Wedding Observations and Advice From Behind the Camera

By Paul Lamontagne

Over the last 20 years I have photographed hundreds of  weddings and just when I think I’ve seen it all, something new always comes along. From replacing the traditional cake with pies all the way to the bride and groom wearing shorts and “crocs” while saying their vows, more and more couples are doing things their own way. So with that in mind, here are a few of my observations and advice for Brides and Grooms on how make your day special and unique to you.

Do your own thing. Traditions are great and part of practically every wedding but don’t feel pressured into doing all of them if they don’t fit in with your style. It’s your special day and it should reflect your personality. Whether it be in the clothes you wear, the food you serve or the music you play at your reception, make it your own. If you cringe every time you hear the “chicken dance” being played at a reception, make sure your DJ doesn’t play it. Not into smashing cake into your new spouses face? Try a different desert and start your own tradition. Just this past summer alone I saw the traditional cake replaced with a table full of pies, cannolis, cupcakes and even an outdoor “smoores pit”.

Have fun with your “formal” photos. Sure you’ll still want to do the traditional poses like you see hanging on the wall at Mom and Dad’s house but take a couple extra minutes and have some fun with your wedding party photos. Find a rock, a fence, a tree, a set of stairs or even an old tractor (This is Vermont!) and casually pose your wedding party on and around it. Maybe have the men wear sunglasses or hold cigars or simply take off their jackets for a more relaxed look. I like to call these poses my “GQ” or “Boy Band” photos and I guarantee when you look back at your wedding albums, you’ll cherish those “fun” formal photos and be glad you took the time to do them.

Go with the flow. Very few weddings go exactly as planned and you know what? That’s ok. Most will run a little behind schedule and “mistakes” can happen to anyone from the Minister to the flower girl to the staff cooking dinner. Prepare yourself for this by telling yourself “whatever happens, happens” and you and your guests are guaranteed to have a wonderful day. The old cliché that “Life is made up of a series of moments” is never more true than at a wedding and if your series of moments have little “quirks” in them they actually become more memorable and special. If you drop the rings or your flower girl gets halfway down the aisle and decides she’s had enough, your guests will simply laugh it off and so should you. 

Take advantage of Vermont! Every year thousands of out of state couples flock to Vermont for a “destination” wedding in our beautiful state yet I see many lifelong Vermonters not taking advantage of our wonderful surroundings. This doesn’t mean you need to rush out and rent a bed and breakfast in Stowe but simply try to incorporate some of the Green Mountain state in your photos, your food or even your table settings. On the way to your reception maybe stop by the Lake or somewhere with some nice mountain views and have your photographer capture you in a Vermont setting.

The last bit of advice I would give would be to take lots of photos! You can never have too many pictures of your special day. Hire a professional photographer who’s ok with your family and guests snapping away all day long. Today’s technology allows for easy online photo sharing and setting up a web site where your guests can upload and share your wedding photos creates something that you will enjoy in the months and years after your wedding day.