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Photography | Magazine

Must-Have Photo Moments from Austin’s Best Photographers

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so these precious wedding photo moments must be worth a million! The day of your wedding can be so hectic and crunched for time that you might look back later and find that you didn’t take all the pictures you had planned, or that your photographer missed a shot they didn’t know was special to you. We talked to the best in the business and these Austin wedding photographers filled us in on all the must-have photo moments to capture on your big day! Read on to avoid getting caught up in wedding chaos and get the most bang for your buck out of your wedding photography with these tips and tricks.

Ideal Engagement

photo moments

Photography Tip: “It’s all about an authentic moment and letting others in on who you are as a couple — whether that be bringing your dog(s) because they’re part of your little family, choosing a location/venue/restaurant that you go to weekly and incorporating that somehow into the shoot, or deciding to shoot somewhere with the skyline as the background because the city you live in means so much — I’m here to help you figure out those special things you can bring to a shoot to make it uniquely yours.” – Elizabeth Denny Photography

Q&A with Elizabeth Denny Photography

Where are your favorite places to shoot engagement sessions?

Austin is so unique and wonderful because there are so many options for locations! A few of my favorites would have to be Laguna Gloria, The Boardwalk, Zilker and the Texas Hill Country!

Any advice for picking out engagement photos attire?

I think first and foremost, they should feel comfortable and confident in themselves. With that said, some brides will be all about the formal look – long dresses and the guys in suits – while other couples may be more laid back and casual opting for jeans and a top or sweater! I always try to encourage them to dress as they would out on a date and then help them come up with ideas from there. I have a background in apparel merchandising, so I love to offer my styling services to brides by having them send me pictures of options they are thinking and helping pair pieces together! 

How do you get the groom (or bride) comfortable in front of the camera?

It’s all about making them know that they can 100% be themselves. I always tell my couples — “I want these images to be authentic to YOU as a couple, not me. My role in this is to capture your love and give the most authentic depiction of that love!” Every couple is unique, so each session will look different — some guys are outgoing and like to joke around, other guys are just super serious. I think playing into those aspects makes it the most authentic. And another thing I love to do is ask the bride prior to the session — “tell me a little more about your groom’s personality, things he likes, etc. so that I am better prepared to bring out those parts of him!”  

What can a couple do to make the shoot uniquely them?
It’s all about an authentic moment and letting others in on who you are as a couple — whether that be bringing your dog(s) because they’re part of your little family, choosing a location/venue/restaurant that they go to weekly and incorporating that somehow into the shoot or deciding to shoot somewhere with the skyline as the background because the city you live in means so much. I’m here to help them figure out those special things they can bring to a shoot to make it uniquely them. 

How did you achieve capturing this photo moment?

We did this engagement session at Bull Creek District Park and had the best time! It is so gorgeous over there with the river and the beautiful trails and trees. It’s very Austin, and I love it so much for that. There was this gorgeous trail of rock that was right by the river that just gave a beautiful backdrop for them. I pulled Grant aside and said I want you to walk up behind Sarah, give her the biggest bear hug, whisper in her ear what you love most about her and then just live in that moment for as long as you want! He did exactly that and they had a really special and cute moment, and I was able to capture this adorable shot of them!

 

Beautiful Bridals

photo moments

Photography Tip: “Bridal sessions are by far my favorite session to shoot! It is such a fun, laid back session where you get to play dress-up in the prettiest dress of your life! It gives you a chance to really see how everything is going to look and come together and allows you to make any changes so everything is perfect on the big day. Additionally, we aren’t having to quickly squeeze in a few portraits on your wedding day, and this gives you more time for portraits with your new spouse.” – T Walker Photography

Q&A with T Walker Photography

What should a bride bring to her bridal portrait session?

Everything you plan on wearing on the big day! Your shoes, jewelry, veil, etc. And then, of course, I always recommend getting your hair and makeup done the way you wish to wear it at your wedding, as well as bringing a bridal bouquet. This way you can make sure you like exactly how everything looks, and if you decide to make some changes, you can. I also recommend bringing a pair of comfortable flats as well as some comfortable heels that are a similar height to your wedding heels. I typically don’t have you wear your wedding heels for any amount of time at your bridal portraits, that way they still look nice and new on the big day.

How can a bride get in the right headspace for her bridal session?

