Welcome to the Wedding Photography Guide
Birgit Walsh
Photographer
PHOTOGRAPHER'S NOTE
If you've received this guide, it signifies that you've chosen me as your wedding photographer, and I am deeply honored and thrilled to be entrusted with capturing your special day. Each wedding holds immense significance to me, and I eagerly anticipate narrating your unique story through my photographs.
Within these pages, you'll discover invaluable insights surrounding weddings, drawn from my extensive experience as a wedding photographer.
Allow me to impart one crucial piece of advice straight away: Your wedding day is a momentous occasion where two families unite, and you and your partner make a vow in the presence of your loved ones.
So, cherish every moment! Revel in each other's company! Stay present in the moment! While unforeseen challenges may arise—be it minor mishaps or larger unforeseen circumstances like inclement weather—remember, what truly matters is savoring this day and embracing its unfolding beauty. Ultimately, what matters is that by the day's end, you're united as a married couple!
Rest assured, I am here to capture every nuance of your wedding day as seen through my lens, ensuring you can relive these cherished memories through timeless photographs for years to come.
Warm regards,
Birgit Walsh
Creator of Love Stories
YOU SAID YES
The Pre-Wedding Trail Shoot
Your engagement marks the exciting beginning of your journey towards your wedding day. That moment when one of you asks, "Do you want to marry me?" is filled with anticipation and romance. It's a time when you're both envisioning a future together and planning your dream wedding. Many couples now opt to commemorate this special time with an engagement or couples shoot.
Beyond the joy of having photos to announce your engagement or feature on your wedding website and invitations, these sessions offer us a chance to forge a deeper connection and prepare for the big day.
All my clients attest that having been photographed by me before their wedding day significantly eased their nerves. They entered their wedding day feeling relaxed, assured of beautiful photos, and radiating genuine happiness—even those who initially expressed concerns about their photo appearance.
Some of my favorite locations in Stockholm for these shoots include Stadshuset, the National Museum, Stora Skuggan or as you see here Djurgården bridge. Once we've settled on a date and location for the trial or couples shoot, I'll guide you through some “poses “and demonstrate my approach for your wedding day. Your only task is to stay connected with each other; I'll take care of the rest.
Regarding outfits, I recommend keeping it simple yet personal. Ensure that your clothing styles complement each other. While I don't suggest matching jeans and white shirts, it's essential to avoid stark contrasts, such as pairing a ball gown with casual street wear. Opt for attire without large logos or intricate patterns.
The "golden hour," just before sunset, is a popular time for photography, but we can also play with direct sunlight, shadows, and bright light to create captivating shots or for that modern, fashion-forward vibe, we can even shoot shortly after sunset and incorporate flash. Remember to bring sunglasses for a stylish touch in some images. We steer clear of harsh noon sunlight, as it can create unflattering shadows on faces. "Open shade" areas, created by trees or buildings, are ideal alternatives.
Following the shoot, you'll receive a gallery link to view, share, and download your photos.
THE DRESS
The wedding dress stands out as one of the most significant highlights of the wedding day—perhaps even THE highlight, second only to your love for each other. Once you've settled on the style for your wedding, selecting a dress that not only complements this concept but also allows you the freedom to move comfortably is essential.
Some brides opt to change dresses for the first dance. Can you breathe, sit, stand, hug, and dance in your dress? And what about the shoes? The ultimate test is whether you feel like yourself. Your comfort will reflect in the photos, so it's crucial to feel at ease in your attire.
THE SUIT
Your choice of suit sets the tone for your wedding day, reflecting the overall ambiance you wish to create. Will it be classic and elegant or modern and chic?
For a summer wedding in Mallorca, a light linen suit perfectly captures the breezy, summery vibe of the occasion, effortlessly reflecting the radiant sunlight.
If you're exchanging vows in a Swedish slott (manor house), consider opting for a timeless and sophisticated look with a bow tie paired with a classic black tuxedo. This ensemble exudes a sense of refinement and charm that complements the grandeur of the setting.
In cooler seasons, a leather or furry jacket can make a bold statement while providing warmth. Don't forget sunglasses—they're a stylish accessory that adds flair to any summer wedding ensemble.
Ultimately, the key is to stay true to yourself and infuse your personal style into your choice of attire. Whether it's a sleek modern suit or a classic ensemble, let your personality shine through, and make your wedding attire uniquely yours.
HAIR AND MAKEUP
Just as with the dress, I recommend selecting makeup and hairstyles that feel natural to you—after all, this is how your partner fell in love with you. Timeless makeup and hair that reflect your personality will shine through beautifully in the photos.
While I leave the specifics to the experts, scheduling a trial makeup session before the big day is highly advisable. This allows you to ensure that the chosen look complements your features and aligns with your vision for the day. Additionally, minimizing shine is crucial from a photographic standpoint, so I suggest working with a professional makeup artist who understands the nuances of camera-friendly makeup.
THE GETTING READY
One of my favorite moments to start capturing a wedding day is during the getting ready phase. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation, and you're surrounded by your nearest and dearest. I take care to find a lovely spot to showcase the dress and the suit, creating a beautiful backdrop for your pre-ceremony preparations. Perhaps you'll indulge in a glass of bubbly as you prepare for the day ahead. This is also the time to add an editorial twist and plan for some cool shots. We can plan ahead and I am happy to create moodboards to get the most out of this time.
Consider coordinating attire for everyone present—it adds a cohesive touch to your photos. Soft colors and natural light not only enhance the aesthetic but also appeal to makeup artists. Whether you're getting ready in a hotel room, an Airbnb, the bridal suite, or your own home, ensure the space is tidy and spacious.
I might join you at the start of the day but at least 30 minutes to an hour before you want to put your dress on.
When deciding where you and your partner will prepare, keep in mind that it's easiest for me to photograph both of you if your locations are close by. I also make sure to capture shots of the dress, shoes, rings, flowers, and the overall atmosphere. If time allows, we can even capture some candid moments with parents or best friends—these often become cherished emotional keepsakes.
Before the flurry of hugs and tears, I like to take individual portraits of you, capturing the moment when everything is perfect and you're brimming with excitement for the day ahead. These portraits serve as a timeless reminder of the anticipation and joy felt on your wedding day.
DETAILS
Enhancing the elegance of your wedding album are the meticulously captured detail shots. From the delicate petals of your flowers to the sparkle of your jewellery, from the heartfelt love letters to the intricately designed printed invites, every aspect holds significance and adds depth to your narrative. Don't forget to pack all the meaningful items you wish to have photographed on your special day.
As part of our getting ready time photos, I always suggest allocating a minimum of 20 minutes to capture these details. While it may seem like a small fraction of time amidst the hustle and bustle, these photos play a crucial role in immortalizing the essence of your wedding day.
FLOWERS
The bridal bouquet, bridesmaids' bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres for the groom and his groomsmen serve as exquisite accents that set the tone for your wedding day. It's a rare opportunity to adorn yourself with such beautiful floral arrangements, adding a touch of elegance and romance to the occasion.
Incorporating flowers into your decor is another delightful way to infuse your day with beauty and charm. Whether it's enchanting flower arches, lush garlands, or ethereal hanging clouds of blossoms, consulting with a specialized florist can help bring your floral dreams to life. Remember, while trends may come and go, if you love your bouquet, it's the perfect choice for you. Rest assured, I'll ensure that these floral masterpieces are preserved for eternity through my photographs.
Below, you'll find a list of talented florists in the Stockholm region, all of whom have the expertise and creativity to transform your wedding vision into a breathtaking floral reality.
Florists: FLWR_SE / Bloomspourmoi / Liza Langen
FIRST LOOK
In Sweden, it's customary for most couples to walk down the aisle together, which makes arranging a special moment to see each other for the first time even more meaningful. Following the getting ready process, including individual portraits and photos with bridesmaids and parents, I'll scout a nearby location where you'll share that unforgettable first look. It's a magical moment reserved just for the two of you, brimming with anticipation and emotion.
