How to Decide When to Take Couple Portraits on Your Wedding Day
planning your wedding portraits: micro moments, a dedicated block… or both?
micro moments
#styledshoot
your couple portraits can fit into your wedding day in a few different ways. you can plan short photo breaks throughout the day, set aside one uninterrupted session, or combine the two. each approach gives you something a little different, both in your photographs and in how you spend your time.
photo “micro moments” throughout the day
these are little two-to-ten-minute pockets where we step aside, make some photographs, and get you back to your people. think a few minutes after the ceremony, a sunset wander, or a quick trip outside under the venue lights after dancing.
micro moments give you:
- shorter stretches away from your guests, conversations, and snacks.
- manageable sessions if being photographed takes a lot out of you.
- variety in light and backgrounds as we use different nearby spaces.
- photographs of the changing energy, from “holy shit, we’re married” to the quieter moments later on.
- little opportunities to hold each other, breathe, and take in the day.
we plan these around natural transitions, with nearby locations so a quick photo break stays quick.
#styledshoot
TRADITIONAL TIME BLOCK
#realwedding
a dedicated portrait session/block of time
an uninterrupted block gives us time to settle in and explore. this might happen after a first look earlier in the day, during cocktail hour after the ceremony, or around sunset, depending on your schedule.
a dedicated session gives you:
- time to get comfortable on camera with a little guidance.
- room to fine-tune your dress, veil, suit, and other details.
- time to explore a location and create different compositions.
- space for classic portraits, movement, and quieter photographs together.
- a clear place in the timeline that your vendor team can plan around.
if you’re doing a first look, taking some portraits beforehand can also free up time after the ceremony. when planning any session, we’ll look at when daylight ends and what kind of light you’d love in your photographs.
#realwedding
my personal recommendation:
i love micro moments throughout the day plus about twenty to thirty additional minutes of couple portraits around sunset. that combination tends to flow smoothly and gives your gallery a lovely variety of light, expressions, and atmosphere.
the right balance depends on how you feel about being photographed, how much time you want with guests, and which portraits matter most to you. we can make room for photographs you love and time to enjoy the day you’re there to celebrate.
NEED MORE?
or e-mail nikki directly via nicholevtaylor@gmail.com
(do not use this email to promote business services to me)
♡ CREDITS ♡
#styledshoot wedding vendors:
hosts: @jennalinnphotography @denasimmonsphoto
venue: @thegin_hidalgofalls
event planner: @letscelebratevents
florals: @gloriouskreations
hair and makeup: @bloomingbeautycompany
table settings: @thevintagedishrental
bridal dress: @reviveyosoul
mobile bar: @wildponyexpressbarllc
custom merch/signage: @southernskyweddings
calligraphy: @mrskatiecastro
jewelry: @shop_eclecticwest
drink ponies: @thepubpony
décor and linens: @ideal_event_solutions
custom hats: @thewesleyjamesco
models: @zeah.lynnea & @casey.m.00
photos:@stories.bynikki
#realwedding wedding vendors:
venue: Oakland B&B
bridal dress: @somethingbluetx
in frame: @jennadell.erwin & @joshwerwin
photos:@stories.bynikki
Alvin, TX
♡
