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When you’re planning your wedding day photographs, chances are everyone will start recommending that you take sunset photographs. Let me tell you, they’re not wrong. Scheduling in even 10-15 minutes for sunset portraits is a fantastic idea if getting gorgeous photographs is a priority to you. I always adore sunset photo sessions, and definitely recommend taking a few minutes away from your reception to capture a few with your wedding photographer! I promise, your guests won’t miss you while they’re eating, nobody will start speeches without you, and you’ll get to create both beautiful photographs and a great memory of getting to spend some personal time together with your partner on your wedding day! If you’re on the fence, read on and see how you feel about these 5 reasons you should take sunset photographs on your wedding day.

The Light is Gorgeous

The most obvious reason to schedule sunset photographs is that the light is freeking gorgeous. Everyone always talks about the ‘golden hour’ photos, and for good reason. While your photographer will know how to use light to their advantage to make beautiful photos all day, there truly is something special about the colours and lens effects that can be achieved around sunset. Also, the best kept secret of golden hour is the final 10 minutes of light you get after the sun has already gone down. You know those soft pastel coloured photos where people look flawless and glowy? Yeah, that’s ’10 minute post sunset’ light.

You Will Feel Relaxed in Front of the Camera

By the time sunset rolls around you will be feeling so relaxed that stepping in front of the camera will actually be fun. All the ‘hard’ parts of your wedding day will be over, you’ll be a few drinks into the evening, you’ll finally have had something to eat, and you’ll pretty much be feeling on top of the world! Add in a few romantic moments enjoying the sun set with your partner and you have the perfect recipe to actually have fun and enjoy the moment being in front of the camera together. Often we’ll use the time to practice your first dance, or take your desserts outside to enjoy quietly on the patio together, so this is also a great chance to fit a few more natural and candid photographs into the day.

You Will Get to Enjoy a Romantic and Peaceful Few Minutes With Your Partner

Over the course of your wedding day you’ll actually get to spend surprisingly little time alone with your partner. From getting ready separately, to visiting with your own groups of high school friends during cocktail hour, to being pulled different directions on the dance floor, by the end of the night chances are you haven’t done much more than check in with one another here and there. By scheduling in 15 minutes for sunset portraits together, you’ll get to have some time alone with your partner to talk, laugh, cuddle, dance, watch the sun go down, and reflect on what an amazing day it’s been. I promise, this will give you the chance to create a memory from your wedding day that you won’t forget.

You Will Get to Take a Break!

Your wedding day will be so much fun, but it will also be exhausting! While we unfortunately can’t schedule in time for naps in the afternoon, we can plan a few minutes of peace and quiet from you. Escape from the music, the hum of the crowd, and the never ending line of hugs. Hugs are great, don’t get me wrong, but taking a moment of peace and quiet outdoors together will give you a chance to take a breath, enjoy the sunset, and head back into your reception feeling rejuvenated and ready to hit the dance floor. We also take some photos together during this time, but really it’s all about the two of you getting to spend a few peaceful minutes together. I just document it.

Be In The Moment

I would insert that Ferris Bueller quote here, the one about stopping to look around once in a while, but that would be cheesy. It’s still true though. Your wedding day will go buy in a blur, and it’s important to pause, take a breath, look around and realize what a stunning, joyful, and life altering moment you’re living. It’s hard to do that while you’re entertaining extended family though, so let’s slip outside together, put on ‘your song’ and give you a few minutes to dance, enjoy the sunset, sip an extra glass of champagne, or simply eat your cake in peace and quiet.

The most important thing to remember is that we don’t have to make your sunset session about the photographs. We can simply use it an excuse for the two of you to enjoy a moment together, and the photographs will simply be there to document this memory. No matter how you choose to spend this time, whether that’s 10, 20, or 30 minutes, I can guarantee that you will enjoy yourselves, and will end up with a bunch more gorgeously lit, candid, fun, and relaxed wedding photographs!

Xo

-c