Why you shouldn’t be afraid to sit (or sprawl!) in your wedding attire:

When you imagine your wedding portraits, you probably picture standing tall, best posture, perfect poses and keeping your dress (or suit) in pristine condition all day long. I get it - it’s white dress and that’s daunting! While those classic, elegant shots have their place and will certainly be on our checklist, let me tell you a little secret. Some of the most memorable and striking wedding photos come when you throw the rulebook out the window.

Here’s why you shouldn’t be afraid to take a seat - literally - in your wedding attire:

Real Moments > Perfect Poses

The beauty of sitting or lying down is that it invites authenticity. You’re not going to be stiff or ‘overly’ posed - you’re relaxed. That shift in energy can come through the lens in a big way. Whether you’re leaning into your partner on some stone steps or cuddling up on a lawn with your bridesmaids, it’s real, raw and romantic! Not to mention that if you’re bringing your furry friend along for the day, getting down to their level is really going to let the moment shine! And honestly, if you’ve ever done or seen a family session by me, you probably didn’t think twice when I asked you to sit — because that’s where the magic happens. Snuggles, giggles, real connection. Same thing goes here.

Textures and Settings Shine

Stone steps, grassy meadows, vintages rugs, even cozy couches can add so much dimension to your photos. The contrast between your elegant attire and earthy, natural textures creates a visual interest and often makes your portraits feel like a page from a magazine editorial without even trying.

Let the Day Breathe

Your wedding day isn’t just about the big, formal moments — it’s about everything in between. The quiet pauses. The soft glances. The deep breaths before the next big moment. Sitting down — whether it’s on a stone wall, in the grass, or tucked into your partner’s side — invites those in-between moments to unfold naturally. And often, that pause lets you see your surroundings more. The little details of your venue that might have rushed past you otherwise. It’s a chance to slow down and be fully present — and that presence translates beautifully in your photos.

Your Attire is Meant to Be Worn

I know you’ve invested a lot into your wedding outfits and for a great reason! But don’t let the fear of a little grass or dust keep you from fully living out the day in it. Most dirt won’t even show up in photos. But the photos you’ll get from embracing the moment? They last forever. Besides - that’s why dry cleaners exist! I tell my client’s all the time that if your dress didn’t get dirty at all, then you didn’t do the day right!

We eloped in Ireland on a cliff and spent a portion of time taking photos on the beach too. If I had been worried about the wet stones, seaweed or ocean spray I would have never gotten the most incredible photos that I have on display (in every place I can get away with displaying them!) today. Okay no, these aren’t sitting down, but the same idea applies!

Shout out to our photographer Kayla Yestal for these incredible shots!

So go ahead - take a seat. Let your dress fan out, lay your head in your partners lap, maybe even kick those shoes off. The photos are not just beautiful - they’re you. And that’s what weddings and photos should be about.