip away in a blur. I’ve been behind the lens for enough weddings to know the most unforgettable moments aren’t just the big ones. They’re the little looks, the shared laughs, the tiny pauses where time slows down and you realize: “This is it. This is our day.”
Here’s how to hold onto those moments:
PLAN TO SPEND THE DAY TOGETHER
Your wedding day is about the two of you, so why not experience it side by side? Too often, couples get caught up in the whirlwind of events and find themselves pulled in different directions. But if you plan ahead to stay together, you’ll not only feel more connected but also create those magical, spontaneous moments that truly capture your love story. From getting ready to your final dance, being intentional about your time together ensures you’ll remember the day as a shared, unforgettable experience.
01. BREAK THE TRADITIONS
This is your wedding day—so why stick to old customs that don’t resonate with you? Want to start the day together, enjoying the calm before the storm? Ditch the “separate mornings” tradition and share that special time getting ready. It’s a chance to slow down, connect, and savour the anticipation without the usual chaos. Maybe you’re not into formalities like receiving lines or first dances—no problem. Skip them. When you let go of expectations, you create space for more meaningful, spontaneous moments that feel truly yours.
Thinking of the ceremony? Why not rewrite the rules there, too? Have a non-traditional procession, invite your best friends to speak, or even surprise each other with personal vows on the spot. Your wedding should feel like an authentic expression of your relationship, not a checklist of traditions to follow. Breaking the mold often leads to the most heartfelt, real moments—moments that make for unforgettable memories and stunning photographs.
02. FIRST LOOK, FIRST FEEL
If you’re torn between keeping the tradition of waiting until the aisle to see each other or sneaking a private moment beforehand, a first look can be the perfect solution. It offers an intimate, emotional connection away from the crowd’s eyes, allowing you to truly take in the moment when you first see each other. Without the pressure of hundreds of people watching, you can embrace, laugh, cry, and have those authentic reactions that might feel harder to express during the ceremony.
Not only does a first look give you a private moment to enjoy together, but it also eases the nerves before walking down the aisle. You’ll feel more relaxed and grounded, knowing you’ve already shared that special moment. Plus, it allows me to capture stunning, emotional photos in a calm, controlled setting.
03. Build ‘Us Time’ Into Your Day
With all the excitement and busyness of a wedding, it’s easy to forget to slow down and enjoy the moments together. One of the best ways to stay connected throughout the day is to schedule a few ‘us time’ breaks. These don’t have to be long—just 5 or 10 minutes here and there to step away from the crowd, take a breath, and really soak in what’s happening. Whether it’s sneaking out for a sunset stroll, grabbing a quiet drink, or just sitting together in the car between venues, these small, private pauses allow you to be fully present with each other.
These moments also provide an opportunity for me to capture candid, intimate photos that show your connection in a more relaxed, natural setting. Sometimes, it’s in these quiet, unplanned moments where the most meaningful images are created—images that reflect the genuine emotion and love you feel on your wedding day.
04. STAY CONNECTED
It’s easy to get separated during the reception. With so many guests to greet and moments to be part of, couples often find themselves spending chunks of time apart without realizing it. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to stay present together is to make a conscious effort to stick close to each other throughout the day. Whether it’s dancing together, walking through the venue hand in hand, or greeting your guests as a team, these small acts of togetherness go a long way in keeping you connected.
When you navigate the day side by side, not only do you share in the energy of the celebration, but you also create countless little moments that reflect your love. These moments—when you catch each other’s eye across the room, share a laugh during dinner, or steal a kiss in the middle of the dance floor—become the heart of your wedding day memories. And of course, staying physically close gives us more opportunities to capture the real, spontaneous interactions that tell the story of your connection.
05. SWEETHEART TABLE
A sweetheart table is a simple yet powerful way to keep the focus on the two of you throughout the reception. Instead of sitting with your bridal party or family, having your own private table gives you a chance to enjoy your meal in peace, share some quiet conversation, and reflect on the day without being in the center of everything. It’s your mini sanctuary in the middle of the party.
This setup not only creates an intimate space for you both to reconnect, but it also allows for some beautiful, candid photos of you enjoying each other’s company. While your guests chat, eat, and mingle, the sweetheart table gives you time to pause and take it all in, savoring the moment before you dive back into the festivities. It’s a subtle yet meaningful way to prioritize your connection on a day that’s all about your love.
6. Stay Physically Close
AND FIND CONNECTIONS
Throughout your wedding day, remember to hold hands, steal kisses, and share smiles. These small, unspoken gestures are not only meaningful in the moment but are also the kind of things that translate into beautiful, candid photographs. Staying physically close keeps the emotional connection strong and reminds you both why you’re there—to celebrate your love.
A quick touch on the arm, a whispered joke, or a simple smile can ground you in the moment and bring you back to each other, even amidst the chaos of the day.
These little interactions are often the moments that couples cherish most when looking back, and they make for some of the most heartfelt, genuine photos. So, lean in, stay close, and enjoy every moment together.
IT’S YOUR DAY, DO IT YOUR WAY
IT’S YOUR STORY
Embrace the Unscripted Beauty
think we’re a
MATCH?
It’s all about you, and your love story. I have the privilege of sharing a day with amazing individuals, capturing moments of pure joy.
“THE BEST THING ABOUT A PICTURE IS THAT IT NEVER CHANGES, EVEN WHEN THE PEOPLE IN IT DO.” – ANDY WARHOL
Your wedding day is a real, unfiltered story. Let’s chat about how I can capture it—no fluff, just real talk. Hit the button below and tell me all about your wedding plans. Ready to keep it real? Let’s talk.
SAM CHIPMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
YORKSHIRE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER COVERING WEST YORKSHIRE, NORTH YORKSHIRE, LANCASHIRE, CUMBRIA AND THE LAKE DISTRICT; AND TRAVELLING NATIONWIDE & WORLDWIDE.
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“The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do.”
– ANDY WARHOL