Documenting the receiving line at weddings is a huge part of what I like to do. At this point there’s a celebratory feel to the day as friends and family greet the newly weds. Quite often the bridal party will stop at the door, which I assume is traditional. And many of you will know this from weddings you have been guests at, but I’ll swiftly make sure that they keep going. Keep the energy flowing and to not waste a moment. Keep it moving, there is no need to stop whatsoever. Forget about the photographer and keep your eyes on the couple. As far as guests are concerned, the just married couple should always be the focal point.
It is all about the just married couple.
Given the formality of a ceremony, it is always lovely to see the excitement and emotion on the faces of those greeting the married couple as they flow out from the ceremony. And you just never know what you will get. Herein lies the beauty of that part of the day. I like to play this by ear and make my move when the moment feels right. And quite often I’m constantly moving to get an angle, or maybe just spying a potential moment. And this is all done to make sure not just to have a set of images that will appear merely functional but something a bit more exciting. Something more engaging and palpable. But of course a simple subtle image works well too. To create or find an image the reflects that emotion and mood, this is the objective.
Navigating the crowd is part of the fun. Getting in and around to get an overall strong picture of that part of the day, but also to reflect the overall documentary approach that I take to photographing weddings. Because it is a style that demands a dynamic feel. And in fact there is no other way but to be dynamic. Bearhugs, cheeky grins, or the phone or even the odd iPad, like this one captured at Ballyvolane House, collecting a hazy souvenir pic… this is all instrumental during this part of the day. Once leaving the ceremony the day moves at quite a pace, a blur for the coupe I am sure. It is up to me to make sure this is also captured and captured well. And captured in a candid fashion gives great satisfaction, and not just for me for the client too.
