You’ve got the dress, the suit, the hair, and the venue—but what about looking and feeling your absolute best in your wedding photos?
Each time I speak with a bride and groom-to-be during consultations, I hear the excitement in their voices when they tell me their expectations. They want to look their best in their photos, and some (not all) are worried they aren’t photogenic enough.
As your photographer, I’ve got you covered. Here are 12 tried-and-true tips to help you look effortlessly stunning and confidently YOU in every frame.
1. Get Plenty of Sleep the Night Before
Let’s skip the all-nighter scrolling Pinterest for "last-minute wedding tips."
A well-rested face = brighter eyes, glowing skin, and more energy for your big day.
Aim for at least 7–8 hours of solid rest and try to disconnect from screens early the night before. Trust me, coffee can only do so much.
2. Stay Hydrated All Week (Not Just the Night Before)
Hydration helps with skin, mood, and focus. Begin hydrating a few days before your wedding so your skin looks plump and fresh. Coconut water is also great for a hydration boost!
3. Schedule a Hair & Makeup Trial
This is not the time for surprises. Save the spontaneity for the dance floor. A trial run lets you test your glam game under real conditions: heat, hugs, and happy tears. You’ll thank yourself when your curls don’t collapse mid-vow.
Jamaica’s humidity can be no joke, especially near the beach. Be sure to ask your makeup artist for setting spray, blotting powder, lipstick for touch-ups, and oil-control sheets. These small items go a long way in keeping your look fresh all day.
For brides with long hair and a beachside ceremony, consider an up-do or half-up style. Between the breeze and the salty air, keeping your hair off your face means fewer flyaways and more frame-worthy photos.
4. Choose Comfortable, Well-Fitted Clothing
Confidence starts with comfort. Your dress or suit should feel like a second skin, not a straightjacket in disguise. If your dress zips, it should glide up smoothly, not feel like a workout. You should be able to sit, stand, hug, and dance without discomfort or worry.
Tailoring is your secret weapon. Before you say yes to the dress (or suit), don’t just stand in front of the mirror, move around in it. Sit, walk, raise your arms, do a little twirl. Make sure it moves with you, not against you.
Well-fitted attire makes you look polished and allows you to focus on the fun instead of fussing with fabric. You’ll move better, feel more at ease, and your confidence will shine through every frame.
Pro tip: Comfort is key
5. Stick to Your Signature Style
Now isn’t the time for a full makeover. If you love soft waves and neutral makeup, stick to that. You want to recognize yourself in your wedding photos, just a more polished version.
6. Take Care of the Details
Steam your outfit, polish your rings, and don’t forget the little things like manicured nails and clean shoes. These subtle touches show up in close-ups and give your photos that high-end finish.
7. Practice Your Posture (and Smiling!)
You don’t need to channel runway model energy, but standing tall does wonders. Think proud swan, not stiff robot. And your smile? Go for relaxed and real, not the frozen "I’ve-been-cheesing-for-7-hours" look.
Stand tall, roll your shoulders back, and lean slightly forward with your chin. This naturally elongates your frame and flatters the camera. Practice a relaxed smile in the mirror—it’ll feel more natural on the day.
8. Do an Engagement Session
Think of it as a trial run in front of the camera. It helps you get used to how I shoot, builds trust, and calms photo nerves so you feel confident and natural come wedding day.
9. Trust Your Photographer (That’s Me!)
You don’t need to know how to pose. That’s my job! I’ll guide you through everything—from flattering angles to emotional moments. You just get to enjoy your day while I handle the rest.
10. Feel the Moment, Don’t Overthink It
The best photos aren’t posed—they’re felt. Laugh, cry, kiss, dance. Focus on each other and the moment you’re in. When you're genuinely enjoying yourself, it shines through every photo.
11. Be Yourself
Let your personality shine. Whether you're goofy, romantic, laid-back, or extra, own it. The most authentic photos happen when you're not pretending to be anyone else. Let go of expectations and just be you.
12. Keep Your ‘Getting Ready’ Location Neat
Your getting-ready space sets the tone for your day and your photos.
A cluttered room says chaos. A tidy room says calm, cool, collected (even if you're stress-sipping mimosas).
Pro tip: put one bridesmaid in charge of hiding rogue water bottles and snack wrappers.
The room where you get ready is where many key photos happen. A tidy space makes a huge difference. Designate a corner for bags, tags, and extra stuff so the background stays clean. Natural light + neat room = photo gold.
Final Thoughts:
You don’t have to be a model to look incredible in your wedding photos. Just be prepared, be present, and be yourself.
I’ll take care of the rest.
Ready to feel confident and radiant on your big day?
Let’s create wedding photos that feel just as good as they look.
