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After what seemed like an eternity, it was time for me to leave my hotel room and venture out into our venue to actually, really, truly get married.
Of course, before that could happen we had a few more photos to take.
I know, I know: family photos don’t make the most exciting post ever. However, I want to share them for a very specific reason. I always hear that people set aside lots and lots of time for these photos, and that was not what I wanted to do.
These posed, formal portraits weren’t nearly as important to me as the candid ones, and I knew I probably wouldn’t display them in my house. We took less than 30 minutes for all of the family photos combined, and I feel like the ones we got are great, and I don’t feel like I’m missing anything at all.
So, for those of you who don’t want to set aside a ton of time for portraits and are being told you’re crazy—you aren’t!
If the portraits aren’t that important to you, then you won’t miss having a ton of them, and it doesn’t take long at all to snap a few quick photos to satisfy the mothers (because, at least in our case, they were the only ones who really cared about these).
So, first up, my family!
And then, Mr. Cardy’s family!
See? I promised—quick and painless.
We have a few more photos than this, but these are the ones that make us smile and they’re really all that we need. We got the important people and everyone is smiling/looking at the camera. That’s all that matters!
Cardy Wedding Tip: Even if you don’t think you’ll need it, make sure you have a list of the photos you want, in order if possible. It’s quickest to start with the smallest amount of people and add in people as you go—it’s much faster to get people into the frame than it is to get them out. Recruit a friend to stand off to the side during portraits with the list and call out who needs to be in each picture. That way, your photographer doesn’t have to stop to check the list, and everything can move quicker!
How do you feel about family portraits at your wedding? Do you think more is better, or would you rather keep it short and sweet?
(All photos by She-N-He Photography)
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Need to catch up?
I feel the same way! the only reason I am even doing family photos is to make the parents happy, I will be all about the candid photos!
The only person who cared about family photos at our wedding was my grandmother. So we did them, and I was actually very happy that we did in the end- they hold some special memories. Btw- your nephews are incredibly adorable!
I think it depends on what your definition of “family” is, haha! For us, it included grandparents, cousins, great-aunts, etc…And trying to round everybody up and place in the right places took FOR. EV. ER (sandlot style)! But I’m glad it was quick and painless for you guys!
Mrs. Cardigan, I have been following your blog. We are so similar, from our colors to our degree. I have been dying to ask where did your sister get that beautiful sweater? Congratulations and Family is everything.
@Raymone: My sister got the sweater from New York & Co. a couple of years back. I don’t think it’d be available in stores anymore, but you may be able to find it on Ebay! Hope that helps!
Ah yes, my mom is big on the formal portraits. I’m hoping to do them quickly as well, ahead of the ceremony. I’ll have to keep your tip about the list in mind!
i’ve heard the opposite actually, that it’s faster to start with the largest group and then dismiss them when they’re no longer needed. (otherwise people tend to wander off and get drinks and it takes longer to send someone to find everyone you need)
@jj: I’ve heard the opposite too, and now I am confused, bc I can see the rationale for both!
Lovely pics, Cardi!
Thanks for the tips, Cardy. 
Very timely, as I’m trying to put together a list/order of group shots for our photographer this week!
@jj: @Miss Magic: I suppose it probably depends on the amount of people you need. We had a pretty small group, so it wasn’t hard to keep everyone contained for a couple of minutes while they waited for their turn, but my family loves to linger/chat so it would have been very difficult to get them to move out of the frame quickly! If we had a larger group of people, it may have been easier to go the opposite way, though.
Haha, Mr. Cardy looks so much like his dad!
Awesome pics, I’m glad it was quick and painless!
that is such great photo taking advice, Cardy - we’ll be compiling our list of photos we want to take this week - THANK YOU!
my 2 cents on the group thing…
As a wedding photographer, I advocate the “inverse pyramid” technique… start large, work to small.
Rationale? In the world of social events, getting pictures taken is low on everyone’s list. While waiting to be included, people get bored very quickly, make noise, gab and can become a distraction very easily, through no fault of their own.
The bride & groom may also not wish to be there, but they “get” what we’re up to and are the easiest to appease and keep focused. (pun intended)
We do this at every wedding. It’s remarked upon time and time again how quick we are.
Also, we call these pictures “mom shots” whenever we discuss them. Now you know why.
Thanks for this! I always feel, well, almost ungrateful or bratty when I say that I just don’t CARE about having a photo of us and every single combination of family members..but I don’t! We’re super close to our inner circle of family, but it’s not gonna bum either one of us out if one second cousin or uncle through marriage doesn’t get in the picture. Thanks for backing me up on this!
I love the way you did everything, Cardy! Both families were so wonderful, and oh! those kiddos are just too cute. I miss them!
My mom will definitely want these types of family portraits!
So Glad you posted this. I am working on a photo schedule now.
I’m torn as to whether I want tons of posed pictures. I like candids better, but I don’t want to regret missing out on these shots…
This bride’s parents are still young. Find an older bride who realizes how short life is and family portraits will be a lot more important. Take the time to take them….especially one with you and your Mom alone and you and your Dad alone.
You won’t regret it later.
Some day you’ll be happy that you got pictures of those family members, especially when they’re no longer with you. Candids are fun, but many are a waste,IMO. I think having a mix is always better.
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Mrs. Cardigan, Austin Age and Occupation: 21, Student/Soon-to-be Special Education Teacher Fiance's Age and Occupation: 20, Student/Soon-to-be Accounting Systems Analyst Engagement Date: August 16, 2009 Wedding Date: January 2011 Venue: Vintage Villas About Me: I'm a native Austinite who was raised as a die-hard Aggie. Luckily, I'm a pretty persuasive girl because I managed to convince my high school boyfriend (now fiance!), Mr. Cardigan, to ditch his hardcore Longhorn ways and join me up at A&M, where we currently reside with our adorable dogs, Cullen & Ranger. We're currently planning a bright, cheery wedding with a ridiculous amount of DIY projects that I can't wait to tackle! I love crafting in any form, reading, and margaritas (I think I love them the most!). Organization is what keeps me sane and I love helping others, which is probably why I ended up as an education major. It gets a little chaotic sometimes when you're planning a wedding among all of the papers, projects, finals, and certification exams, but we're having the time of our lives and we can't wait to get started on our journey as husband and wife - and we're so excited to share our wedding with the hive!
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