Wedding Portraits have been around for thousands of years. In fact, the first recorded matrimonial images date all the way back to the 1840s! But your wedding portraits don’t need to look dated. They can reflect your personalities as well as all the other details you’ve created for the occasion with just a few simple twists! Whether you’re all about tradition, you’re looking to shake things up, or you just want your images to feel personal, read on for my favorite alternatives for traditional wedding portraits. 

1. Alternatives to the “First Look”

Even though the “first look” photo used to be one that occurred during the ceremony, it’s one that’s evolved into a romantic moment between bride and groom, away from the eyes of all invited. And even though it’s a newer tradition, it’s an image that makes it onto almost every shot list for wedding portraits. Why? This now-normal photo op allows your wedding photographer to get more images and wedding portraits without the stress of capturing the whole wedding party and all the family iterations in the same time window. It also gives you more time (and more images) of the initial first reactions without worrying about moving on with the ceremony. Plus it simply gives you a moment away from all the buzz of your guests. 

And while fitting in a “first look” before the ceremony might be some couple’s idea of breaking tradition, you might still looking for an alternative to what’s made its way into the norm for wedding portraits.

Here are my ideas for sweet alternatives to the “first look”:

• If you don’t want to stray too far from tradition, a “first touch” could give the same time and intimacy without spoiling the tradition of that first down-the-aisle moment. Stand on opposite sides of a wall or doorway, stand back-to-back, stay blindfolded, or even reach/talk through some of your gorgeous decor.
  
• Want to maximize time for wedding portraits without revealing your gown to the groom too soon? Try a “first look” with your bridal party! You’ll get those photos out of the way early, and you’ll capture the genuine reactions of your closest family and friends. (Waiting until the ceremony all but guarantees your photographers will be focused on the groom in those moments.) If your tribe has been with you every moment of the getting-ready process, opt for a “first look” with your parents, grandparents or siblings, instead.
  
• If you’re eager to share a genuine “first look,” but you don’t want your images to look like every other, if possible, try to include your pets. Trust me, they’re reactions will be just as priceless as yours! Plus it’s the perfect way to incorporate your four-legged friends that doesn’t interfere with the actual ceremony. Snap some pet-friendly wedding portraits before the hubbub, in a quiet and controlled environment. 

2. Alternatives to Family Wedding Portraits

Family wedding portraits don’t need to be stressful. And they don’t need to look stressed, either! Don’t get me wrong. These images are an important part of the day! Let’s face it, times when the whole family is together are few and far between. But that doesn’t mean these wedding portraits can’t break the mold a bit.

To capture all of the generations together without a gallery of images that feel like a generation or two ahead of yours, try these alternatives:

• Keep it candid! If stiff, posed photos aren’t your thing, try planning an activity like arranging bouquets, releasing balloons or toasting the bride and groom for your family wedding portraits. Having something to focus on besides the stand-and-cheese will result in joy-filled images that better reflect your family dynamics year round.
  
• Pose with props! Whether it’s sunglasses, signs with hand-written well wishes, flowers or hats, having some tangible items to break the ice can often bridge the gap between photo booth-style images and traditional wedding portraits. You keep the tried and true stand-and-smile, but add a bit of fun that keeps things light and joyful.
  
• Take them separately! I know this sounds like one more thing you’ll need to figure out, but more and more couples are choosing to take their family wedding portraits outside the big day. And it doesn’t have to add stress to your plate! Incorporating family photos into a pre-existing event like the rehearsal dinner or morning-after breakfast can be a great way to give those wedding portraits the different, more relaxed look and feel you’re looking for.

3. Alternatives to Bridal Portraits

We’ve already talked about the importance of bridal portraits. But what about the importance of making them feel uniquely you? I know it can be tricky. Venues aren’t exactly designed with these portraits in mind, so it’s tough to find the perfect backdrop. Plus, odds are you’re not one for wearing gowns in full glam on a daily basis, so sometimes it’s hard to make these wedding portraits feel and look natural. I hear you! I want you to feel comfortable and like yourself as you capture these treasured images. If you’re planning a test run before the big day, I highly recommend taking your bridal wedding portraits then—stress free!

That said, let’s look at some alternatives to the traditional bridal portrait:

• Don’t be afraid to bring some drama! I mean why not? You’re already dressed up like a model! If you’re worried about damaging your dress, you don’t need to walk through a field to get some stunning dramatic shots. Why not bring your photographer to an art gallery? Or maybe a ballroom or library? Does your location have a historic old building? That could be just the place to make sure these images are included, but not lost in the wedding gallery.
  
• If you’re planning bridal portraits on the wedding day, try to stay away from locations that are being used for other photos. There are usually some picturesque places for the bridal party pictures, plus the obvious ceremony site and suites for getting ready. But what’s YOUR favorite spot on the grounds? Bridal portraits should show you off from the inside out, so find a place on-site that speaks to you. Find somewhere you genuinely want to spend time. Even if it’s a big doorway, an open window, a cozy corner or quiet hallway! The more natural you feel, the less awkward (and more unique) these portraits will be.
  
• Making your bridal portraits feel intentional can help steer you away from traditional posed shots. Instead of holding your bouquet, hold a significant item like a family heirloom. Or try a single flower, or treasured gift from your future spouse. Looking for something more modern and fun? Ditch the bouquet for your favorite sports equipment, beverage or snack.

No matter the vibe you’re going for, your wedding portraits should reflect your love story. Let your personality shine! Do you have your own ideas for alternatives to tradition? Let’s chat! I’d love to bring your vision to life.

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!