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Planning Wedding Day Family Photos

January 7, 2018 By Jennifer Leave a Comment

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Everyone loves having family photos with the bride and groom but no one like taking those photos.

Am I right or am I right?!

Planning wedding day family photos is a crucial piece of pre-wedding homework.  My goal as a wedding photographer is to amaze guests  at my speed and efficiency when powering through the obligatory family photo section of the day without losing quality or groupings. How does this happen? Communication, communication, communication . . . and a wee bit of photographer bossiness. 😉  P

  1. Communicate with your family.  When you work ahead of time planning wedding day family photos and communicating which ones are important, wedding day miscommunications can be eliminated!  Ask your fiance, parents, and in-laws what photos they’d like taken and what groupings are priorities.
  2. Communicate with your photographer.  I’ll remind you about a month before your wedding, of course, but once you send me your list of wedding day family photo groupings I will be able to  order the list for maximum efficiency. Plus, once it’s out of your head and onto my paper it’s one less thing for you to remember on your wedding day!
  3. Communicate with your VIPs. Make sure everyone who is on that list knows they’re on the photo list so no one runs off right after the ceremony for a last-minute gift or to implement a wedding-day prank!  When your family knows that photos are happening and when photos are happening, we can eliminate waiting around for a wandering Uncle!

Wedding day family photos don’t have to be a tediously long process and I definitely turn into a Very Bossy Photographer for wedding day family photos so that we can get on to the part-tay as fast as possible! As you’re planning your list, know that each grouping on your list will add about two minutes onto the family photo session. (On average, of course: more people in the shot will increase that average, and fewer people will decrease the time required!)

If you have a large family (or a tight timeline), designate a family photo helper from inside the family — someone who knows names and faces and can help corral the right people for the right shot!

Planning Wedding Day Family Photos

No two families will ever be the same and no two wedding day family photo lists will be identical.  But maybe this template list will help you plan?

Template for Planning Wedding Day Family Photos

(Remember: every family is different so make your own wedding day family photo list based on what family will attend and what family you want to have photographed!)

Groom’s Extended Family
Bride and Groom with each set of his grandparents
Bride and Groom with four Grandparents, Parents, and Siblings

Groom’s Immediate Family
Bride and Groom with his parents
Bride and Groom with his parents and two siblings
Groom and his two siblings
Groom and Mom
Groom and Dad

Bride’s Extended Family
Bride and Groom with each set of her grandparents
Bride and Groom with her Grandparents, Parents, and Siblings

Bride’s Immediate Family
Bride and Groom with her parents and three siblings + one brother-in-law + nephew
Bride and Groom and her three siblings + brother-in-law
Bride and Groom with her parents
Bride and Mom
Bride and Dad

Planning Wedding Day Family Photos  Planning Wedding Day Family Photos

Planning Wedding Day Family Photos

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About Jennifer

Hi! I’m Jennifer and I’m a wedding photographer based in Abbotsford, BC serving the Fraser Valley. I’ve photographed weddings for the last eight years and built my business while working a desk job and living in North Carolina. Since marrying a Canadian and moving to the Fraser Valley I’ve fallen in love with the perfect wedding backdrops: lovely winter raindrops, glorious Pacific Ocean sunsets, and magnificent evergreen mountaintops.

Contact Jennifer to book your wedding photographer.

Why Jenni Marie Photography?

Jenni Marie Photography is for you if...

- Are in love with a great man
- Aren’t afraid of a little rain
- Want great photos filled with real life and emotions
- Know you are created in God’s image
- Love juxtaposing rugged adventure and femininity
- Celebrate marriage, not just the wedding day
- Don’t accept norms “just because”
- Think outside the box
- Believe in the beauty of a foggy day
- Find art in everyday life

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The Brides Speak

Jennifer is phenomenal. She loves weddings so much, and her experience allows her to anticipate the best shots. - Christina
2016-07-09T20:17:00-08:00
Jennifer is phenomenal. She loves weddings so much, and her experience allows her to anticipate the best shots. - Christina
https://jennimarie.com/testimonials/christina-casey-2/

I had my wedding photos within a month of the wedding and was BEYOND pleased with her work! - Jenna
2016-07-09T20:17:38-08:00
I had my wedding photos within a month of the wedding and was BEYOND pleased with her work! - Jenna
https://jennimarie.com/testimonials/jenna-brad/

Jenni Marie captured my wedding’s every detail and created a visual archive of memories just as beautiful as my own memories of my wedding day. - Joanna
2016-07-09T20:18:26-08:00
Jenni Marie captured my wedding’s every detail and created a visual archive of memories just as beautiful as my own memories of my wedding day. - Joanna
https://jennimarie.com/testimonials/joanna-peter-2/