However, if you prefer to wait until the ceremony to see each other, I fully respect that decision. Regardless of your choice, I'm here to ensure your day unfolds exactly as you envision.
Should time permit, we'll also seize the opportunity to capture some timeless couples portraits during this moment. With fresh makeup and excitement in the air, these portraits radiate authenticity and joy.
Plan for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour for the couples portrait all together, whether we shoot before or after the ceremony. Additionally, we can split the session, allocating for example 20 minutes before and 20 min after the ceremony, then take 20 min capturing some enchanting golden hour portraits around sunset or fashion-forward flash photos after the sun has set—pending approval from the toastmaster or madame, of course.
Consider logistics as well. You really should not see each other in your wedding attire before the moment if you are planning a first look.
WALKING DOWN THE AISLE
As the ceremony commences, your heart quickens with anticipation—a moment brimming with excitement and emotion. With all eyes on you, take a deep breath and cherish each step forward.
To ensure we capture this pivotal moment in its entirety, both photographically and emotionally, I encourage you to savor every moment. Walk at a leisurely pace, allowing yourself to bask in the love and support of your friends and family. It's recommended to maintain a distance of 8-10 meters between you and the party ahead if you're all walking together, ensuring ample space for impactful photographs.
During this procession (and the exit), I'll utilize flash photography to freeze the motion and capture the essence of the moment. However, if you've enlisted a videographer, we may opt to forego flash to avoid distraction in the video footage. In such cases, we can coordinate for a brief pause at the end of the aisle to capture a still photo.
Once you've reached the altar, my camera will transition to silent mode, ensuring no disruption as the ceremony unfolds. Rest assured, your journey down the aisle will be immortalized with grace and reverence, preserving the essence of this unforgettable moment.
THE CEREMONY
The moment we've all been waiting for has arrived—the ceremony begins. Words of love and support fill the air, songs that tug at your heartstrings are sung, and then comes the pivotal question...
To ensure we capture the magic of these moments from a photographic perspective, here are some valuable tips:
1. Unplug your wedding: Encourage guests to immerse themselves fully in the moment by kindly asking them to stow away their cell phones. Not only does this foster a more intimate atmosphere, but it also ensures that no distracting screens mar your cherished photos. Plus, you can easily share my high-quality images with them through the online gallery.
2. Focus on each other, not the camera: When exchanging vows and rings, gaze lovingly into each other's eyes rather than at the lens. This allows for authentic and emotional moments to be captured, both for you and your guests to cherish.
3. I'll move discreetly to capture various angles: I'll strive to be as unobtrusive as possible, ensuring minimal disruption during the ceremony. With silent shoes and a camera in silent mode, you won't even hear a click as I work to document every precious moment. Flash will only be used sparingly during entry and exit to freeze motion.
4. Coordinate with your videographer: Discuss with your videographer the level of proximity and lighting preferences during the ceremony. The videographers I collaborate with understand the importance of discretion, ensuring they blend seamlessly into the background. However, it's crucial to communicate your preferences to avoid any unexpected surprises.
Ultimately, it's your special day, and you have the final say in how it's captured. Whether you prioritize close-up shots or prefer more privacy during certain moments, your wishes guide our approach to documenting your wedding ceremony.
OUTDOOR CEREMONIES
Outdoor weddings are truly enchanting, provided you take a few key considerations into account:
1. Have a backup plan: While outdoor ceremonies offer stunning vistas, it's essential to have a contingency plan in case of inclement weather. Consider indoor alternatives or rent a tent for shelter.
2. Optimal lighting: Lighting plays a significant role in capturing beautiful photos. Direct sunlight at midday can cast harsh shadows on faces. To mitigate this, consider creating a canopy or utilizing natural shade from nearby trees, which also adds to the picturesque backdrop.
3. Create an aisle: Enhance the ambiance by laying down a carpet runner or delicate lace along the aisle. This not only adds a touch of elegance but also helps counteract the green color cast that grass may produce on skin tones.
4. Guest comfort: Keep your guests comfortable, especially on hot summer days. Provide umbrellas, fans, or opt for a late afternoon ceremony to avoid the peak heat. Your guests will appreciate the thoughtfulness.
5. Communicate clearly: Ensure smooth coordination by clearly communicating your preferences to your guests. Let them know if you'd like them to toss flowers or blow bubbles upon your exit. Alternatively, plan these activities for a specific moment and discreetly step away to allow your guests to prepare.
Effective communication is key to ensuring your wedding day unfolds seamlessly and keeps your guests well-informed. Provide details about group photo sessions and timing for activities like bubble blowing to ensure everyone is on the same page.
THE COUPLES PORTRAITS
The photos of you two together on your wedding day often steal the spotlight in your wedding album and become cherished artwork for your walls. The time you spend together during the shoot is yours to savor.
Consider these points for the most stunning outcome:
When planning the outdoor shoot, aim for the best light early or late in the day. During midday hours between 11:00-14:00 I can use my flash to lighten up harsh shadows and give the shots an editorial look.
If you've chosen to have a First Look and/or portrait session before the ceremony, we can complemented with some golden hour portraits later in the day. This way, you won't miss out on time with your loved ones, and your hair and makeup will still be flawless for the first part of the portraits.
My portrait sessions are incredibly relaxed and incorporate natural movement, so relax and just be yourselves. There's no need to feel like you have to pose unnaturally.
I like to break up the session into manageable chunks: 15-20 minutes for the First Look, another 15-20 minutes during the mingling, and possibly an additional 10-15 minutes if the light is particularly stunning later in the day.
For the location, the most logical choice is somewhere close to the wedding venue. Often, we discover stunning scenery nearby. I'm always on the lookout for open fields, cobblestone streets, gravel paths in the woods, standalone trees, old buildings with beautiful doors, ancient stairs and walls, rustic ruins, charming barns, grand wooden gates, lakes with picturesque bridges, and even bustling city streets for a cool urban vibe.
Consider keeping your guests entertained with a photo booth or let me bring a second photographer who can take amazing guests portraits while we're away for your couple's photoshoot . This way, you'll have fun photos, and your guests will enjoy themselves while mingling.
GROUP PHOTOS
Sharing your joy with family and friends is an essential part of your wedding day. When you reflect on these photos in 10, 20, or even 30 years, you'll see how the children who attended have grown up, and sadly, some grandparents may no longer be with us. These images will serve as a timeless record of cherished moments together, their value only increasing with time.
Allocate 20-30 minutes, depending on the length of your list of must-have group photos. Prioritize which group combinations you desire and send me the list before the wedding. I'll enlist a knowledgeable guest to assist in gathering the right people.
A casual group shot with all the guests is swiftly captured and makes for a heartwarming memory. Following this, we begin with the largest group photo and gradually release guests to the reception until only the closest family remains for the final, intimate shots.
Group and family photos are best taken against a simple backdrop or backlit, avoiding bright sunlight that makes people close their eyes. I seek out shaded areas with even lighting and backdrops that complement your color scheme. Utilizing the church door can add depth and significance to the narrative of the photos.
DINNER
Your wedding meal holds significant importance throughout the day, especially in Sweden where heartfelt speeches are a beloved tradition. Personalizing and infusing fun into the dinner experience will be warmly received by all your guests.
Ensure the backdrop behind you is aesthetically pleasing, as it will feature prominently in many of your photos. If you are working with a wedding planner, they will make sure your backdrop is picture-perfect.
Following speeches, invite the speakers to join you for a hug and a kiss, fostering a warm and intimate atmosphere. Some couples choose to place two chairs across from their own seats, encouraging impromptu conversations with other guests who can stop by for a chat and a toast.
Embrace each other often, share plenty of kisses, hold hands, and share laughter abundantly throughout the dinner festivities.
