6 Tips for Natural Wedding Day Photos

Dream wedding location? Booked.
Must-have photo list? Finalized.
Destination wedding photography details? Check.

When planning your big day, remember that destination wedding photography plays a crucial role in bringing your vision to life.

Now, how to create memories that rival even the best images on your Pinterest board?

Destination wedding photography is essential for creating lasting memories that resonate with your love story, as it captures the spirit of your unique celebration.

Consider these essential tips for stunning destination wedding photography to ensure your memories last a lifetime.

Because beautiful cinematic and editorial destination wedding photography isn’t solely about a stunning setting—it relies on you feeling at ease in front of the camera. That’s why we’re here to guide you every step of the way, helping you feel relaxed and ready to shine on one of the happiest days of your life.

Great destination wedding photography requires planning, so consider scouting your location ahead of time.

Are you prepared to explore stunning destination wedding photography that captures your unique love story? Let’s discover effective tips to ensure your wedding day photos reflect your authentic selves.

Be sure to communicate your vision to your destination wedding photographer to ensure they capture the essence of your celebration.

The memories from your destination wedding photography will last a lifetime, capturing the essence of your special day and ensuring the enchantment is immortalized.

1. Invest in an Engagement Shoot

• Engagement shoots are a wonderful way to mark this exciting chapter in your relationship while also preparing for the big day. Think of it as a dress rehearsal—minus the stress and guests—where you and your spouse can be yourselves and get comfortable in front of the camera. No pressure, no timelines, just you and your partner enjoying the moment (maybe even sneaking in a coffee or gelato break if you’re somewhere picturesque like the Amalfi Coast).
• This relaxed setting lets you practice your best smiles and get comfortable in front of the camera, so you’ll feel more confident on your wedding day.
  
  Plus, it’s an opportunity to connect with your wedding photographers, giving you time to:

• See how they work and how they’ll capture your story in a way that feels authentic to you.
• Share your preferences—let your photographer know what feels most like you so they can tailor their approach to bring your vision to life.
• Build trust so they feel less like vendors and more like friends by the time the wedding rolls around.

By the end of the shoot, you’ll walk away with stunning photos and a better understanding of what to expect on your wedding day, giving you the confidence to truly enjoy yourselves when it counts.

2. Focus on capturing moments, not poses

Let’s be honest—not everyone loves how they look in posed photos.
(Who hasn’t cringed at their own “forced smile” in family portraits?) If that sounds like you, a cinematic approach to wedding photography might be the perfect fit. It’s less about stiff poses and more about capturing the genuine, unscripted moments that tell the story of your day.

Think of it as a blend of artistry, candid creativity and documentary-style photography. Picture your natural laugh as your partner whispers something sweet, the proud tears in a parent’s eyes or the joyful chaos of your friends together on the dance floor. These are the moments that truly matter, and the right photographer knows how to catch them without you even noticing they’re there.

When you look back at your wedding photos, you won’t see stiff smiles or awkward poses—you’ll see the real you. Every shot will remind you of the love and happiness you felt that day rather than the discomfort of trying to “look perfect” for the camera.

3. Staying true to your comfort zone

Not every couple is big on public displays of affection, and that’s completely okay. If holding back on the PDAs feels more like you, trying to act differently for the camera can feel awkward—and trust us, the lens will pick up on it.

This is where having a good relationship with your photographer makes all the difference. A skilled editorial photographer won’t push you out of your comfort zone—instead, they’ll focus on capturing the unique connection between you and your partner. They’ll work with you to find the moments that feel most like you. This could be a quiet handhold, a shared laugh or simply the way you naturally gravitate toward each other. These genuine moments will be captured in a way that stays true to your relationship, allowing your photos to truly represent you both.

4. Consider your posture for stunning wedding day photos

Good posture can make a big difference in how you look and feel on your wedding day. Physically, standing tall helps you appear more elegant and composed in photos. It naturally lengthens your frame, avoiding that slouched look, and keeps any tension from creeping into your shoulders or stance. Mentally, good posture has its perks, too. When your body feels balanced and open, it can actually help you feel calmer and more in control. It’s like a little confidence boost without you even realizing it. The result? You’ll look and feel like the best version of yourself, and your photos will capture that beautifully.
With that in mind, here are a few simple tips for better posture:

• Relax your shoulders: Tension can make you look stiff, so take a deep breath and let your shoulders drop naturally.
• Engage your hands: Hold your partner’s hand, offer a gentle embrace or let your hands rest in a way that feels natural. This adds a sense of intimacy and connection to your photos.
• Stand tall: This subtle adjustment lengthens your spine and helps you maintain a poised, natural stance.

5. Don’t neglect your comfort

Your wedding day is a marathon, not a sprint—you’ll be in your gown or suit for hours, possibly well into the evening (unless, of course, you’re embracing the two-dresses trend!).

For this reason, comfort is just as important as style, so it’s important to choose an outfit that lets you move freely when you’re dancing, eating—or, most importantly, being photographed. The more at ease you feel in your attire, the more natural and relaxed you’ll look in every shot.
To help you feel your best on your wedding day, here are a few tips to stay comfortable without compromising on style:

• Break in your shoes: If you’re wearing heels, spend some time walking around your home in them avoid discomfort on your wedding day.
• Choose breathable fabrics: Opt for materials that allow you to move comfortably and stay cool, especially if you’re getting married somewhere hoy.
• Keep an emergency kit handy: Pack a small kit with essentials like blister pads, hairpins, and refreshing wipes to stay comfortable throughout the day.

6. Keep Moving

To achieve more editorial-style wedding day photos, keep moving. Small, subtle movements can make a big difference in helping you loosen up.

So, instead of standing still, engage with your surroundings. Walk along a beach, explore a garden, marvel at your venue—it doesn’t matter what you’re doing, just don’t be afraid to interact with the space around you.
Here are a few ways to make the most of your natural movements:

• Take a stroll together: If it feels natural, walk hand in hand. This creates fluid movement that’s great for capturing intimate, genuine moments between you and your partner.
• Interact with your surroundings: Touch the flowers, laugh with your friends, or lean into your partner – these small details add depth and authenticity to your photos.
• Dance spontaneously: Even if it’s just for a few moments, dancing together without thinking about it can result in beautiful, carefree shots that reflect your joy.

The key is to stay in the moment, allowing your destination wedding photographer to capture those genuine, unposed moments.

Let’s create timeless, cinematic wedding day photos

Your wedding day is one you’ll remember forever, and your destination wedding photography should capture its true magic, showcasing the emotions and moments that define your love story.

Our goal is to help you feel at ease throughout the process. As experienced destination wedding photographers, we offer a full fashion and editorial wedding photography package that captures the joy and emotion of your day in a way that’s uniquely you.

If you’re ready to create beautiful, lasting memories, let’s chat about how we can bring your wedding story to life.