Wedding Blog

Welcome back, bee readers! It’s time for the next piece of Cherry Pie. Today I’m featuring our formal family photos (say that 5 times fast). Now, before you click away thinking, “BOOOORINNNNG,” I must encourage you to stay. These photos might not be the most exciting part of our wedding day, and some of them certainly are more posed than our other pictures, but they are a very, very important part wedding photography, and they will be an important part of your wedding, too!

Candid photos are all well and good, but your family members (especially immediate family) will want pictures with you remember your day by, and formal portraits are the absolute best way to give them what they need and do it in a calm, organized fashion during an otherwise hectic day.

It’s also important to think about what you want from these photos. Who will you take pictures with… your sets of parents? Your siblings? Twenty-five uncles, aunts, and cousins? Your close friends? Make sure you figure these things out beforehand, set aside a block of time, and make sure to let your photo subjects in on the plan. Also, be sure to be flexible. Some people not accounted for in your plan may insist on a photo as a memento. Be sensitive and accommodating. And remember to smile!

And you know what? With the right photographer you’ll be able to add spice to posed family photos and even capture the candid, tender moments in-between “1…2…3…CHEESE!” Keep reading to see what I mean…

The photo at the top of this post is both of us with my parents and three younger sisters, who have all been like family to Mr. CP since we started dating nine years ago. That’s a pretty “traditional” shot, but the non-traditional mountain backdrop provides the contrast to really make it stand out.

When planning your formals, think about location: Where will the light be right? What will you be standing in front of? Will you be visible against the background? What elements will make the picture visually interesting, fun, and vibrant?

Also, take a moment to check how your dress and accessories are positioned. You don’t want anyone standing on your train. Personally, I wish I’d spread mine out a bit more. Check your guests, too… Are they holding programs or wearing sunglasses? Give them a moment to prepare to be preserved for posterity (another tongue-twister, I am on a roll!).

A little less traditional, here I am with my sisters:

Nobody says you can’t spice up your poses. You can make vast improvements over a “static” pose like standing fanned-out next to each other just by moving around a little. Be more dynamic, let loose, and don’t be afraid to get close to, embrace, or put your arm around your family members. Or… whatever my sisters are doing here:

Here is a very traditional portrait of my mom and I. But it’s been made striking by its framing and color choice. Compare this picture to the first photo in this post… taking close-up photos can really highlight facial details and give depth and meaning to expression. Don’t be afraid to let your photographer get in there (or use a zoom lens).

Similarly, for these photos with my dad, I feel that our photographer captured a good amount of emotion that kept them from looking posed. Sometimes it’s OK not to look directly into the camera. Looking at something meaningful can give you beautiful facial expressions. Here, I’m looking at my dad…

There’s also a candid quality to them (she’s good at that!) that makes me wonder what we were laughing about…

Generational shots are also lovely, and quite significant. Here I am with my father and his father. My dad came in from Seattle’s East Side, and my Opa took the train all the way from Michigan, where I was born. Here we all are together in BFE, Montana!

This is us with Mr. CP’s mother, and grandmother, both of whom joined us from Seattle. Grandma also took the train overnight!

Finally, my absolute favorite generational photos. Mr. CP with his father and his 92-year-old grandfather. Mr. CP’s dad is “local”, and drove the 4 hours from Helena, MT. Grandpa CP flew with his girlfriend all the way from Pittsburgh. He’s the reason we’re here in Glacier at all!

Also, a little creative editing goes a long way. I think the vignetting and sepia-tone of this picture, and grandpa’s rustic walking stick makes it seem as if it’s out of the 1800s. It’s just asking to be framed:

And this! Again, looking away from the camera can make great photos. Check out Mr. CP and his dad grinning at each other over grandpa’s head. Hilarious and touching at the same time! Agh, I just love it!

Next, I’ve selected some photos from Mr. CP’s side of the family.

Here we are with his dad and his dad’s girlfriend (also our officiant, as you may recall). This photo is another good example of why it’s good to get some close-ups with a narrow depth of field (meaning, crisp subjects and an out-of-focus background):

A few more candid moments. Mr. CP loves his dad with all his heart, as these next photos show. I’m not sure what’s going on with me in this first photo; maybe I’m just smirking because they’re so cute…

Just two words for this next one: SO. CUTE.

If you have a family that branches out due to divorce, remarriage, et cetera, make sure you give all sides equal attention. We just love to spend time with Mr. CP’s mom and step dad, who also live in Seattle. His mom was his inspiration to become a nurse practitioner (she works in the same field):

And his step dad just has the cutest puppy dog expressions…

(See? Don’t be afraid to put your arms around each other. It can look good!)

Last, but definitely not least, our venerable guests from far-away Pittsburgh, Justin’s grandfather, Pops, and his girlfriend, Rita:

As I mentioned before, Pops is 92. He is also twice a widower, has a glass eye, and lives with a pig’s heart valve as a result of heart surgery. But that doesn’t stop him from going strong. I think he might just live forever, especially now that he has the right woman by his side…

Honestly, I hope that someday Mr. CP and I can claim to be as lucky and happy as these two.

And there you have it. I hope you enjoyed our family photos and can use some of my tips when staging your own formal photo shoot. Next up, I’ll show you our fun and creative photos with the wedding party. Stay tuned!

[Credits: All images courtesy of Piknik Studios.]

Previously:
Married in Montana: The Rehearsal
Married in Montana: The Girls Get Ready
Married in Montana: The Guys Get Ready
Married in Montana: The Bus Ride to Polebridge
Married in Montana: Pre-Ceremony Preparations
Married in Montana: Staging the Ceremony
Married in Montana: Our Wedding Ceremony (Part 1 of 2)
Married in Montana: Our Wedding Ceremony (Part 2 of 2)
Married in Montana: Receiving Line & Refreshments
Married in Montana: Cocktail Hour
Married in Montana: Bride & Groom Portraits