By Lindsey of George Street Photo
Remember the moment you took your first wobbly bike ride around the block, without those pesky training wheels? Or the first time the tooth fairy paid you a visit? Chances are, these ‘firsts’ are faded memories for you — but there’s no doubt your parents remember them! For every important milestone in your life, your parents have been there, ready with a video camera to document the good or a tissue to document the not-so-good.
And, on the biggest and most important day of your life, you’ll want to cherish every single moment spent with your parents, as they support you and stand by your side. Here are a few tips to capturing beautiful shots with the ones who loved you first!
Think Beyond Formals: You may already have formal portraits on your list of must-have wedding day shots. But, remember that so many authentic, heartwarming moments will unfold over the course of the day, and you don’t want to let any of them slip by! To grab hold of those moments, try including your parents in a variety of different events throughout the day — not just the formal portrait section. You may not see the tear sliding down your mother’s cheek as she fastens your gown during your bridal prep party, but that genuinely beautiful moment will certainly be reflected in your photos!
Plan in Advance: Though many of the best photos are those that are not planned out in advance, it helps to have some sort of set-up in mind to ensure you don’t miss out on key moments with your parents. By communicating these details with your photographer, you’ll guarantee that all of the emotions and experiences that tie you and your parents together come through in each image.
Set Aside Alone Time: Whether it’s before the ceremony or before the reception, try to separate from the hustle and bustle of the day and steal a moment alone with your loved ones. Not only will you be able to have some down time with your parents, but you’ll also have an opportunity to have those private moments captured on film. For example, sweet shots like a daddy-daughter ‘first look’ allow you to have a special moment with your dad, while capturing his priceless reaction to seeing you in your gown for the first time!
Capture Your Family Story: Wedding photos are all about telling the story of your day, in addition to reflecting the special bond you share with your family members. If you’re able, one of the best ways to capture those relationships is to have a “generational” photo — a sweet moment shared between you, your mother and your grandmother, or your groom’s father and grandfather. It’s a great way to showcase the important role these loved ones play in your life, and also make for a really unique, heartfelt photo.
Small Moments, Big Memories: Sometimes, the smallest moments from your wedding day create the most touching, unforgettable memories. The brief, yet meaningful, look of pride your dad steals in your direction before you walk down the aisle, or even the emotional expression on mom’s face as she watches you apply that last swipe of mascara — these moments may seem insignificant, but they’ll tug at your heartstrings when it comes time to look back through your wedding album. What may seem like a passing moment in time can speak a thousand words when you reflect on your day years after your wedding has passed. You’ve spent countless hours preparing and planning for this day — but your parents, the ones who’ve been there for you since Day 1, have invested their entire lives in loving you and supporting you through every step of your life.
By taking the time to cherish each moment spent with your parents, your photos will illustrate the bond you share as a family and reflect the joy and pure happiness felt by all on your wedding day.
Visit George Street Photo & Video to learn more about wedding photography and ways to capture beautiful portraits.
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