Her photos are perfection, and her talent is rivalled only by her beautiful soul. -  Ashley
2017-06-06T19:27:30-08:00
Her photos are perfection, and her talent is rivalled only by her beautiful soul. -  Ashley
https://jennimarie.com/testimonials/ashley/

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Instagram post 2340141394864953984_49906028 Speaking of impressive views.... this is my favourite spot.⁠ ⁠ But ever since hubby bought a new truck he is hesitant to have it driven up there. Something about not wanting to scratch it yet. Understandable, I suppose, but I guess I need a 4x4 all my own. Any suggestions?⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #engagementphotoshoot #engagementphotographer #couplesphotography #wildloveadventures #muchlove_ig #radlovestories #togetherjournal #wildhairandhappyhearts #adventurouslovestories #adventuresession #adventurouscouple
Instagram post 2338764808000930173_49906028 Pssst. I have many favourite wedding venues in the Fraser Valley, but this one has such impressive views I can't even stand it.⁠ ⁠ @americancreeklodge⁠ ⁠ #realcouplesofBC ⁠ #fraservalley #vancity #fraservalleywedding #langleybc #weddingday #weddingplanning #vancitybride ⁠ #weddinginspiration #chasinglight #neverstopexploring #photobugcommunity #ilovebc #weddingwirecanada #604now #bridalphotos #bcwedding #livefolk #huffpostido #mountainbride⁠
Instagram post 2337407766928557557_49906028 What is special about this light?⁠ ⁠ Over the past few weeks, I've been sharing some of my favourite photo tips and ways you can improve your own photographs.⁠ ⁠ We've talked about how to be smarter than your camera, we've talked about how to pose for more flattering photos and more natural smiles, we've talked about how to compose intentional photos.⁠ ⁠ (If you missed it, follow along at #jennimariephototip.)⁠ ⁠ BUT ULTIMATELY, the goal of truly exceptional photography is to follow the light, work with the light you can find, and utilize the light you see.⁠ ⁠ So.⁠ ⁠ What is special about this light?⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #lifeofadventures #letswander #roamtheworld #visualwanderlust #stayandwonder #portraitpatrol #creativeportrait #fraservalleyadventurist #takeabreak #marriedadventure #photographerlife #meetthephotographer #fraservalleyweddingphotographer⁠ #engagementphotoshoot #engagementphotographer #couplesphotography #wildloveadventures #muchlove_ig #radlovestories #togetherjournal #wildhairandhappyhearts #adventurouslovestories #adventuresession #adventurouscouple
Instagram post 2335123837925953107_49906028 Here's my final #jennimariephototip for achieving natural smiles in photos: BE GENUINELY HAPPY.⁠ ⁠ It's not always possible to eliminate stressors of life, but as much as it is possible a photoshoot needs to be a happy experience showcasing your genuine happiness.⁠ ⁠ If I can be dramatic, THE NUMBER ONE TIP is to stop stressing about how you look and instead focus on how happy you feel.⁠ ⁠ Yup, that's right. Ignore appearances and focus on happiness.⁠ ⁠ During your photoshoot with me, it'll be easy: you'll be laughing at and with me and won't have time to worry about whether your smile is going to your eyes or not. I will make it fun, easy, and fabulous.⁠ ⁠ But.⁠ ⁠ If you can't let go and just laugh, if you're too nervous about your appearance to enjoy the forced make out session (aka date with a paparazzi), if you're scared to trust me (I have never had anyone NOT laugh during a photoshoot with me!), then it's going to have to be mind over matter: FORCE yourself to stop stressing and make every effort to let go of the tension and just be happy. ⁠ ⁠ If you want to look happy, you have to be happy.⁠ ⁠ End of story.⁠ ⁠ <3 ⁠ ⁠ #jennimariephototip⁠ #fraservalleyweddingphotographer #theweddingbliss #gettinghitched #yourdayyourway #herecomesthebride #marthastewartweddings #huffpostweddings #marthaweddings #springwedding #tohaveandtohold #aislestyle #weddingbliss #weddingsofinstagram #bridetrends #weddingchics #realweddings #huffpostido #justsaidyes #myweddingbee #fraservalleyphotographer #fraservalleyweddings #canadianwedding #vancitywedding #weddingwirecanada #bridetobe
Instagram post 2333623434294589707_49906028 For truly natural smiles, I remind you: it's all in the eyes.⁠ ⁠ Smize.⁠ ⁠ Smile with your eyes.⁠ ⁠ Let your eyes smile.⁠ ⁠ I don't care how you say it, just let the happiness make it to your eyes.⁠ ⁠ ALSO: this photo is almost two years old and I still love it just as much as ever. <3 ⁠ ⁠ #jennimariephototip⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #realcouplesofBC ⁠ #fraservalley #vancity #fraservalleywedding #langleybc #weddingday #weddingplanning #vancitybride ⁠ #weddinginspiration #chasinglight #neverstopexploring #photobugcommunity #ilovebc #weddingwirecanada #604now #bridalphotos #bcwedding #livefolk #huffpostido #mountainbride⁠
