Behind the Scenes of Editorial Wedding Photography: A Luxury Couple’s Shoot
December 11, 2024
When it comes to capturing a couple on their wedding day, every location, interaction, and moment plays a part in creating modern original portraits. So, for this luxury couple’s shoot, I had the privilege of exploring a stunning venue, guiding the couple through a series of relaxed and meaningful moments. Let me take you step by step through the journey of their couple’s shoot, offering a glimpse into the techniques I used to blend editorial elegance with authentic storytelling. Let’s go Behind the Scenes of Editorial Wedding Photography: A Luxury Couple’s Shoot!
Starting at the Front of the Venue
We began right after a brief session of group shots—something I always recommend keeping concise. Have you ever been at a wedding where the group shots go on for-ev-er?! At the pre-wedding consultation when planning a wedding timeline, I recommend a maximum of six group shots; it keeps things efficient so you’re not spending hours gathering everyone together. Once those were done, it was time to shift the focus entirely to the couple.
Standing in front of the grand façade of the venue, I gave them simple directions: “Go ahead and walk in front of the building and have a chat about how your morning went.” (It’s also important to complement and encourage the couple as they go, it’s not every day you’re in front of the camera!) Having spent the morning in separate places while getting ready, this gave them a chance to reconnect and reflect on the anticipation leading up to the ceremony.
As they strolled, we found a patch of dappled sunlight through a tree, creating a beautiful, natural texture on them. “Just pause here and get comfy,” I suggested, letting them settle naturally into the moment. They kept chatting, and I kept snapping, capturing the warmth of their connection as the light kissed their faces. It was a risk because the light wasn’t necessarily even, but I’m all about a bit of creativity and experimentation.
Exploring the Venue Grounds
From there, we moved deeper into the venue grounds, where guests were mingling and enjoying the day. This environment gave us the perfect opportunity to capture candid interactions and soak in the joy surrounding them. Think Gryffindor common room after they’ve just won a Quidditch match vibes (too niche!?)
One area stood out—a gorgeous flower garden blooming with vibrant hues of green and red. These colours mirrored the bride’s bouquet, a detail I noticed. Here, I focused on photographing them individually, allowing their personalities to shine. The bride’s and the groom’s trusted me to photograph them in a flattering way as they were being themselves, while the flowers provided a harmonious backdrop.
Walking and Talking
As we continued exploring, I encouraged them to relax and enjoy the journey. “Talk to each other about how your toddler is doing,” I suggested. Wedding days aren’t easy for little ones – all that time in one place? Wearing different clothes? There’s lots to talk about! And their little one, who had already charmed everyone earlier in the day, was a sweet point of connection for them. Their laughter and smiles as they shared stories about their boy made for some cute doting images.
To add a touch of fun and spontaneity, I had them embrace the sunny weather. They put on their sunglasses and strolled confidently under the sun’s warm glow. It was a moment of freedom and playfulness, allowing their personalities to shine through. They felt relaxed, carefree, and totally themselves—if you had been there, you would have seen some silly faces and lots of laughs. While those moments might not always be the most flattering for photos, I love capturing the real, authentic moments and finding the best shots from them.
Golden Hour Magic
As the day transitioned into evening, we planned a second couple’s session to take advantage of the golden hour. It’s not always possible if the clouds decide to sit in the way of the sun, but we were favoured in this instance! The atmosphere was entirely different. By this point, the speeches had been delivered, the food enjoyed, and the couple was more relaxed, their hearts lighter and filled with peace (despite the prospect of trying to get their boy to do a danger nap afterwards!).
The soft, golden light added a layer of romance to the photos, without feeling cheesy. I asked them to practice their first dance in the open field, a moment filled with laughter and affection. As they twirled under the setting sun, they waved at friends and family through bushes. The scene was everything a wedding should be.
Encouraging Spirituality or Mindfulness
If I knew my couple was a Christian I might give them something God related to chat through, but not everybody is that way inclined which I respect. So, throughout the session, I reminded Jess & Joe to stay present. “Look around,” I said, “and remember this is your wedding day. If you find yourselves lost for words, talk to each other about your hopes for the future.” These moments of mindfulness not only were ice-breakers but also added depth to the photos. The images captured weren’t just beautiful—they were meaningful, infused with their dreams and emotions.
The Editorial Touch
While the entire shoot felt natural and organic, my editorial approach ensured that every frame was composed with care. The balance between candid moments and thoughtful details created a collection of images that felt timeless yet personal. Whether it was the playful energy of walking in the sun or the serene romance of the golden hour, they now have a variety of cool portraits to remember from their wedding.
Final Thoughts
Jess & Joe:
Tom, where do we even start! We found Tom through Instagram after searching for a photographer who worked close to our wedding venue. Straight away we were taken by his style and we could feel a connection to his work. We felt like it was a little bit different to a lot of wedding photography we had seen, it felt real and raw. After reaching out Tom was so kind and we spent a lot of time just chatting about our lives! By the time the wedding came round we felt like we knew Tom as a friend. So many of our guests and suppliers commented on how lovely Tom is and how incredible our photos are. You honestly can’t put a price on that kind of service. Thank you Tom, we will cherish our photos and also meeting you 🙂
This couple’s shoot at South Farm was a beautiful journey through their wedding day, showcasing not just their love for each other but also the feel of the day itself. From the grand backdrop of the venue to the intimate flower garden and the freedom of the open fields, each location played a part in creating something special.
As I reflect on the experience, I’m reminded of their words:
“We will cherish our photos and also meeting you.”
It’s moments like these that make wedding photography so rewarding. Every couple’s love story is unique, and it’s an honor to capture it in a way that feels both authentic and extraordinary.
If you’re planning your wedding and looking for a photographer who can balance documentary authenticity with editorial elegance, I’d love to hear your story and help capture it in the most meaningful way. Get in contact here!
