Family Portraits On Your Wedding Day // Oregon Wedding Photographer

There is no denying that family photos are a must-have for any wedding day. Parents, grandparents, siblings, Aunt Sally and Cousin Mike you haven’t seen in over a decade!!! You definitely need to get photos with with but your time is already so stretched on the big day …good news though, they don’t have to be a source of stress. Here are some tips to make sure you get the memories you want!

Get Organized Ahead of Time

Organization is key when it comes to getting and taking the family photos on your wedding day. Beforehand, take the time to create a list of everyone you want photographed in a formal photo—family, friends, anyone else important in your life. This will give you an idea of how many shots you’ll need to get through and help you and your photographer plan ahead for how much time will be needed. Your photographer should have an idea of how to break up the groups to ensure you get the photos you want without making it stressful on your timeline.

Have One or Two Family Wranglers

Ahead of every wedding day, I send out a final questionnaire about 30 days prior to the event. My couples make sure to let me know what their “list” is at that point and as their photographer, I add this to my day-of checklist on my phone to ensure we can get through them and not miss anyone. Typically, it is my advice as much as possible to just have immediate family as a part of the “formal” family photos. Before the wedding and when my clients submit their list, I also ask that they try to let those individuals know they will be a part of the formal family photos and expected to be on site at an arranged time (before or after ceremony depending on timeline of events). You should also assign one or two TRUSTED people before the wedding day (perhaps a bridesmaid or groomsman) as the “Family Photo Wrangler” who can help gather everyone together when it's time for each shot. This should include someone who knows each person they will be looking to wrangle, otherwise you will get your photographer looking around and yelling out “I need Uncle Bill, has anyone seen Uncle Bill!?!” all while you are starving and needing the bathroom … haha (not laughing at you, just …. a little planning tip to avoid that scenario).

For all other important people such as high school or college pals or your fraternity bros etc. I always recommend we get those in a less formal scene and out in the reception space when you are already mingling with them. You still get a great photo with them but in a less posed and perfect look Which is probably more natural to you anyway).

1.2.3 SMILE

Every photographer might do this slightly different but I have been told I am “short and sweet” with family photos and my military/momma voice definitely comes out when it’s time to get everyone where I need them to ensure they can be seen in the photo. My goal as your photographer is to get you to your party and to spend as much time as possible with those you invited to celebrate with you and not just endlessly in front of my camera posing and smiling. So I would say even if you give my 10 groupings, we will be done in less then 20minutes and that is with buffer time!

Capture Intimate/Candid Moments

In addition to more traditional posed shots, I will always take advantage of candid moments between family members too (another reason to have someone beside your photographer be your family wrangler, now the photographer has time to pay attention to other sweet details while we wait for everyone to arrive). These are some of the most meaningful images from weddings—capturing laughter between siblings, hugs from parents and grandparents, sweet kisses between newlyweds…these moments should not be overlooked! Have your photographer capture these intimate moments throughout the day so that you can look back on them with joy for years to come.

Your formal family photos on wedding day doesn't have to be stressful—it can actually be one of the most enjoyable parts of your big day! With some thoughtful planning ahead and by embracing lightheartedness during the photos themselves, you can ensure that capturing these memories will be just as memorable (or even more so!) than any other part of your celebration. So get creative and make sure these pictures reflect who you are as individuals and as a couple in order to keep these memories alive forever.