Cherish Every Moment: 4 Ways to Create Meaningful Wedding Memories

Hello, soon-to-be married couple! Your wedding day is more than just a party; it is an array of lovely moments intertwined to create unforgettable memories. With over 100 weddings under my belt, I speak from experience when I say that I have seen some things. You name it - it has most likely HAPPENED! I can also tell you that I can detect genuine emotions from someone overreacting to the camera from a mile away! These 4 tips will help you create intentional moments that will allow you to be more present and invoke genuine emotion.

beautiful bride and groom during their ceremony

Bride and Groom kissing after their ceremony

Tip #1: First Look with Bridesmaids

A first look with your bridesmaids is a fantastic chance to create meaningful moments on your wedding day. Before the ceremony begins, it sets an environment for cherished connections and shared feelings. This private moment allows you to share your happiness, excitement, and love with your closest friends, creating a space for genuine connections and emotional chats. You’ve seen em’, I’ve seen em’, we’ve all seen em’. These are nothing new. Now don’t get me wrong, I am a girl’s girl, so I love highlighting my brides and their more cherished relationships! You have most likely seen the pictures where the bridesmaids turn around and the bride is approaching from behind, it is super cute and it’s a fan favorite, but because it’s a group of girls vs one, the individual emotion gets lost in the masses. A good alternative for this is to have your bridesmaids dressed and ready to go before you even start getting dressed. Have them pour themselves a glass of wine and allow them to sit in the chairs and watch your mom, sister, grandma get you dressed! The candids that I will be able to pull from are invaluable, cherished, and much more relaxed!!

Bride excited during her getting ready process

Emotional moments when the bride was getting ready

bridesmaids during the getting ready process

the bride’s mom emotional during the getting-ready process

Tip #2: First Look with the Groom

Listen, I will never be the type of photographer that pressures for a first look. Unless we are just up against the sunset with the ceremony start time, this only applies if you WANT to do a first look. When I was first starting out, I used to coordinate first looks the only way I knew how and that was by putting the groom in a place facing away, and having the bride approach from behind and touch him on the shoulder. Don’t get me wrong, I love it. These will always be emotional because it’s an emotional day! Now, I particularly love placing the groom at the ceremony site, near where the altar is facing the aisle, and having the bride walk toward him. This to me is the best of both worlds!! You still get your walk and aisle moment, just in the privacy of you two (and your photographer of course!!).

Bride and groom emotional during their first look

Tip #3: Candids

Candids are super trendy right now in the wedding photography world, and for good reason!! I am a huge fan of candid photos, However, as photographers we cannot create candids out of nothing. My advice is; instead of going through Pinterest for a shot list and candid-type prompts - just be with your people! My suggestion would be to spend time with your people. If your grandmother/grandfather is your best friend and you want to have some photos with them, be sure to spend time with them, talk to them, hug them, and love on them! If you want fun and crazy reception photos, make sure you are setting the scene for that to happen. Be sure to book a DJ that understands the assignment!

Bride having fun at their reception with family members

Beautiful Bride and Groom smiling at each other

Tip #4: First Touch

The first touch is typically seen on a corner of the chapel, ceremony venue, or a doorway in the reception venue. I have photographed so many first touches! where couples say hi and share a laugh! I will always tell them, this is your moment, take the time you want and say what you are feeling. My advice is that if you want to do a first look is to enhance it. You can do this by reading love letters, exchanging a prayer, or reading your written vows. Do whatever resonates with y’all as a couple. Some people don’t like to say their vows in front of a crowd and saying them during their first touch allows them to be more present and less nervous. It’s your day so make it yours!!

Stunning bride and groom after their first touch

Bride and groom in front of the chapel before the ceremony

Happy bride and groom hugging each other before their ceremony

Bride and Groom leaving the chapel after their ceremony

Lauren Crumpler | Texas Wedding Photographer

By implementing these tips on your big day you will have memories that will be cherished for a lifetime!! If you are planning your wedding in Texas and you are looking for a combination of poses and candid photos, you are in the right place!! head over to my contact page, so we can create memories that will last a lifetime!