Say Cheese: 10 Tips for Looking Effortlessly Relaxed in Wedding Photos

Capturing a natural wedding moment can be tricky.

We all want to capture our best self on our wedding day, but looking effortlessly relaxed can take some finesse. Here are some tips to help you feel more relaxed and natural in wedding photos:

1. Practice: Take some time to practice in front of a camera. Recruit a friend or family member, ideally some with you are comfortable with and who will be honest with you, to take some candid shots of you. This will help you identify your best angles, expressions and poses. You may find that your look doesn't translate to what you are feeling and practicing allows you to experiment and adjust it before your wedding day.

   
   

2. Choose the Right Photographer: It's crucial to find a photographer whose style you love and who immediately makes you feel comfortable. Meet with them beforehand to go over your vision and expectations and ask for their best advice for looking and feeling more relaxed. Which brings us to our next point...

   
   

3. Focus on Your Partner: One of my favorite photographers, Richelle, from Richelle Lynn Photography, suggests that you focus on each other. She says "if there is a moment that you don't know what to do, look to each other for what to do instead of the photographer. At the end of the day, that's what makes the photos so important and hold meaning...so focus on making a memory together and you'll love how they turn out."

   
   

4. Add Music: Incorporating music into a photo session adds to the experience by fostering creativity, relaxation, connection and joy. I experienced this firsthand when Richelle was photographing at our venue ~ she effortlessly set the vibe with a portable wireless speaker clipped to her belt loop! It was such a brilliant touch that I was inspired to get my own JBL Clip 4 and I use it around the property daily. Don't want to risk a photo shoot without music? Check out this handy dandy speaker here. Look at all the fun colors and choose one that coordinates with your wedding day palette.

   
   

5. Breathe & Relax: You can't believe what breathing can do to calm your nerves. Don't believe in the power of breath? You'll be a believer when you listen to or read Breath by James Nestor. Be mindful of the fact that it is YOUR special day, no on elses. All yourself to thoroughly enjoy the moment and the magic of the day.

   
   

6. Move Naturally: More great advice from Richelle is to "trust your vendor team and know that if you look awkward they will help guide you". Walk hand in hand, twirl, or dance with your partner. Movement creates dynamic and relaxed photos, and allows you to capture the joy of the day.

   
   

7. Use Fun Props: Use bubbles, sparklers, a picnic blanket, or (if allowed and we do;) your furry friend...anything that adds a playful element to your photos. This helps to break the ice and will make you feel less self-conscious.

   
   

8. Forget Perfection: Not every photo has to be perfect. Just like in the 80's, embrace the candid shots, laugh

at them for years to come and enjoy the genuine expressions that tell the story of your day better than any posed photo ever

could.

9. Enjoy the Process: Remember that your wedding day is a celebration of love. Embrace the joy, the

laughter, and all the little moments. When you focus on the experience rather than the photos, your natural

happiness will shine through!

10. Choose the Right Venue: A well-selected venue not only adds to the beauty of your photos but creates an

atmosphere that captures the emotions of the day.

As we wrap up, we invite you to imagine your special day unfolding at Yellowbrick on 39, where every detail is designed to create lasting memories. Our lush gardens, bathed in natural light and vibrant colors, provide a stunning backdrop for your photos. Inside our barn, the upper level offers rustic elegance, while the lower level dazzles with exposed brick, black accents, and charming chandeliers, blending timeless and contemporary styles seamlessly. The experience is elevated with an overnight stay in our cozy cottage, adding a fairytale touch to your celebration. We would be honored to share this enchanting setting with you—come and let Yellowbrick on 39 be a part of your beautiful journey!