A brief interlude between courses is appreciated by both guests and myself. While you enjoy your meal, I refrain from taking close-up photos to respect your privacy. Instead, I take the opportunity to capture candid moments as guests mingle, ensuring a diverse array of photographs. I also take a quick break to eat nearby, ensuring I don't miss any important moments that may unfold.
GOLDEN HOUR
The enchanting golden hour, with its soft, ethereal light, occurs just before the sun dips below the horizon. Whenever feasible, I highly recommend seizing the opportunity to step away from the wedding dinner for a brief interlude of couples portraits during this magical time. Trust me, it's absolutely worth it!
I can liaise with the toastmaster/mistress to carve out a window of approximately 15 minutes or so between speeches and courses, if you're open to it.
NIGHTTIME FLASH
In recent years, the use of flash photography has emerged as a prominent trend in wedding photography, injecting a touch of drama and creativity to immortalize unforgettable moments. Wedding photographers are increasingly leveraging flash techniques, particularly in low-light conditions or during evening celebrations, to elevate their images.
This trend towards flash photography allows for the creation of visually striking images reminiscent of classic black and white film photography. Employing flashes strategically enables us to illuminate you as a couple against dark backgrounds, accentuate intricate details, and infuse a sense of glamour into the wedding narrative.
And in bright daylight flash adds an editorial edge that takes your wedding images to a new level. Why not have some images that could be right out of a fashion magazine?
To capture these captivating shots, all I require is 10 to 15 minutes of your time after sunset. Let's schedule a dedicated session to capture these vibrant, dynamic images.
The strategic use of flash not only infuses weddings with high-fashion and editorial vibes but also plays a crucial role in capturing gorgeous skin tones, adding depth and radiance to each frame.
PARTY TIME
Let's make the transition from dinner to dance floor seamless and unforgettable! To kickstart the party vibes, surprise your guests with sparklers, confetti bombs, hidden under their chairs or hot shots. Then, crank up the music and let the celebration begin! And why not have to DJ join already during dinner? Here are some pro tips for a memorable party:
Request a white spotlight from the DJ for your first dance—it'll illuminate you beautifully and ensure stunning photos.
Encourage guests to use the flashlight on their phones to light up the dance floor while you bust a move.
During the first lively 30-minute to one-hour party stretch, I'll capture countless amazing moments. As the night progresses and things get wilder, I'll respect your guests' privacy and focus on documenting the fun-filled energy.
A word on video
Let's delve into the realm of wedding videography. Many of my couples inquire whether I also offer video services. My response is nuanced—it's a yes and no scenario. Firstly, it's crucial to define what constitutes a wedding video. You might have come across terms like highlight film, teaser, and full wedding film.
A teaser is a brief, one-minute glimpse into the longer video, while a highlight film condenses the essence of the day into a captivating three-minute narrative. On the other hand, a full wedding film extends beyond the highlights, encompassing elements like speeches and other significant moments.
A skilled videographer is akin to a master storyteller, meticulously curating hours of footage to weave together a compelling narrative. However, from my perspective as a photographer, my focus is primarily on capturing fleeting moments and crafting still images that encapsulate the essence of your day.
Crucially, certain pivotal moments, such as those during the ceremony, demand undivided attention, making it impractical to simultaneously film and photograph them alone. To address this, I collaborate with a select group of exceptionally talented videographers who specialize in seamlessly capturing the essence of your day on video.
While I can capture brief video clips or “behind the scenes” social media style reels, when appropriate, my priority remains steadfastly on still photography, especially during moments where there's no opportunity for a retake. When selecting a videographer, it's imperative to choose someone who works harmoniously with the photographer and respects the sanctity of your wedding day.
Open communication with the videographer is key, ensuring alignment on factors like space, timing, and proximity during key moments. Ultimately, our shared goal is to document your day authentically, preserving its magic for years to come.
Let me know if you are looking to book a videographer we can find the perfect person for your style and budget choices.