Though your wedding might be your first chance to have professional photos taken of the two of you, we certainly hope it’s not your last! Candids and snapshots tell an important part of any relationship’s story, but a thoughtfully planned and executed portrait session can also be a meaningful and beautiful way to mark time. And because another year of marriage is the perfect opportunity to book a session, here are our six best tips for planning anniversary photos!
1. Choose a meaningful location. Maybe it’s your newlywed home, the park you take walks in every night after dinner, or the coffee shop you frequent on Saturday mornings. Whatever it is for you, choose a location that helps tell the story of this moment in your life.
2. Don’t go overboard on props. Cluttering the frame with piles of styling items takes the focus off the best part: your smiling faces! As these photos from Maggie Colleta so beautifully demonstrate, simple photos with a classic aesthetic will stand the test of time. Let your location and your outfits provide the context! (Whether you choose black tie attire or cut-off jean shorts, what you wear can add so much to the photos!)
3. Do, however, make a nod to your wedding. Since this is an anniversary session, we love the idea of including a detail that echos your wedding day. Ask your photographer to take a close-up shot of your rings, or wear the same shoes you sported when you said I do.
4. Do your hair and makeup. Are you a whiz at applying blush and curling your hair? Fantastic! You’re probably good to get yourself prettified. Are you anything like me, and can barely brush on mineral foundation? Do yourself a favor and hire a professional (or bring in a talented friend!). Nothing too fancy or “done,” of course, but even a little extra polish can help you feel confident and in love with the final images.
5. Take the opportunity to reminisce. During your session, you’ll likely be hugging, kissing, holding hands, and walking side by side — and your phone will be off to the side! In between clicks, use this free-from-distractions time to remind each other of your favorite memories from your wedding day, and from the year or years that followed. “Remember when…?”
6. Make a date of it. Don’t let those cute outfits and good hair days go to waste! Make a dinner reservation for that evening and toast to a beautiful year of growing in love!
Photography: Maggie Colletta Photography | Florals: Abany Bauer | Venue: Serenbe | Hair and Makeup: Joanna with Irrelephant Blog
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