So, let’s talk wedding photos. They are this HUGE investment and they are really the only thing that lasts past the wedding day (other than your love for your new hubby/wife, of course!). Here’s the thing: after taking our engagement photos I realized that I have a huge smile. Mr. P does a great job of making me laugh and never taking life seriously, so during our entire e-session I was grinning from ear to ear. Now this might sound sweet, but how will I ever get myself under control on my big day!?!? I really love these romantic subdued wedding pictures.
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This is what happened when we tried the oh-so-sweet head on the shoulder move:
I literally couldn’t stop smiling! He kept whispering silly nothings in my ear. Sigh. I love the man but he makes it so darn hard!
I totally recognize that there are lots of reasons to be smiling from ear to ear on my wedding day. I love how intimate and tender those moments are… I only hope that Mr. P and I are composed enough (or comfortable enough) to get it together for our big day.
So here’s the slightly crazy obsessive bridezilla part: sometimes I make us practice being serious. Usually I just catch our reflection in a mirror in our apartment (usually while we are brushing our teeth or something) or walking by a window or in the review mirror while sitting in a cab. Hehehe. I know its silly and usually ends with us making “blue steel” faces or making gangster faces or just plain silly faces, but I’m honestly worried.
Do you have any photography concerns? How are you dealing with these concerns? Did your e-session calm these fears or make them worse?
I think you have an amazing smile and should flaunt it. However to get the pictures you want, just mention to your photographer that you want these types of pictures and when its time have them give you a minute to calm down and smile a little smile. Just take a minute to close your eyes and take a deep breath.
I truly like your photo the best out of all of these because your smile is so warm and genuine!! We tried ONE engagement photo where we were serious and the photographer literally laughed out loud and was like, ok, forget that…Definitely not for us!
My name is John Prado, I’m a Wedding Photographer from Orange County, CA. I just wrote an article concerning the topic of smiling for your wedding day photos. I think you will find it beneficial to you.
You can find it at:
http://johnprado.com/blog/2011/03/03/the-power-of-a-smile/
Ok your smile is wonderful. A friend of mine wanted the serious, smoldering, sexy facial expression shots and she made her FI practice the model look and it looked awful! Their photos looked very unnatural and ended up seeming like they were on America’s Next Top Model trying to smyze or something. Seriously, people started referring to them as bridal blue steel.
So I’d say go with your natural facial expressions. They’ll look way better!
I think you should own your smile. It’s beautiful and it’s (more importantly) YOU. Maybe you’re not a serious smile person. Maybe you’re joyful! I think your wedding photos should reflect just that.
Like you, I found it impossible to not have a big smile while taking wedding photos. We tried taking “serious” photos, but they ended up looking weird as I only wanted to be smiling from ear to ear.
You know what? I LOVE our photos. They look like us. Serious bride isn’t me, and I’m glad my photos are honest. Own who you are and don’t compare yourself to what weddingblogland deems “necessary.”
I (and the hubs) are smiling in every single one of our wedding photos. At first, I was also like, oh no we didn’t take any serious/romantic ones. But the thing is, these are romantic! They show how truly happy we are. I love them. So I say just be happy that you’re happy!!
I’d just speak to your photographer. If they’re good they’ll take the time to listen to what you want and definitely be able to work with you. Most good photographers will be able to instill a quite serious moment when you’re shooting – especially if there’s nobody else around. They’ll be able to bring a serene moment – even if there isnt one! seriously!
i’m nervous about FI! He’s not a huge fan of taking pictures, so he has anxiety about the photo portion of the wedding. Otherwise, I’m not super concerned about smiling or not. We’ll probably have lots of kissy pictures 
Ok I’m not gonna lie, your pic looks way better than any of the ones you posted above. I just think yours looks so natural and sweet, some of the others look like they aren’t really enjoying themselves very much.. like they are losing something. Yours looks like you are happily in love!
smile away! it’s so much more natural. (on the same note: i can’t not smile either and when i try to be serious, i look like i want to kill someone.)
I’m sorry but this made me LOL. You have a beautiful smile!! Be yourself!
I don’t smile very well, if that makes sense – it’s crooked and my eyes get all squinty. So – be glad you have a gorgeous smile and work it!
When we were taking our e-pics, the photographer tried to pose one of FH looking at the camera and smiling while I looked at him. After a couple snaps, she kindly asked if I could do what I was doing but without smiling. The resulting image is a combo of a smile and a bizarre look on my face when I realized I had no idea what to do. Probably not the best. Plus, you’re supposed to be all smiley when you’re with the one you love!!
Silly Pancake, smiles are always better! You two are so beautiful together, why would you ever want to be something you’re not?
I’m with everyone else! Smile big! (I definitely did, and while I look ridiculous in a lot of photos, it’s ridiculously happy.) Keep practicing your blue steel if you want, but you look great with a non-blue steel face too!
your e-pic looks soooo much better than all of the others,they kinda look…..posed and not really natural.You have a beyond-amazing smile and it looks so natural and its so infectious it makes me want to smile just looking at it!x
Mrs. Pancakes, New York/Costa Rica Age and Occupation: 26, Law School Student Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Latin American Policy Analyst Engagement Date: March 12, 2010 Wedding Date: May 2011 Venue: Casa Punto de Vista About Me: I’m a perfectionist with a big heart. I love a good laugh and firmly believe no one has ever regretted being prepared! My motto is “go big or go home.” I am incapable of doing anything in moderation, especially when it comes to shopping, TV, food and travel, and some would say wedding planning! The other half of this nearlywed team is a laid-back, adventure-loving, accident prone, sweetie from LA. He makes me laugh, is always down for an impromptu dance party, and totally indulges most of my hare-brained schemes. Now, in my final year of law school, we’ll be spending the spring abroad in Amsterdam and planning a DIY, whimsical, detail-filled destination wedding in Costa Rica!
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