How to Get the Best ‘Walking Down the Aisle’ Photos
In life, there are unforgettable moments that remain etched in our memories forever. One of these moments is walking down the aisle on your wedding day. Check out my top 5 tips I’ve picked up throughout my wedding photography career to enhance your special day and make it even more unforgettable!
1. Music makes memories
Choose a piece of music that resonates with you deeply. Whatever the genre, it needs to speak to you personally, so that you feel absolutely fabulously amazing! If you are confident, the photographs will shine.
2. Practice makes perfect
The easiest way to calm your nerves is by practising. Use a corridor or hallway, put on your music and give it a go. Wear the wedding shoes you’ll be wearing on the day and if you’ll be wearing a headpiece, put that on, too. Take a video of yourself practicing and see if you can work on your posture, pace and facial expressions! Trust me, if you feel confident, you will look confident in your images!
3. Consider the conditions
Yes, I’m talking about health and safety! If your wedding is going to be outside, practice walking in your shoes on various surfaces. While this may seem like common sense, it's worth mentioning, especially if you're having a rehearsal. Check for any potential hazards such as floor vents or uneven surface if you’re getting married outdoors. On your wedding day, send your most trusted bridesmaid or groomsman to do a safety check of the aisle and make sure there are no objects (usually guest bags or prams), obstructing the aisle before it’s go-time!
4. Relax and Pace Yourself
I know I know, I’m a photographer, not a yoga teacher. But trust me, there’s nothing like calming the nerves than focusing on your breath for a minute or two: you NEED to be with your breath when you walk down the aisle. Feel the air flowing into your belly (rather than your chest) and focus on the air as it flows out through your nostrils or mouth. By focusing on the breath, you will feel as relaxed as you can be and in control. Slowing down your breath will also prompt you to slow down your pace, which is very important for two reasons: a) it prevents any mishaps like catching your shoes on your dress and stumbling, and b) it allows you to truly savour the moment. Remember that if you're walking arm-in-arm with someone, let them know that you're the one setting the pace.
5. Break in those shoes!
This is such an important tip, especially if you’re on the clumsy side (like me!). Considering you'll be wearing your wedding shoes for a significant part of the day (though it's not unusual to switch to something more comfortable later on), breaking them in beforehand is ESSENTIAL. Also, if you're not used to wearing high heels, I wouldn’t recommend experimenting it on your big day. While those gorgeous high heels may make you feel like a supermodel when you’re stood up, you don’t want to look like a toddler trying on her mother’s shoes for the first time as you walk down the aisle, right?
PRO TIP: Wrap your shoes in a plastic bag or shower cap for the practise, as you wouldn’t want to get them dirty! If there are stairs, practice walking up and down the stairs, too. You’ll want your focus to be on your fiancé, not your feet - and you'll look a lot better on photos if you are looking up, not down!
TIPS FOR HOLDING A BOUQUET ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
Hold your bouquet at your bellybutton height to avoid hiding behind it - remember, it’s here to complement you, not outshine you! While it's natural to want to raise the bouquet, doing so might cover your beautiful outfit. By holding it lower, you exude a sense of comfort and ease, displaying confidence and enthusiasm for your special day. Remember, body language speaks volumes!
Walking down the aisle is a unique experience where all eyes are on you, you are literally the star of the show! So embrace it, enjoy the spotlight, and appreciate to the music you have carefully chosen to embody this moment —it's as much for your enjoyment as it is for everyone else's.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this blog!
If you wanted to read more wedding planning tips, head to my other blog posts - other readers LOVED my article on how to nail the perfect first kiss photo and my 15 must-have essentials for wedding mornings!
Would you like to chat about booking me for your wedding? Do you think I’d be the perfect wedding photographer for someone you know who is getting married soon? Message me below to book!
Much love,
Constance x
