You don’t want to look at your wedding photos ten years from now and think, “What were we going for here? I wish we had gone with a more timeless wedding portrait style.” I strive to combine that bright and fresh look of modern wedding photography with a timeless, true-to-color approach to give you wedding portraits you’ll love today…and years from now. Instead of a hodgepodge collection of overly processed photos, you deserve high-quality, timeless wedding portraits you’ll cherish forever.
5 Ideas for Elegant and Timeless Wedding Portraits
1. Classic Wedding Style
Every detail from your wedding attire to the table arrangements plays a part in your overall wedding design. For timeless wedding photos, opt for a classic style.
Classic Wedding Style:
This year, many couples are going with an elegant minimalist approach: monochromatic designs, simple arches, loose hand-tied bouquets, roses, lots of greenery, subtle gold accents—nothing over the top to detract from the couple. You are the focal point, and the rest of the design simply complements and embellishes your big day. I love this style for photos because the design doesn’t get in the way of what matters most—the people, experiences, and connections. You are the focal point!
Classic Wedding Photography Style:
I’ll balance photojournalistic images with some striking editorial portraits to create a collection of stunning images. I like to provide a mix of elegant, timeless styles to fully capture your wedding day experience.
Photojournalistic images are in-the-moment, undirected shots. That’s not to say that they aren’t polished. They’ll still look magazine-worthy, but your candid shots will help capture the emotions and moment of the day to tell a story.
Editorial photos are a bit more formal—you’re the focus without background distractions. These include couple’s portraits and most family portraits. Both polished, sophisticated photography styles help create classic wedding portraits that will stand the test of time.
2. Complementary Venue
As long as it matches your style, you can take timeless portraits at almost any venue, even natural sites like these Colorado mountainside ceremonies. The goal is for all the details to work together toward a seamless style. So, you may not want to do a mountaintop ceremony and then host a very formal, upscale reception in a luxurious ballroom. The styles clash a bit.
On the other hand, this traditional chapel wedding and complementary reception venue fit together perfectly!
3. Natural Hair and Makeup
For chic and timeless wedding portraits, consider your hair and makeup. I recommend booking a professional hairstylist and makeup artist specializing in bridal styles.
Classic Makeup:
Bridal professionals will know how to strike the perfect balance—just a bit bolder for the occasion and pictures while still maintaining a soft, natural look. Some ladies shy away from lip color since it’s not really their thing. (I know, this is coming from a guy, and you are beautiful without it!) But for photography’s sake, I recommend just a little color to emphasize your facial features in photos. Just as stage lighting washes people out, a bit of color will keep that from happening with the camera, especially shots taken from a distance.
Classic Hairstyles:
Looser hairstyles also tend to look naturally elegant and timeless. If you’re taking photos outside or have an outdoor wedding, some brides like to have the hair around their face pinned back so it’s not blowing in their face. Let your stylist know your location and possible weather conditions to select a style that’s best for you.
For the guys, go with a polished, clean hairstyle (that goes for facial hair, too). You don’t necessarily have to go clean-cut and clean-shaven, but go for neat, trimmed, and styled.
4. Stay in the Moment
Ironically, if you want gorgeous wedding portraits, the key is to not focus on the photos. For timeless portraits, focus on each other and your loved ones. Live in the moment, enjoy the celebration, and the photos will follow. Don’t worry, I’ll guide you through some poses for a few traditional wedding portraits, but overall, I don’t want you to think too much about me or the camera. You do your thing while I capture those perfect moments at just the right time and just the right angle for effortless beauty. Trust me, it’s much better than hundreds of stiffly-posed images.
5. Less is More
To pull together a sophisticated, refined look, keep it simple.
Classic Wedding Colors:
White, green, black, blue, and pastels work well with a classic look.
If you love color, cobalt, burgundy, emerald, and terracotta are still elegant, timeless colors that can provide a little something extra.
Classic Wedding Florals:
Loose bridal bouquets with white florals, greenery, and simple ivory and black invitation suites also enhance the classic look.
Book Your Wedding Portraits with John Moler Photography
John Moler is a Colorado Wedding Photographer who specializes in authentic, emotive images. I strive to tell your story through my lens so you can relive it for years to come. View recent weddings in my PORTFOLIO, get more INFORMATION, and BOOK YOUR WEDDING directly at johnmoler.com.
