How to Capture the Best Photos of Your First Dance - Cali & Brian's Woodinville Wedding at JM Cellars

 

After my couples get hitched I usually hear from them in the days following their wedding. I LOVE hearing from them and finding out how their dance went the day of cause I'm always so curious and hoping that it went well. And often, if I'm lucky enough, they send me pictures and videos of their dance(s). I can remember one specific wedding and couple from a few years back who sent me their wedding pictures months after their wedding and my jaw dropped wide open. Their first dance photos were stunning!!! Mt. Hood was in the backdrop with green grass and wildflowers surrounding them. Each picture looked like a painting. Then after scrolling through their pictures further I realized that this wasn't where their first dance took place...they simply did their first dance AGAIN during sunset pictures! And ever since that moment I recommend to all my couples that they do their first dance more than once on their wedding day, privately for their photographer. And here are the biggest reasons why:

-The lighting outdoors is almost always better

-The scenery and backdrop is often more picturesque then your dance floor space at your reception.

-If you take these pictures before you show off your dance at your reception you have another chance to practice right before you hit the stage, hedging your bets on a stellar performance.

-While you only get to do your first dance once at your reception, you can do parts of your first dance again and again in front of your photographer so they can get the best shots possible, and multiple shots for that matter...zoomed both in and out.

-Photographers can't be in all the places all the time (if you have a second shooter then you're better set up to capture all the things!) Although they try their best sometimes they miss a move you love. Doing your dance again with them helps to ensure all your favorites are on film!

This is not to knock the pictures your photographer takes during your reception. Those have special meaning too because they often feature your family and friends applauding and cheering you on while you're dancing. They also capture your genuine reaction and facials in the moment. Pictures of various dance moves from the wedding day are time and time again some of my clients' favorite shots from their entire wedding so why not get as many shots as possible? Brian and Cali mastered their dance in such a way that they got both - incredible photos of all their favorite moves on and off the dance floor. Please view some more of their pictures below from their stunning day. I'm going to put three moves from their dance (one shot from outside/staged and the other from their reception/during their first dance) next to one another. Which is your favorite?

Photographer: Robin Co. Studio

Venue: JM Cellars

Planner: Malea with A. Renee Weddings

Florals: Iris and Fig 

Make-up: KG Beauty

Dance Choreography: PNW Wedding Dance