Try not to worry! Hopefully you chose a photographer you feel comfortable with and they should help ease your nerves. Your photographer is there to make sure your portraits turn out beautiful and will help pose you and make sure everything is in place. You may also want to bring your best “hype man!” Whether this is your mom, bestie or new SIL, bring someone that makes you confident, not nervous, to help you throughout the shoot.

How far out from the wedding date should a bride schedule her bridal session?

Because waiting on your wedding dress to come in and get alterations can sometimes take so long, it is hard to get bridal portraits done a long way out from the wedding. I recommend sticking to no later than a month and a half before the big day. This gives your photographer time to edit the photos and order prints you might want to be displayed at the reception.

Why should a bride opt for a bridal session (apart from the wedding day)?

Bridal sessions are by far my favorite session to shoot! It is such a fun, laid back session where you get to play dress-up in the prettiest dress of your life! It gives you a chance to really see how everything is going to look and come together and allows you to make any changes so everything is perfect on the big day. Additionally, we aren’t having to quickly squeeze in a few portraits on your wedding day and this gives you more time for portraits with your new husband.

How did you achieve capturing this photo moment?

For Meghan, her wedding had to be rescheduled due to her fiancé’s health, and therefore she never got to do her original bridal session. I thought it would be great to put together this mini styled shoot so Meghan would have that chance at a bridal session. This was one of the first shots I took – what I call an “easy pose” – but a lot of times those are some of the most classic bridal portraits and end up being the ones getting blown up on a canvas.

 

Getting Ready

photo moments

Photography Tip: “Getting ready really is just what it says – getting ready. It’s the photographer’s job to set you up for success by making sure the room is cleaned up, placing the bride or groom in the best available light, and then sitting back and allowing the moment to unfold naturally. Remember to keep a soft expression if you aren’t laughing or smiling. Concentration can come across as unhappiness in photos!” – Joslyn Holtfort Photography

Q&A with Joslyn Holtfort Photography

Why is it important to have a photographer on-site while you’re getting ready?

To capture genuine moments as they happen. A lot of emotion comes along with seeing yourself in your wedding attire for the first time, and it’s an important moment to document.

Who all should be present while getting ready (for photo purposes)?

Getting ready with one or two really special people is key so you have help, but also have room to be present in the moment. It’s really common to have a mom or dad, siblings or grandparents help with getting dressed and final touches.

What details should a bride have ready for her photographer to shoot?

The bride and groom’s details are wonderful to have — especially personal jewelry/cufflinks, special shoes/socks and perfume or cologne. A lot of time goes into choosing these small details, and it’s important that they are documented!

Any tips for capturing those candid ‘getting ready’ moments?

Getting ready really is just what it says – getting ready. It’s the photographer’s job to set you up for success by making sure the room is cleaned up placing the bride/groom in the best available light and then sitting back and allowing the moment to unfold naturally. Pro tip – remember to keep a soft expression if you aren’t laughing or smiling. Concentration can come across as unhappiness in photos!

What are your favorite moments during that time before the ceremony?

The first time a bride sees the complete picture of herself in her dress with hair and makeup, and then a private first look with the couple. I love being able to capture genuine emotion and preserve it for years to come. Happy Wedding Day!

 

Furry Friends

photo moments

Photography Tip: “You know your pup best! If they are a bundle of energy, have someone there on the day who is responsible for walks, food and water and expending some energy. There are even local services you can hire specifically so your friends and family can enjoy your day while a professional hangs with your furry family member. If they are anxious and skittish, we can do those photos somewhere quiet without distractions. Just let your photographer know your pet’s personality, and we’re always happy to help!” – April Mae Creative

Q&A with April Mae Creative

What’s been your favorite pet-related wedding moment?

When Jeff and Crystal decided it would be too hectic to have their dog, Ranger Roo, at the wedding, Jeff had a surprise up his sleeve! He had a friend pick up Ranger during the ceremony and surprised Crystal with their sweet pup in time for some family photos and snuggles before heading back home!

What are your tips for wrangling pets for photos?

You know your pup best! If they are a bundle of energy, have someone there on the day who is responsible for walks, food and water and expending some energy. There are even local services you can hire specifically so your friends and family can enjoy your day while a professional hangs with your furry family member. If they are anxious and skittish, we can do those photos somewhere quiet without distractions. Just let your photographer know your pet’s personality, and we’re always happy to help!

Is it important for the couple’s dogs to be present for the full day to make the most of those photo moments?

