Continuing on with my hot tip series, I present you with my 5 tips for perfect wedding reception photos.

1. Guests love surprises, photographers don’t

If you’re doing something special for your grand entrance, please make sure you communicate that to your photographer and videographer so they can be properly prepared. We love these moments, but we just need to be ready for them

2. Try to not eat

Guys I know. You’re usually pretty freaking starving by this point in the day. And for some reason there’s a fairly recent trend of setting food out for guests ahead of time, making it almost impossible, but please do not eat while you’re being toasted. Chewing photos are not cute and the distraction can take away from the emotion. I know, I’m sorry, but you can thank me later

3. Look at each other

A lot of people get caught up in the toasts and forget to stay in the moment and connect with their partner. It’s ok to look away from the person toasting you and look your bride or groom in their eyes and truly feel the love. This is what it’s all about after all

4. Don’t forget to hug your people

When they’re done with their toast, don’t forget to take a second and give them a hug. Even if your Dad’s 5 tables away, get up and go give him a hug. It’s a hug you’ll never forget and it allows for more emotional photos.

5. Need a minute? Go out for sunset photos

These are some of my favorite photos of the day. It gives you two a minute away to truly process the day. The photos are often super emotional, relaxed and real, because you’ve already done all the things that day. Plus, when I take my couples out, I usually tell them stay out a few extra minutes to take some time alone before returning to the reception

BONUS:

One more bonus tip – when booking your photographer, ALWAYS ask to see one or two full wedding galleries. These galleries are of a full wedding day from start to finish so you can see how the photographer works in all kinds of lighting situations. There are way too many photographers who don’t know how to use artificial lighting during wedding receptions and this can lead to blurry or too dark photos that can’t be fixed.

5 Tips for perfect wedding reception photos

Locations of photos:

1. Westin Book Cadillac Detroit
2. Colony Club Detroit
3. Waterview Lofts at Port Detroit
4. The Garden Theatre, Detroit
5. Mariott at Eagle Crest Ypsilanti
6. Masonic Temple Detroit
7. Detroit Athletic Club

Here’s more from the series:

5 Tips for perfect getting ready photos on your wedding day

5 Tips for perfect Wedding Ceremony Photos