Instagram post 2332979113734537523_49906028 For the more extreme "Chandler smiles" (unpopular opinion: that's the one episode of "Friends" that I laugh at . . . ), I can only suggest one final technique: make him laugh with whatever means necessary. ⁠ ⁠ Even if it means tickling. ⁠ ⁠ I will admit that my own hubby doesn't have a very easy time of letting natural smiles happen in front of a camera. With as much as photos are part of my world, being photographed isn't his favourite thing and we make it as fun (and fast!) as possible.⁠ ⁠ We take a lot of photos together, yes, but this one from a couple years ago by @sherriprestonphotography I remember distinctly because I am very covertly tickling his side to get that very genuine smile and laugh.⁠ ⁠ So maybe that's the only way to get a real smile...and that's okay.⁠ ⁠ At least you're sure to create a memorable moment!⁠ ⁠ #jennimariephototip ⁠ ⁠ #fraservalleyweddingphotographer #theweddingbliss #gettinghitched #yourdayyourway ⁠ #phototips #photographyhacks #photographyideas #photographyislove #nikoncanada #canada_gram #lifeincanada #photographylessons #learnphotography #photographytips #photographersoninstagram
Instagram post 2329990227858230526_49906028 To continue the conversation from yesterday: pandemic life is not easy on relationship and family.⁠ ⁠ But. While it's important to acknowledge the struggles, it's also valuable to play Pollyanna and find blessings in the raindrops, gratitude in the storm. ⁠ ⁠ Is there something you can be thankful for BECAUSE of this season? ⁠ ⁠ I could complain for hours about the border closures and mandatory quarantine that has kept my newborn-ish daughter from seeing/meeting my family that all lives in Americaland (and sometimes I do :-P)⁠ ⁠ OR ⁠ ⁠ I can celebrate that a forced longer-than-planned maternity leave (my spring/early-summer weddings have been postponed) have granted me the opportunity to just get to know my girl, unrushed and unscheduled.⁠ ⁠ So there's my encouragement/challenge for you: play Pollyanna when you can, but take time to grieve when you need to. And, most importantly, give yourself and your spouse/fiance grace upon grace upon grace.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #marriagetip #marriagetips #relationshipskills #marriagehelp #healthymarriage
Instagram post 2329249062187390470_49906028 A global pandemic is NOT normal relationship strain.⁠ ⁠ Ha. Like, understatement of the year. Yesss, marriage takes work and yesss you'll face hard stuff many times in your marriage BUT the all-encompassing strain of a pandemic should not be underestimated. It's mental and physical and emotional and financial. It's inside your relationship, it's outside your relationship, it's coming from friends and family, it's coming from media, it's literally everywhere and affecting everything. I can't think of any other strain in a relationship that would be THAT all-encompassing. So give yourselves a LOT of grace, okay?⁠ ⁠ I wrote that in an email a few weeks ago to an overwhelmed bride and I've been pondering the reality ever since.⁠ ⁠ Pandemic life has uprooted all sense of normal, created an all-encompassing season of grief, forced plans to change on every calendar (calendar? what calendar?) and created a perfect situation for strain and pain.⁠ ⁠ This is NOT normal. ⁠ ⁠ So, what can you do today to bolster your marriage and strengthen your relationship to weather the storm? ⁠ ⁠ #marriagetip #marriagetips #relationshipskills #marriagehelp #healthymarriage
Instagram post 2327827676307304491_49906028 I love wedding details. <3 ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #langleywedding #vancitywedding #vancitybride #vancouverbride #realcouplesofBC #realbridesofBC #bcwedding #langleyphotographer #embracehopeBC #weddingwirecanada #fraservalleyphotographer #fraservalleyweddings #fraservalleyweddingphotographer #thefraservalley #fraservalleywedding #explorefraservalley #bcweddingphotographer
Instagram post 2327133089304562922_49906028 NATURAL SMILES: don't look at the camera. The easiest way to freeze into a blank smile? Staring at a black box. The best way to relax into a moment filled with genuine happiness and sincere smiles? Look at the person you are with. If you've ever been photographed by me, you've seen me create moments where you're naturally looking at one another and laughing. I will ask a silly question, for example, and suddenly you're looking at one another trying to answer it and...voila! ... its a genuine smile. So if you're trying to get a natural smile, look at someone you're with for a sweet, memorable moment. OR, you know, smile away from the camera for a minute and then come back to the frame for a moment of candor. (Fact: I'm not on a beach in Spain right now. But if I were, I wouldn't be six months pregnant like I was in this photo. 😂 If that isn't a testament to the power of knowing your angles, I don't know what is.) #jennimariephototip
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