Absolutely not! When working on a timeline, we can always condense the photos with the dogs into a smaller time slot so it would be easy to have them there for just a few hours before the ceremony through cocktail hour, and then your pet can relax – whether in a bridal suite or in their own home!

What are some fun ways you’ve seen pets incorporated into a wedding day?

Obviously as flower girls and ring bearers — and don’t forget about the accessories! Flower collars and bow ties to match dad are great ways to tie them into the design of the day. If your favorite furry friend isn’t able to attend, you can incorporate them in through custom cakes and toppers or name a special cocktail after them and toast to them during the reception!

Why are photos with pets always the favorites (they really are!)?

Unconditional love and unplanned moments are why we love photos with pets. They don’t need a request to snuggle and kisses aren’t planned… They’re just happy to be where you are and never hide their joy. Plus, they bring out the smiles from everyone around them!

 

First Look/Touch

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Photography Tip: “I believe that every bride and groom should do what feels right to them. However, I love to educate my couples so they have a greater understanding of what the pros are for a first look or waiting to see one another, and then they can make the best-educated decision for themselves. Since the majority of our clients have never been married before, it’s helpful to hear from them what’s most important. For instance, if being with their guests is most important (especially if they have a lot of guests from out of town), then a first look will work best for them as it allows them to spend time with their guests starting at cocktail hour.” – Sophie Epton Photography

Q&A with Sophie Epton Photography

Should a couple do a first look before the ceremony?

I don’t think there’s a definite answer to this question — I believe that every bride and groom should do what feels right to them. However, I love to educate my couples so they have a greater understanding of what the pros are for a first look or waiting to see one another, and then they can make the best-educated decision for themselves. Since the majority of our clients have never been married before, it’s helpful to hear from them what’s most important. For instance, if being with their guests is most important (especially if they have a lot of guests from out of town), then a first look will work best for them as it allows them to spend time with their guests starting at cocktail hour.

What are the benefits to having a first look?

There are a lot of benefits to having a first look, which is why I always educate my clients who are on the fence about one!  A first look can immediately calm down jitters and anxiety for a couple the moment they see one another and create a much more fun and stress-free day, which is what weddings should be. It can also be incredibly special for a couple to experience the moment they first see one another on their wedding day as a very private and intimate affair versus having that moment when all of their wedding guests are looking at them. In terms of logistics, a first look can also make the wedding day feel much smoother and create a lot more time to interact with wedding guests. When a couple does a first look, we are able to not only capture their portraits before the ceremony, but also all bridal party and family portraits as well so that after the ceremony, our clients can go relax and enjoy cocktail hour with their guests and not feel rushed to complete all of these photos in an hour or less.  Also, with a first look you can schedule more time for wedding portrait photos before the ceremony, which also means a lot more photos delivered of the couple’s portraits, family portraits, etc. Lastly, a first look leaves more time to be able to style and capture everything from the ceremony to reception setup details — and if they’ve spent a lot of time and money on those details, they are going to receive a lot more photos of what the untouched spaces looked like too. If a couple decides that they want to wait to see one another, one thing I always recommend doing is a “no-look first look.” It allows for the couple to still hold hands and hear each other’s voices before the ceremony, and can relieve a lot of anxiety or nervousness they have on their wedding day. Plus, it also makes for a wonderful photo op to capture.

Any suggestions on easing those first look jitters?

Most couples that question a first look is because they are worried that it will take away from the moment of the groom seeing the bride for the first time as she walks down the aisle. After eight years of photographing weddings, I can tell you that the first look has NEVER taken away from that moment.  When a bride walks down the aisle to officially marry her groom, that moment is cemented and is so special whether they have seen each other or not. Most grooms I photograph are still bawling when they see their bride walk down the aisle after a first look, because that is the moment they are getting married. I also show many couples the faces of grooms in photographs as they see their bride walking down the aisle after a first look, because as we know a picture is worth a thousand words.

Tips on making the first look extra special?

We always scout every photo location before the wedding, including the location for the first look. We want to make sure that it’s a space that a) is really aesthetically pleasing from all angles in terms of even light and backdrop, b) it’s a space that we can all move around in well to get our shots (especially if there is a videographer) so that the photos we take are free of anyone in them except for the bride and groom.

How did you achieve capturing this photo moment?

I am part of a wife-husband team, so Jordan and I are always together to capture the first look. I love our process because we are able to capture many different angles of such an important and emotional moment – whether it’s the groom’s face, the bride’s face, or capturing an artistic overview of the whole moment, we use both of our perspectives so that we can weave together the full story of such a special event.

