Authentic wedding photos, in our opinion, are the most emotional and sentimental. Powerful images that you look back on and think “wow, I am in love with this person because I can see how much they mean to me.” After years of shooting weddings, we can tell you that the magic happens when the focus is on crafting a day that allows for deep connection. Here’s six ways you can have wedding photos full of sincerity, soul, and candid joy!

1. Write your own vows.

This is no easy task, trust us! I spent weeks working on my vows because I ended up in uncontrollable tears every time I sat down to write. Mitchell powered through his vows over the period of a few days, writing dozens of rough drafts. There’s no hiding all that emotion when hearing your spouse’s sincere, loving words. Not sure where to start? The Knot has a really helpful article to get you started! If getting emotional in front of all the guests isn’t your thing, write letters to each other and have photos taken of the exchange. Another option is to have a private vow reading before or after the ceremony, with space for the two of you to connect! 

2. Allow extra room in the timeline and literally create space for the emotions.

A rushed day never put anybody in the mood for being present and soaking up the moments! Professional wedding photographers will help you with this! We know how much time we need for each part of the day and how to build in wiggle room in case something is running behind. 

3. Keep the guest list intentional and limited to supportive people in your life.

(trust us, this one’s a big deal for getting authentic wedding photos!)

You’ll feel right at home all day and the wedding will feel less like a big production. The more carefree you are, the better the photos will be! You’ll feel and look like yourself, which means you’ll connect with your partner more naturally in the photos! Not to mention, you’ll also be able to truly make each guest feel welcomed and loved! We hosted 10 people (just family!) at our wedding ceremony on a beach and partied with 150 guests two weeks later at a reception! We got the best of both worlds and wouldn’t change a single thing! 

4. Find a way to have some alone time for the two of you!

Everything happens so fast and sadly, some couples never have a chance to be alone together on their wedding day. First looks are great for this, or sneaking off after the ceremony for a few minutes of privacy while family gathers for photos or guests get settled for the reception. We’ve also seen couples share a private dinner away from the reception space and then go and greet their guests! 

5. Incorporate loved ones in the ceremony.

Have parents read a letter or write vows to your partner’s parents. Give a heartfelt thank you speech to your guests at the reception. We guarantee they will so deeply appreciate this and shed a few tears! It sounds weird, but more tears equals more genuine wedding photos!

6. Trust your photographers and videographers.

If you want soulful wedding photos, you have to be willing to get vulnerable and let us in! When we’re pals with our couples, we get extra special access to their genuine emotions and have the privilege of capturing those fleeting moments of your love! 

Craving more wedding advice from the folks who attend 35 a year? Check out these other helpful posts!