From Your Photographer: My Best Wedding Day Advice (from 10+ Years Experience)
This is going to sound obvious but…
Stay Close, Stay Connected.
Your wedding day will fly past in a whirlwind of joy, love, and laughter. And yet, amidst all the hugs, photos, and chats with guests, it can be surprisingly easy to find yourself separated from the one person you’re really there to celebrate — your partner.
As a documentary wedding photographer in Dublin, I’ve spent over a decade capturing weddings across Ireland. If there’s one piece of advice I give every couple, it’s this: stay close, stay connected.
The moments you create together, side by side, will become some of your most cherished memories. They’ll also lead to the best, most natural photographs.
Here’s my wedding day advice to help you stay grounded, intentional, and together.
1. Plan Together Time Into Your Schedule
Work with your wedding planner (if you have one) and your photographer to carve out intentional moments for just the two of you. Whether it’s a private “first look,” a quiet toast after your ceremony, or a brief sunset walk, these moments go beyond photos — they help you stay present.
👉 Curious about first looks? Read how Riona & Brian’s Rathsallagh House wedding included one that calmed their nerves beautifully.
2. Make a Pact: Stay Within Arm’s Reach
Receptions are lively, and it’s easy to get separated. Make a simple pact: stay within arm’s reach. If you’re chatting with guests, reach out for each other. That small touch can keep you feeling grounded.
3. Be Mindful During the Ceremony
Hold hands. Maintain eye contact. Breathe together. These little details make you feel connected and also look incredible in photographs.
4. Plan a Couple’s Escape
Schedule a short breather after the ceremony or before dancing. These quick escapes let you reflect, breathe, and savour what the day means to you both.
5. Navigate the Crowd as a Team
Take turns greeting guests, but always circle back to each other. Sharing the experience makes the day less overwhelming and more meaningful.
6. Dance with Each Other (Beyond the First Dance!)
Hit the dance floor together at different points during the night. Those candid, joy-filled shots of you both dancing and laughing are always favourites.
7. Create Hand Signals or Cues
A quick wave, smile, or inside signal across the room can make you feel connected even when apart.
8. Steal Away for a Sunset Moment
If the light allows, step outside during golden hour. It’s not just perfect for photographs — it’s also one of the rare moments where you can take a breath together.
👉 See how Kate & Colin’s Howth Yacht Club wedding used the Dublin coastline for unforgettable sunset portraits.
9. Take Breaks to Reflect Together
Step aside for a few minutes throughout the day. Hug, breathe, and remind each other what this day is truly about.
10. Delegate and Trust Others
Your wedding party, coordinator, and vendors are there to handle the logistics. The less you worry, the more present you’ll be with your partner.
11. Practice Gratitude Together
ook around the room. Take it all in. A quiet “thank you” to each other in the middle of it all strengthens your connection and grounds the day in love.
Final Thoughts
By staying close, intentional, and present, you’ll create a wedding day full of meaning, beautiful memories, and a sense of togetherness that shines through in your photographs.
After all, your wedding is about the two of you and the love you share. Embrace it together.
👉 Planning your own wedding? Explore more stories in my wedding blog.
👉 Ready to chat about your photography? Get in touch here.