 

The Ceremony

photo moments

Photography Tip: “I never stop shooting! All I’m doing the whole time is observing and taking quick snaps. I minimize distractions like an excess of gear or lighting and just focus on the moments.” – Nikk Nguyen Photo

Q&A with Nikk Nguyen Photo

There are so many sweet moments during a ceremony — how do you capture them all?

I never stop shooting! All I’m doing the whole time is observing and taking quick snaps. I minimize distractions like an excess of gear or lighting and just focusing on the moments.

THE KISS – do you give your couples any instruction on nailing that picture-perfect moment?

I actually don’t. I find it weird to give your couples instruction on how they should kiss, especially when they should focus on their vows. I do give the officiant direction sometimes telling them to step out of the way after they announce the couple to kiss.

Do you have any tips on ceremony setup/design that can help with the photos?

Not at all! However the couple sets it up, I’ll shoot!

How can a couple get in the right headspace and ease their jitters before the ceremony starts?

A first look! The main thing I hear when a couple does a first look is, “I feel so much better now after seeing you.” If that isn’t a telling sign, I don’t know what is!

How did you achieve capturing this photo moment?

Eyes peeled and ears open. When I hear important intimate moments (like Alex and Mac’s) I step up close and get on my knees to make sure I can get those sweet moments without getting in anyone’s way.

 

Posed Portraits

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Photography Tip: “Typically the couple’s portraits are always done post-ceremony while their guests are at cocktail hour. This usually falls later into the evening closer to sunset which is great if you’re going for those golden hour shots!” – Mint Photography

Q&A with Mint Photography

How can a couple make the most of their portrait session?

I think a couple can make the most of their portrait session on the wedding day by most importantly allocating enough time! And a close second to the amount of time is the time of day (aka what the light will look like)!

At what point in the timeline, do you suggest the couple take their portraits?

Typically the couple’s portraits are always done post-ceremony while their guests are at cocktail hour. This usually falls later into the evening closer to sunset which is great if you’re going for those golden hour shots!

How do you make a groom (or bride) comfortable in front of the camera?

What I have found to be really helpful when making a couple feel comfortable is to be prepared with the poses and give as much direction as possible! Typically I think that’s what couples are most nervous about — is not knowing what to do or how to pose in front of the camera. Aside from being as hands-on as possible with directing the poses, I also think taking little intervals of time in between posing and walking from one location to the next gives couples a few minutes to just relax. During this time I always like to just chat with them about what their honeymoon plans are, or what’s been their favorite part of the day, etc. I think that takes everyone’s mind off of posing for a bit and helps the situation seem less rigid.

Tips on making posed portraits look natural?

I think similar to what I mentioned above — being really prepared and also taking those few moments occasionally to just chat and lighten the mood helps people relax and feel more comfortable. That always results in more natural affection in the photographs.

 

The Wedding Party

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Photography Tip: “I don’t have a specific photo checklist other than getting, what I call, the ‘fridge photos’ and then making sure I get ample smooshed hugs and big smiles. It’s essential to get those cheeseball images where everyone is looking at the camera smiling. Those are the legacy images that will be printed and passed down for generations. Don’t skip out on the formal shots even if you’re bursting with artistic creativity. I also love to get individual bridal party members with the couple. Something funny, something sweet, something silly.” – Annique Marie Photography

Q&A with Annique Marie Photography

Shooting with your besties can be so much fun! How do you get the crew to settle down and focus for portraits?

I feel like the goal isn’t to get the crew to settle down, but to make portraits a fun time. Going into portraits, I have the goal to make everyone genuinely laugh and walk away from their portrait time feeling like it was quick, easy and fun. Knowing your vision and having fun tricks/prompts up your sleeve beforehand will let you get a variety of shots and ample images in not a lot of time. I also try to make it about the bride and/or groom during bridal party shots, too, so having the bunch teasing/playing with them or gushing over their beauty usually gets everyone excited and participating. When I want a more serious or stoic look, I usually tell everyone to take a deep breath in and on the exhale, give a serious look. It calms everyone just briefly just before a burst of nervous or excited laughter comes out of someone. Also, feedback is vital! Telling everyone they look great and getting excited about the content you’re getting is key.

What’s your photo checklist for the bridal party?

