On the Wedding Day: the other photos that happen

Girl, on the bride's lap, makes soap bubbles the wedding party in Wakiki in Praia da Sereia, by the wedding photographer.

REAL-TIME RESEARCH by THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN LISBON

Girl, on the bride's lap, makes soap bubbles the wedding party in Wakiki in Praia da Sereia, by the wedding photographer.

A series of photographs from various weddings showing the relationship between the guests


• Pode ler este artigo em Português

The Other Photographs That Happen at the Wedding Beyond the Couple’s

Bride chats with friends at the wedding party between two lit candles.

The wedding day is a unique celebration, filled with moments that mark the lives of all those involved. Although the photographs of the couple are undoubtedly the highlight of the album, there are other equally important images that capture the true essence of the celebration and the emotions that fill the air. An experienced wedding photographer knows that, in addition to immortalizing the protagonists of the ceremony, it is essential to capture the scenes involving all the wedding guests, the small interactions, and the details that make this day a memorable event.


The Wedding Photographer’s View of the Guests

The bride shows photographs to her daughter.

Often, wedding photographers focus on the photos of the couple, but there is an entire universe of emotions and reactions that deserve to be recorded. The interaction of the wedding guests with the event, the surprise reaction, or even the moments of relaxation can be just as significant as the ceremony itself. By carefully observing what is happening around them, the photographer captures these authentic expressions, often more spontaneous and emotional than the formal poses.

  • Wedding photography is not limited to just the protagonists but also extends to the details and reactions of those present.
  • Many precious moments happen outside the ceremony, from the joy of guests seeing the couple to the charm of a child playing.
  • The wedding photographer must have a keen eye to identify these fleeting moments that contribute to telling the full story of the day.
  • Every wedding photograph is a narrative, and by capturing the guests, the photographer adds emotional layers that complement the main wedding story.

The Energy of the Moment: Capturing the Guests’ Feelings

Bride laughs in conversation with the groom and friends at the door of the wedding party restaurant.

When we are at a wedding, the energy of the moment is palpable. Each person lives the celebration in their unique way, from the emotion of the father of the bride to the irrepressible joy of friends coming together to celebrate the couple’s love. These are precious images that, when captured, can convey the energy and spirit of the event uniquely. The wedding photographer, by positioning himself strategically, can capture these intense emotions, which often go unnoticed by the couple.

  • Capturing the energy of a wedding is not just about the classic wedding photos of the couple, but also about how the environment and the guests interact with this special moment.
  • The spontaneity of moments, such as a child finding a lost ring or a loving gesture from a friend, is a genuine reflection of what is happening.
  • The wedding photographer must be quick and attentive, capturing the joy of a smile, the sparkle in someone’s eyes, or a conversation between guests that tells its own story.
  • There is no way to predict when the magic will happen, and often it is these unexpected moments that make the wedding coverage unforgettable.

Intimate Moments and Details That Convey Emotion

She is a girl taking a picture of a boy at the Pousada Castelo Palmela where the wedding took place.

Sometimes, it is the subtler details that speak the loudest. A furtive glance between the couple, a tear from a father as he gives away his daughter, the tender kiss between the couple after the ceremony, or the warm hug between old friends. These moments, which can easily be overlooked during the frenzy of the event, are captured through the lens of an attentive photographer who is sensitive to the emotion that comes from the intimacy of each gesture.

  • Moments like a close friend’s hug or a parent’s emotional look on the wedding day are small but profound.
  • Wedding photography is not limited to grand scenes; the small gestures speak volumes about the relationships and connections between those involved.
  • The wedding photographer needs to have the ability to capture these details, which are often the heart of the story told through the photographs.
  • These intimate moments are what make the wedding album unique, as they represent the authenticity and depth of the relationships involved.

The Wedding Photographer’s Vision: The Story Beyond Conventional Photographs

Two brothers sitting during their wedding at Pousada Castelo Palmela.

Wedding photography is not just about capturing images of the couple. Every wedding has its setting, dynamics, and energy. The wedding photographer, by uniquely observing the celebration, can convey his vision of the wedding day to the couple, revealing aspects that the couple themselves may have missed due to the pressure and nerves of the moment. Photography is not only about the big moments; it is also about the small details that make up the whole.

  • The perspective of the wedding photographer helps fill in the gaps, showing aspects of the wedding that the couple may not have noticed.
  • The photographer’s job is to observe the details and emotions that are part of the celebration, but that are often not immediately visible.
  • Even the simplest photographs, taken in a spontaneous moment, have the power to convey the true essence of the event and the emotions involved.
  • The wedding photographer plays a crucial role in creating a cohesive set of images that tells a complete and deep story, full of emotions and special moments.

Conclusion

Father talks with his two sons during the wedding reception.

Although photographs of the couple are undoubtedly the pinnacle of any wedding album, the true magic lies in capturing all the other moments that make this day so special. The wedding photographer must have an attentive and sensitive eye, ready to record the small gestures, the emotional expressions, and the moments of pure joy. Wedding photography is a true art form, one that goes beyond the conventional and tells the story of a unique day through the eyes of those who live it, in its entirety.


Planning your big day? Don’t miss the opportunity to capture every precious moment. Contact me to ensure that all the emotions of your wedding are eternally captured uniquely and authentically.


  • You can see a full wedding story:

Father, with his son, read a magazine.

The groom shows his ring to a guest.

Wedding guest, sitting with glass in hand, looks up in conversation with the bride.

Girl, still a baby, on the floor.

A wedding guest takes a photograph.

A she wedding guest shows a photo on her cell phone to two friends.

A woman guest shows surprise during the wedding reception.

Sister of the bride with an emotional face, next to the groom.

Lady chats with girl among wedding guests.

Bride looking very happy among unfocused guests after the wedding ceremony.

Bride in conversation with friends.

Mr and Mrs talk together after the wedding ceremony at Quinta do Vale.

Groups of friends take a selfie at the wedding party at Quinta das Riscas.

Bride and groom over blue colors, talk to guests.

Two wedding guests laughing a lot while looking at a cell phone with a photo.

Bride strokes her father's hair at the wedding meal table.

Little girl sitting at the table at a wedding.

The bride exchanges impressions with guests after the wedding meal at Quinta dos Alfinetes.

Engaged with friends celebrate their wedding at Convento do Espinheiro in Évora.

Engaged with a friend who reacts very satisfied.

The bride and groom in front of the guests watching a movie about them at Convento do Espinheiro.

Groom with glass in hand, chatting with his mother at the counter at Pousada Castelo Palmela.

By Fernando Colaço

I am Fernando Colaço a wedding photographer based in Portugal. My approach to wedding photography is open and not intruder, leaving the event just to happen. We may call it photojournalism. But, it is better to let the photos talk. I am at your service.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *