Planning a Photo-Focused Wedding

How do you start planning a photo-focused wedding? If a gorgeous destination wedding is your dream, start by picturing your ceremony and reception backdrop. Close your eyes, picture you and your partner hand in hand, feel a tropical breeze caressing your cheek. Hear the faint sound of waves crashing in the distance, picture-perfect sunlight warming your arms, see luscious palm trees swaying, taste your partner’s lips as you seal your vows with a kiss! What did you picture? Maybe you saw magical redwoods as your backdrop, or magnificent mountains instead. Where were you? On a tropical beach in Jamaica (count me in!)? In a hilltop church tucked away in the Swiss Alps? However dreamy the destination, the dreamier the photos will be.

Choosing a Photo-Focused Wedding Location

Once you’ve chosen your picture-perfect backdrop, find your top three venues. Think about the mood you want to create, your favorite kind of sunset (we love sunset photos!), and the overall lighting within that space – lighting is key! Next, take a vacation to your dreamy wedding location! Scope it out, narrow down your choices, and book meetings with local vendors. Here are things to think about when it comes to a photo-focused wedding location and venue:

• Romantic vibe
• Outdoor location – remember sunglasses for less squinty photos!
• Indoor location – how’s the lighting? (We like lots of windows!)
• Bright light and clean walls 
• Ceremony location 
• Time of day/sun to squint ratio! (Pro tip: make sure your ceremony site is not in the bright direct sun at the time of day that you’re having your ceremony – use trees to your advantage!)
• Luscious foliage
• Sandy beaches
• Hawaiian vibe
• A resort with clean lines and a romantic atmosphere! – Couples Tower Isle in Jamaica is the resort for you!
• Picturesque scenic vistas or places in the resort
• Favorite spots you’ve visited – make sure to tell your photographer! 
• Cool architecture – photographers love texture contrasts! 

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Choosing a Photo-Focused Wedding Wardrobe

Once you’ve decided upon your dream location and venue, think about your color pallet and wardrobe. How will these colors look with your ceremony backdrop? Will the sunlight wash out your favorite aqua blue bridesmaid dresses? Don’t let the sun stop you from choosing your dream wedding color palette, just make sure your photographer knows ahead of time to work with the light.

• Sunny locations – a bright aqua dress might reflect a blue-green color cast on bridesmaid’s faces in harsh sunlight
• What colors and styles match or compliment your backdrop
• Beach dresses and groomsmen attire – think about the climate too!
• Windy location – pin that hair, hang onto your veil!
• Pack/plan ahead for what you’ll wear to your rehearsal dinner and any other fun events or excursions 
• Matching bridesmaid robes – all for it!

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Choosing a Photo-Focused Wedding Schedule

Your wedding day is full of fun and romance that your photographer will expertly document. When determining your schedule, think about if you want sunset photos, where you’d like your photos taken, and if you want some alone time. If you want private time, schedule it. Destination weddings are the perfect opportunity to take memorable photos in a location you love. Schedule a photo-focused excursion or an intimate boudoir session, it’s up to you! 

• Extra photo sessions – talk with your photographer to scope out the perfect spots!
• A romantic couples session – the day before or after your wedding celebration
• Boudoir session – yes girlfriend! 
• Rehearsal dinner/Welcome party photos
• Post-ceremony family photos
• Wedding party photos
• Sunset photos
• Casual day-after family photos
• Excursion photos
• Brunch photos
• Gift-opening photos

Photo-Focused Wedding Decor 

Have beautiful engagement photos? Incorporate them in your destination wedding decor. This is another way to make your wedding as photo-focused as possible. You get to share your cute, goofy, and romantic photos with all your family and friends! Here are a few places you can include your engagement photos in your wedding: 

• Center-pieces
• Table numbers – Minted is the best for all your photo needs!
• Incorporated in your guest book
• Have family and friends sign a picture frame
• Photo wall or welcome sign

Photo-Focused Wedding Welcome Bags

It’s nice to welcome your friends and family to your destination wedding with a welcome bag. This is the perfect opportunity to add props for fun photos, the schedule for group and family photos, and themed sunglasses to prevent squinting for an outdoor ceremony.

• Disposable cameras
• Sunglasses
• Fun props or wedding-themed things for photos
• Schedule for group shots and important times – also let your photographer know about any important guests you want to take pictures with
• A photo of you and your fiancé! 

Whatever the destination, we can help planning a photo-focused wedding to remember! We love working with natural light – and know all the tricks to work around harsh sunlight. Communicating what your favorite places are and what photo-focused nooks and romantic coves we’ve found will guarantee beautiful couples portraits. 

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Looking for more destination wedding planning tips? We’ve got your back!  Click here to read more of our blogs that will help you. And, if you’re ready to find your destination wedding photographer, contact us! We offer photo and video services, no travel fees, and custom collections for every single one of our couples. We can help make your dream wedding day come true.