Group Photographs
This is one part of the day I really like to put emphasis on! Over the years I have seen that family photos can be the most stressful part of most wedding days, but it doesn't have to be.
The best way to get through family and group photographs as quickly but efficiently as possible is to curate a list beforehand of the formations you are anticipating you want to get on the day.
This is the list where you write down all of the photos you want! Not so much the ‘confetti exit, first look, first dance, cake cutting’ photos.. because I’ll definitely get those. I’m talking about the ones I kinda have to create and make happen. The ‘posed-ish’ portraits of your nearest and dearest that your parents will be hounding you to make sure you get.
If you want a photo of JUST you and your mum, then JUST you and your dad, then all three of you together, put it on the list. If you’re happy with your parents together in one photo, that’s totally fine too. But note it on the list! This way I’ll know what you want me to create for you, taking away all the guesswork on the day.
The best time for this is AFTER your ceremony but before we head off with your wedding party. Most of the time this can take a good 30 minutes. No way! I hear you. But it’s not the photo taking that takes 30 minutes, that’s a few seconds per photo. It’s the calling out, rounding up, chasing up uncle John, getting Nanna in on her walker, your 2 year old Nephew is crying, oh no we’ve lost Uncle John again because he’s gone to look for Aunty Mary.. You get my drift!
There’s almost nothing you can do to stop this from happening. I see it almost every weekend! My best advice is to come prepared with the list, and the knowledge that it might be a little crazy, roll with the punches, laugh at the chaos, and know that we will get through it and the champagne will be waiting for you on the other side!
Annnnd don’t forget your friends! If you have a specific ‘friend’ group you want a photo with (people from school, work, etc) put that on the list too! These shots can sometimes be best taken during the reception (and then they have way more atmosphere and are way more fun!)
To avoid YOU being the ones running around rounding up family members (hello classic Bride-zilla moment) let’s choose one person from each side of your families who can be your PHOTO CAPTAIN for the day. Your loudest cousin, or any teachers you have in the family are good for this. They will be my helpers getting the show on the road. I will have copies of your list to give them on the day so we can get through it easy peasy.
If you have a HUGE list and we run overtime, keep in mind that may take some time away from other parts of your day. A one page list is totally doable!.
The Group Photo
Group Photos. A whole other ball game. Sometimes these are easy because the venue has a perfectly positioned hill or huge space to utilize and the photo comes out amazing! And sometimes there just isn't the space to put 100 people properly for a photo! Unless I climb on a roof it might not be as nice as what you think. They also take time! Rounding up 100 folks who just want to head to the bar is no walk in the park. To make this happen and totally ace it I’d think about 4 things:
Is there a space big enough for your guests and then for me to stand far back enough?
Can your celebrant mention that IMMEDIATELY after the hugs we will get cracking into our group photo? (this might help with the wanderers.. maybe!)
Can your PHOTO CAPTAINS help round people up?
Leave ample time for this.
This is an example of a family/groups list that covers everyone and the order structurally works well!
COUPLE: BARBIE & KEN // PHOTOGRAPHS FOR POST CEREMONY
BARBIE’S SIDE
BARBIE + PARENTS
BARBIE + KEN & PARENTS
BARBIE + SIBLINGS
BARBIE + PARENTS + SIBLINGS
BARBIE & KEN + SIBLINGS
BARBIE & KEN + PARENTS + SIBLINGS
BARBIE & KEN WITH GRANDPARENTS
BOTH PARENTS - BARBIE & KEN + BOTH SETS OF PARENTS
KEN’S SIDE
KEN + PARENTS
KEN & BARBIE + PARENTS
KEN + SIBLINGS
KEN + PARENTS + SIBLINGS
KEN & BARBIE + SIBLINGS
KEN & BARBIE + PARENTS + SIBLINGS
KEN & BARBIE WITH GRANDPARENTS
OTHER PHOTO IDEAS!
FRIEND GROUPS
WORK GROUPS
If you are able to email me the list when it's complete (at least a week before your wedding day) I can pass on copies for your Photo Captains on the day. Let me know if I can help out with this in any way!