Portrait & Time Alone

Why the photos matter less than the time you’ll spend together.

Here’s a little secret: portrait time isn’t really about the photos.

It’s about you two finally getting a moment to breathe, away from everyone else.

Weddings are a whirlwind—you’ll spend most of the day surrounded by people, answering questions, and being pulled into conversations.

This is often the only time you’ll have to yourselves, and it’s far more valuable than many couples realise.

Why do we need portraits if we don’t like posing?

Because it’s not about posing. It’s about pressing pause, stepping away from the crowd, and actually looking at each other.

The photos are just the bonus. I’ll give you a few prompts so you’re distracted from the camera—little things to say or do together—so it feels natural.

My job is to capture that connection without making it awkward.

How can we make these moments more meaningful?

I always suggest a bit of planning in advance.

Think about what you’d like to say to each other on your wedding day, and maybe even write it down.

Some couples write cards and give them to me at the start of the day—I’ll keep them safe until we go for portraits. Then, when you open them during photos, the emotions you’re feeling tie directly into the images.

Years later, when you look back at the photos, you’ll remember the words as well as the smiles.

When’s the best time to do portraits?

I usually recommend splitting it into two short sessions.

The first is straight after the ceremony, while your guests are milling around or finding their seats.

The second is later in the day, after speeches and before the first dance.

That way, you’ve had a chance to freshen up, maybe change shoes, and take a few minutes together before stepping back into the spotlight.

Where should we go for portraits?

It doesn’t have to be far.

A quiet corner of the venue, a nearby garden, even a hallway with good light can work. What matters is that you’re away from everyone else for a few minutes.

If you’ve chosen your venue for its surroundings—beaches, woodland, city streets—we’ll use them. But honestly, the backdrop is less important than how you feel together in that moment.

On my own wedding day, I thought I’d have loads of time to talk to Hannah. I

imagined long, meaningful conversations about what the day meant to us. In reality, we had less than five minutes alone—and that turned into a planning meeting about timings and logistics.

It taught me something important: unless you make space for it, you won’t get it.

That’s why, when I photograph couples now, I do everything I can to carve out those quiet minutes for them.

The photos are lovely, but what really matters is giving you the chance to actually be together.

A quick reminder for your planning:

• Remember: this isn’t about posing—it’s about pausing

• Think ahead about what you’d like to say to each other

• Consider writing letters or cards to exchange during portraits

• Plan for two short portrait sessions: after the ceremony, and again before the first dance

• Trust your photographer to handle the photos so you can focus on each other

If you only remember one thing: portraits are the one time on your wedding day you’ll be alone together.

Forget about the camera, hold hands, laugh, maybe cry a little—and let that be the memory you carry, as much as the photos themselves.