Beyond the Lens: How to Shake the Wedding Day Jitters and Feel Like Yourselves
There is a moment right after you put on your wedding attire, look in the mirror, and realize: This is it. It’s finally happening. Your heart does a little flutter. It’s a mix of pure, unfiltered excitement and, let’s be honest, a healthy dose of nerves. For so many of our beautiful couples, the biggest source of that anxiety isn’t the catering or the weather—it’s the camera.
5/21/20263 min read
If the thought of having a lens pointed at you all day makes you want to hide, I want you to take a deep breath. Inhale. Exhale.
I am going to let you in on a little secret: You don't need to know how to pose, and you don’t need to be a model to have breathtaking wedding photography. ---
The Story of Alex & Jack: When the Skies Opened Up
To prove it to you, I want to share a true story about a couple I absolutely adore, Alex and Jack
We were scheduled for their outdoor portrait session at Loch Venachar, Scotland, a stunning location where the scenery is usually the star of the show. Right as it was time for us to head outside, the sky completely opened up. It wasn't just a drizzle—it was a 100% pouring, heavy downpour.
For many couples, this is the ultimate wedding day nightmare. It’s the moment panic sets in. But instead of letting the weather ruin their mood, Alex and Jack took a deep breath, looked at each other, and decided to completely embrace it with me. They stepped out into the rain, and just held each other. Because they let go of the idea of a "perfect, sunny day," something magical happened. The rain created this incredibly intimate, cozy, and cinematic atmosphere that you simply cannot replicate on a bright, sunny afternoon.
I kept shooting, capturing the way the raindrops caught the light around them. They weren't worried about keeping dry; they were just entirely present in the moment together. And do you know what? Those moody, rain-soaked photos ended up being the most breathtaking, emotional shots of the entire day. It wasn’t the weather they planned for, but it was beautifully, uniquely them.
The Power of the "PreWedding-Shoot" (Engagement Session)
Think of an engagement session as a rehearsal without the pressure. It’s the best way to get used to my cues and for me to see how you naturally interact. Use this time to realize that I’m not going to leave you hanging. I’ll give you "actions" rather than "poses"—like walking together or sharing a private joke—which leads to those genuine, belly-laugh photos.
Embrace the Movement
Stiff posing leads to stiff photos. We love capturing candid wedding photos that show real emotion. Walk together, sway to imaginary music, or share a quiet embrace. Movement creates natural lines and genuine expressions.
Focus on Each Other, Not the Lens
Keep the Champagne (or Coffee) Flowing
A little bit of "liquid courage" or a quiet moment with a caffeine fix can do wonders for the nerves. Don't rush the morning. If the morning is chaotic, you’ll carry that tension into your photos. Build a buffer into your timeline so we can start your portraits when you’re feeling centered and celebrated.
5 Secrets to Staying Calm and Comfortable in Front of the Camera
When the nerves start to creep in on your big day, remember these four simple approaches to keep your energy grounded and your smiles genuine:
You aren't marrying the camera; you are marrying your best friend. Look into each other’s eyes, whisper a joke, or just hold hands tightly. When you focus on your partner, the rest of the world (including me) simply fades away.
Trust Your Photographer
Think of me not as a vendor tracking your every move, but as a friend who happens to have a camera. Our goal is to capture your authentic connection, creating timeless wedding day memories that feel exactly like you.
Ready to turn those camera jitters into your favorite memories?
You deserve to look back at your wedding gallery and see your joy, not your nerves. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement in the Scottish Highlands or a grand editorial celebration in the heart of Europe, my goal is to make sure you feel entirely like yourselves from the first click to the last.
Let’s see if we’re a perfect match!
Whether you’ve just said yes or are deep into the planning — I’m here to help you dream, plan, and capture it all.
Capturing honest, heartfelt elopements where every story is celebrated and all love is truly welcome — just as you are, wherever your journey takes you. 🌈
© 2024. All rights reserved @ Aela Photoghraphy
I take on a limited number of elopements and weddings each year so I can give each story the time, care, and creativity it deserves. If you feel a connection to my work and would love me to document your day, I’d be delighted to hear from you. Just click the button below to share a few details — I can’t wait to learn more about the day you’re dreaming up.
