Anyone who has given me the honour of being their wedding photographer will tell you that there is a section in their gallery named ‘hugs and high fives’ – I always mention this in the photography timeline prior to the big day, but what actually is it and why does it take precedence over the family portraits?
People – not portfolio!
I tell and show my couples from the very beginning that I am completely there for them and want nothing more than to help them achieve the most perfect wedding day in any way I can! I send lots of wedding guidance and wedding tips from the moment I’m booked by a couple and I’m there for them any time they want any advice.
My priority is my couples and those closest to them. We’ll of course get the family photos later, but there is nothing more exquisite than that immediate buzz you get right after you make your rockstar ceremony exit and are flooded with the excited words of congratulations from your guests during the ‘hugs and high fives’!
I would never want to be the person to burst the bubble and to take that away from them, so instead of orchestrating the perfect family photos immediately, I back off into the distance and capture the hugs and high fives from a distance. Check my reviews and you’ll see just how many people say “we didn’t even notice her!”
After about 30 minutes or so, whenever I’m confident you’ve greeted and spoken to everyone, I’ll pop over and ask if you’re ready for your portraits!
The Emotional High: Post-Ceremony Bliss
The moments that follow a wedding ceremony are characterized by an incredible emotional high. For many newlyweds, the culmination of months, or sometimes years, of planning results in an unparalleled surge of adrenaline. As the final vows are exchanged and the marriage is sealed, an overwhelming sense of joy and relief washes over the couple. This unique period is often described as a euphoric blend of pure happiness and accomplishment.
During this time, the newlyweds share an irreplaceable bond with their close family and friends. The emotional intensity of having completed such a significant milestone together fosters a deeper connection. Surrounded by loved ones who have supported them throughout their journey, couples often feel a profound sense of gratitude and love. This special bonding moment is echoed by many who have experienced it. ‘Hugs and high fives’ captures these moments organically and candidly, and real emotion and moments is the goal when I shoot a wedding!
This emotional high is not just about the couple but also extends to their family and friends. Witnessing the union, being part of the celebrations, and sharing in the joy creates lasting memories for everyone involved. It is these cherished moments that often become the cornerstone of the newlyweds’ married life, providing a strong foundation of shared happiness and mutual support.
Creating Lasting Memories: The Importance of Reception Traditions
Reception traditions play a vital role in celebrating the union of two people with their loved ones, creating lasting memories that are cherished for years. These traditions, such as the first dance, speeches, toasts, and various family rituals, are more than just ceremonial; they are the threads that weave together the fabric of a wedding day, bringing everyone closer and fostering a sense of unity and shared joy.
The first dance often marks a significant moment, symbolizing the couple’s first steps together in their new journey. This tradition is a beautiful opportunity for the newlyweds to express their love and commitment in front of family and friends, setting the tone for the rest of the evening. Personalizing this dance with a special song that holds meaning for the couple can enhance the emotional connection, making the moment even more memorable.
We follow traditions more often than we realise, but what we maybe forget is that in following a tradition we are planning these emotional moments in our lives. The emotion is as just as real, albeit a little more controlled and even a different type of genuine emotion than the ‘hugs and high fives’, but still just as real and meaningful.
Speeches and toasts are another cornerstone of wedding receptions. These heartfelt words from family members and close friends provide an opportunity to share stories, offer blessings, and celebrate the couple’s union. To make these moments more impactful, encouraging speakers to include personal anecdotes and sincere wishes can help create a deeper emotional resonance. Furthermore, integrating multimedia elements such as photo slideshows or videos can add a visual complement to the words spoken, enriching the experience for everyone present.
Family rituals, whether they be cultural traditions or new practices created by the couple, also play an essential role in wedding receptions. These rituals can include everything from traditional dances to unique activities that reflect the couple’s heritage or personal values. By involving family members in these rituals, a deeper sense of inclusion and continuity is fostered, bridging generations and creating a shared legacy.
To make these reception traditions more meaningful, couples can personalize them in various ways. Selecting elements that resonate with their personalities, values, and love story can add a unique touch that guests will remember fondly. Whether it’s a custom cocktail named after a significant date, a dance routine choreographed to a favorite song, or a family heirloom incorporated into the ceremony, these personalized touches ensure that the wedding is a true reflection of the couple’s journey together.
Intimate Conversations: Strengthening Bonds
After the whirlwind of your wedding ceremony, the quieter, more intimate moments with family and friends are among the most cherished. These informal chats and heartfelt conversations during the reception or after-party are not just fleeting interactions; they are opportunities to deepen relationships and strengthen bonds with those who matter most. In the midst of celebration, it is these private moments that often leave a lasting impact, fostering a sense of closeness and understanding.
The key to making the most of these interactions lies in being present and mindful. For newlyweds, this might mean stepping away from the crowd occasionally to have one-on-one conversations with loved ones. These moments allow for genuine connection, where meaningful interactions can flourish without the distractions of the larger celebration. Sharing stories, reminiscing about shared experiences, and expressing gratitude can significantly enhance the depth of these relationships.
Strategies for ensuring these intimate moments can include setting aside specific times during the reception to engage with close family and friends personally. This might involve a quiet corner where you can retreat for a few minutes or scheduling a low-key brunch the following day to continue the celebration in a more relaxed setting. Additionally, creating a guest list that emphasizes quality over quantity can help facilitate more meaningful conversations, ensuring that you have enough time and space to engage with each guest on a deeper level.
It is also beneficial to communicate with your wedding planner or coordinator about your desire to have these personal interactions. They can help manage the flow of the event and provide you with the necessary space to nurture these moments. Remember, the wedding day is not just about the ceremony and the party; it is about celebrating with the people who have been an integral part of your journey. By focusing on these intimate conversations, you can create memories that will be cherished long after the wedding day has passed.
Preserving the Magic: Capturing the Essence of the Day
The wedding day is a culmination of months, if not years, of planning and anticipation. Capturing the essence of this day through photography and videography is crucial in preserving the magic of these once-in-a-lifetime moments. Professional photographers and videographers play an essential role in documenting the beauty, emotions, and unscripted interactions that make the day special. Their expertise in lighting, composition, and timing ensures that every critical moment is immortalized with precision and artistry.
To make the most out of these services, couples should consider creating a detailed shot list. This list can include must-have photos such as the first kiss, the first dance, and family group shots. Sharing this shot list with your photographer can help ensure that no significant moments are overlooked. Additionally, designating a family member or close friend to assist the photographer in identifying key family members and special guests can further optimize the process and minimize disruptions.
While formal portraits and orchestrated shots are essential, candid photography and spontaneous video clips provide an invaluable layer of authenticity. These unscripted moments often capture the genuine emotions and interactions that define the day, particularly during the ‘hugs & high fives’ part!
Encouraging guests to take candid shots and video clips can add a unique perspective to the professional coverage. Platforms like social media enable friends and family to share these moments instantly, adding a real-time element to the celebration.
Moreover, the value of candid shots and spontaneous video clips taken by guests cannot be overstated. These informal contributions often reveal a more personal and intimate side of the event, offering glimpses into the unfiltered joy and camaraderie that permeates throughout the day. Gathering these photos and videos can complement the professional work, creating a comprehensive and richly textured narrative of your wedding day.