I don’t have a specific photo checklist other than getting, what I call, the “fridge photos” and then making sure I get ample smooshed hugs and big smiles. It’s essential to get those cheeseball images where everyone is looking at the camera smiling. Those are the legacy images that will be printed and passed down for generations. Don’t skip out on the formal shots even if you’re bursting with artistic creativity. I also love to get individual bridal party members with the bride/groom. Something funny, something sweet, something silly.

How can you make the portrait process go quickly and efficiently?

As mentioned above, go into portraits with a game plan. My grandmother always said, “hurry up and slow down,” and I take that approach into bridal party portraits. You don’t want to be frantic and stressed because then everyone around you will be stressed, so know your game plan. Mine is to get the fridge photos and have fun, so a lot of my shots are classic posing, then I’ll get the group walking or dancing or booty-bumping each other because it’s FUN. 

Why is it so important to get shots with the girls and guys in your wedding?

Well, because you love them enough to ask them to be in your wedding, so why skip out on photos with them? They’re your people, so portraits all together seems like a no-brainer!

How did you achieve capturing this photo moment?

I achieve specific photo moments because I have a vision in my head, and I want people to have fun. So I facilitate fun with the prompts I give them and always look for the areas with beautiful light. Also being aware of your lens focal length is key! If you have a big party and a small area to shoot, or the area is darker than anticipated, make sure you have the proper lenses to accommodate the space, light and amount of bridal party. Knowing your gear is key!

 

First Dance

photo moments

Photography Tip: “The first dance can happen whenever the couple feels like it makes the most sense for them and the guest experience they envision. Most of my couples choose to do their first dance before dinner concludes, which is often most popular with East Coast style receptions (where a live band is breaking up the entire dinner course into dance sets). This New York style gets the party started earlier in the evening, which is why so many couples enjoy this type of reception. Alternatively, the more traditional reception has the first dance take place after dinner concludes, which is approximately ninety minutes from the start of the reception.” – Kristin La Voie Photography

Q&A with Kristin La Voie Photography

When should the first dance(s) be scheduled in the reception?

The first dance can happen whenever the couple feels like it makes the most sense for them and the guest experience they envision. Most of my couples choose to do their first dance before dinner concludes, which is often most popular with East Coast style receptions (where a live band is breaking up the entire dinner course into dance sets). This NY style gets the party started earlier in the evening, which is why so many couples enjoy this type of reception. Alternatively, the more traditional reception has the first dance take place after dinner concludes, which is approximately 90 minutes from the start of the reception.

Does the couple need to take dancing lessons?

No! While I love a good choreographed first dance, or ones that demonstrate a little more skill or personality, I think couples look just as lovely on the dance floor when the moment is truly from the heart and 100% in the moment. 

Do you give the couple any direction for photos before the first dance?

Nope! My style is unobtrusive during those moments. Since I’ve photographed weddings for over 11 years, I’m always prepared and know how to be set up for the unexpected dip or twirl. 

What are your favorite reception moments to capture?

I personally love capturing the tiniest moments that I think round out their collection of images perfectly. These moments are often captured during the toasts in the evening. Their parents’ tears, guests’ laughter and the couple gently holding hands under the table. 

How did you achieve capturing this photo moment?

My lights were set up so I could capture the ambiance of the room and their guests looking on during their first dance. I prefer to use supplemental light to mimic natural sunlight, so while this room was a bit on the dark side, I wanted to create a beautiful backlit glow on the couple to highlight their expressions, while also staying consistent with the earlier images captured throughout the day.

 

Reception Fun

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Photography Tip: “I bring multiple off-camera flashes that I mount on stands in the corners of the reception area. That allows me to add light coverage in all areas of the reception that might normally be too dark for photos. I would say that lighting expertise is one of our strong suits, as we also know how to make that light directional, balanced with your lighting vendor’s lights, and above all, flattering.” – Cory Ryan Photography

Q&A with Cory Ryan Photography

Why is it important for a photographer to stay on-site for the reception?

The celebration is often the most joyful part of the day. The nerves are gone, and everyone is ready to have a good time! Pure joy, love and dance moves happen as guests feel less inhibited as the night goes on. It’s also a time for the couple to interact with guests that they haven’t seen throughout all the getting ready coverage, so there is always lots of excitement, hugs, smiles and fun!

What are you looking for when shooting those candid reception moments?

We constantly move throughout and monitor the room during the reception. By having two photographers constantly moving and watching, we never miss a moment. We also look for moments off the obvious “dance floor” photos and look for sweet moments with some of the older folks who stay at their tables as well. The important part of a photographer is keeping your eyes open and staying interested in your surroundings.

How are you able to capture such beautiful photos during evening receptions with dim lighting?

I bring multiple off-camera flashes that I mount on stands in the corners of the reception area. That allows me to add light coverage in all areas of the reception that might normally be too dark for photos. I would say that lighting expertise is one of our strong suits, as we also know how to make that light directional, balanced with your lighting vendor’s lights, and above all, flattering.

How can a couple make the most of their photos during the reception?

For toast photos, we love the couple to stand beside the person giving toasts when possible. That way we have a variety of shots we can provide with more visual interest, and you can see the emotions tied between the people with their faces all in the same frame. If photography hours end before the end of the reception, work with your photographer and planner so that the timeline reflects the most important items to you before the photographers depart. This is often the cake cutting or dances after dinner.

 

Candid Moments

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Photography Tip: “The moment right after the ceremony is usually a great time to capture candid joyful moments. This is the time when the couple has a private moment to realize that they are finally married. Another great time to capture genuine moments is when the couple sees each other for the first time either during their first look or during the ceremony.” – Caitlin Rose Photography

Q&A with Caitlin Rose Photography

How do you get those candid shots? Are you instructing couples behind the scenes?

I like to help couples get into flattering poses and then make them laugh, or I will give them prompts that encourage movement. I love capturing those candid in-between moments that occur naturally when changing poses!

How do you make a couple comfortable in front of the camera?

Positive reinforcement and creating a laid back atmosphere full of smiles and laughter really helps!

What times in the day are you watching for those oh-so-sweet photo moments?

The moment right after the ceremony is usually a great time to capture candid joyful moments. This is the time when the couple has a private moment to realize that they are finally married! Another great time to capture genuine moments is when the couple sees each other for the first time either during their first look or during the ceremony.

Suggestions for couples who are uncomfortable kissing or having PDA in front of others?

I try my best to get to know the couple, and I create a welcoming and laid back atmosphere. I like to incorporate poses and prompts that show affection in a natural way for them. For example, walking into a kiss, hugs and snuggling up close to each other. This way the couple isn’t thinking about PDA as much and overall it feels comfortable! Also, I like to capture these moments in a secluded area when possible, that way guests aren’t watching them take their couple photos!

What’s your favorite candid moment to capture?

I love capturing a kiss while the couple is walking down the aisle after their ceremony finishes. This moment is usually full of so much excitement. There’s nothing like that ‘just married’ feeling!

 

Grand Exit

photo moments

Photography Tip: “Plan your exit around your guests or wedding party! Most grand exits will include all of the wedding guests, and in this case, you want to make sure you get your grand exit shot before everyone has left so you have a photo filled with all of your loved ones cheering you on.” – Emily Figurelli Photography

Q&A with Emily Figurelli Photography

Best props for the getaway shots?

Sparklers and rose petals are by far the most commonly used exit props. Each one creates a completely unique experience and in turn, photo for the couple. Other great props include bubbles, confetti and sometimes lanterns.

Should the couple change outfits before their big getaway?

That is completely up to the couple! You can never go wrong with your wedding day attire, but there’s something surprising and fun about a whole new outfit.

How do you nail the exit photos when the lighting is usually gone by then?

I approach every exit photo uniquely as different venues have different light sources around and different exit props might also add to the light. For sparkler shots, I do not typically use additional lighting equipment as my gear is able to pick up the ambient light from the sparklers — on the flip side, when shooting a petal exit I will typically backlight the couple to bring a halo of light around them and brighten the shot.

Any tips on making the getaway as memorable as the other major moments in a wedding?

Plan your exit around your guests or wedding party! Most grand exits will include all of the wedding guests, and in this case, you want to make sure you get your grand exit shot before everyone has left so you have a photo filled with all of your loved ones cheering you on!

How did you achieve capturing this photo moment?

I lined up all of the guests on either side of the pathway leading to the couple’s car and instructed the guests to throw the petals in two separate groupings. This first group throws petals when the couple first exits, and the second group throws when the couple goes in for a kiss. With petal shots, you typically only have one chance to get it right, so this ensures that no matter what, you’ve got two great shots!


Check out even more incredibly talented Austin wedding photographers here. Happy planning!

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