Wedding photos have come a long way since the one or two stiff poses of generations past. Nowadays, photos don’t just document history, they make moments last forever—moments that can then make our hearts swell for years. When it comes to wedding photos, embracing personal touches can take your images from traditional to authentic, making each memory that much more memorable. Ready to personalize your wedding photos? Here are my favorite three ways to go about it… 

1. Let Your Wedding Photos Tell Your Story

Sure, wedding photos tell the story of your wedding day. But couldn’t they also tell the story of you as a couple? It’s important to remember that honoring tradition is important, but so is honoring your love. 

Do you and your new spouse love to play board games together? Bring your favorite and grab some photos having an epic showdown in your wedding-day best. Do you have a favorite date night restaurant? Have a friend or family member bring your go-to order (branded packaging is a plus!) and take some photos enjoying your favorite feast together. Do you or your spouse love reading, listening to records, going for walks, playing sports, playing an instrument, etc.? You get the idea. Telling your story through wedding photos, rather than just checking a box, creates captivating images that are uniquely yours. They capture the essence of your relationship, in addition to all the great shots that capture your day. 

2. Choose unique locations

We’ve all seen the traditional photos at the ceremony site, getting ready in the bridal suite, etc. And don’t get me wrong, they’re beautiful! They’re also an important part of any wedding album. But we’re talking about personalizing your wedding photos, right? The truth is, YOU’RE in charge when it comes to scheduling your day and staging your photos. Do you and your bridesmaids have a favorite hangout? Meet up between getting ready and all the festivities and grab a few photos together in your natural space. Do you and your mom, dad or siblings have a favorite family tradition? Make it a part of your big day preparation at home, and be sure to capture those images, too. Take your spouse back to the site of your first date, or somewhere you’ve made plenty of memories with your best man or maid of honor. 

I know leaving the grounds can be difficult on your wedding day, especially if you’ve got a full day and a big crowd planned. If the thought of coordinating multiple locations is adding stress to your plate, I’ve got an idea! The popularity of separate first-looks and wedding portrait sessions is on the rise this year, and I can totally see why. Checking some wedding photos off the list before the big day is a huge relief! It also allows for stress-free photos, and a trial run for your hair and makeup team. Even if you don’t want your spouse to see the first look before the aisle, you can still schedule a separate wedding shoot with your family and wedding parties before the big day.

If you’re looking for some traditionally untraditional places around Colorado Springs, check out my favorite places to shoot around the city—that aren’t Garden of the Gods. Even if you’re simply snagging some wedding photos just outside your venue, changing up the background can add the perfect amount of variety and uniqueness to your final wedding album.

3. Get to know your wedding photographer

Feeling comfortable should come naturally, even on your wedding day. With each photo session, my goal is to capture timeless, authentic, and joy-filled moments that let your personality shine, all while putting you at ease. Getting to know your photographer prior to the big day can ease the tension of being in front of a lens, and lets your photographer see your interactions ahead of time. Simply put, the better acquainted your photographer is with your personalities, the more those personalities can be highlighted! 

I love working closely with my clients to achieve their dreams. I’ve been running Sarah Arnold Photography for over a decade, and I truly believe I have the best job in the world! I’d love to unpack your vision, whether it’s traditional or uniquely you. My premium wedding collection even includes a one hour engagement session that lets us get to know each other, in front of the camera and behind it. It’s one of the most exciting times in your life! With every detail you plan, you’re preparing to embark on a lifetime of wedded bliss, building a life full of unimaginable joy. Making your images as unique as your union can be simple. Let’s make it happen together!