The 1 piece of advice this photographer gives to grooms on their wedding day

The #1 Piece of Advice This Photographer Gives to Grooms on Their Wedding Day (Spoiler: It’s Not What You Think)

Alright, fellas. The big day is finally here. You’ve been preparing, stressing, maybe even practicing your best "I Do" face in the mirror (don’t lie, we’ve all been there). 

But, wait—before you go full-on superhero mode in your tuxedo, there’s one crucial thing every groom needs to know to keep his wedding day on track. 

Trust me, this will not only save you from looking like a deer in headlights but will also make your wedding photos look like they came straight out of a magazine.

So, grab your favorite beverage (perhaps a pre-wedding whiskey, you know, for "nerves") and let’s get into it, shall we?

The One Piece of Advice Every Photographer Swears By

You ready for it? Drumroll, please…

Be Present.

Yeah, I know. You were expecting some fancy, life-changing tip that involves posing like a Greek god or pulling off some epic “Groomzilla” dance move during the reception. But nope. The truth is, the best wedding photos come when you’re not trying too hard.

It sounds simple, right? But here’s the thing—on your wedding day, there are a million things happening at once. Family members are buzzing around like over-caffeinated bees, the music’s playing, people are crying (hopefully in a good way), and you're just trying to stay alive in that tuxedo that feels like it was made for a mannequin, not an actual human being.

You’re already in a whirlwind, but if you just take a moment to be present—to live in the moment—it’ll not only make your day smoother, but it will also give your photographer the perfect shot every time. This advice isn’t just fluff; it’s the real deal. Let’s break it down.

Why Being Present Matters (Hint: Your Wedding Photos Will Thank You)

Ok, let’s get nerdy for a sec and talk about what makes a great wedding photo. When you’re standing at the altar, looking at your bride, there’s this magical thing that happens: the emotion. That raw, real, unfiltered moment of joy, love, and maybe even a little bit of nervousness (okay, a lot of nervousness). The photographer is just there to capture that.

But if you’re too focused on the details, like worrying about whether the tie is straight, if your boutonniere is still intact, or if Aunt Janice is going to start talking about politics during the speeches (please, no), you’re going to miss the shot.

The best wedding photos come when you’re lost in the moment with your bride—when you’re not thinking about the timeline or if the flowers match the napkins. That’s when the magic happens, my friend.

How to Be Present Without Turning Into a Hot Mess

Being present doesn’t mean you have to suddenly become the world’s most zen groom. You don’t have to meditate or chant "Ommmm" while waiting for your bride to walk down the aisle. But there are a few tricks that can help you stay grounded and not lose your mind:

1. Take Deep Breaths (Yes, Really)

Before the big moment, close your eyes for a second and just breathe. I know, I know—you’re probably thinking, “Dude, I’m about to marry the love of my life, there’s no time for breathing.” But trust me, taking a few deep breaths will do wonders. It helps calm your nerves, refocus your mind, and allow you to take in the entire experience. This is your moment, don’t rush it.

2. Look Into Her Eyes (She Won’t Bite—Promise)

This one’s a game-changer. When your bride walks down that aisle, focus on her. Really look at her. Not just a quick glance or a “hey, you look good,” but look at her like you’ve never seen her before (spoiler: you have, but it’s a big moment, so let’s pretend you haven’t). Get lost in her eyes and take in the details. This is when the magic happens, and trust me, that will show up in the photos.

3. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff (Literally)

Yeah, things might go wrong. The ring bearer might trip, Aunt Marge might spill red wine on her dress, and you might even get some confetti in your hair. It’s okay. The moment is bigger than the minor hiccups, and once you realize that, you’ll feel more relaxed and in control. Let your photographer handle the tiny details (they’re the pros, after all), and focus on the big picture: you’re marrying your best friend.

4. Stay Off Your Phone (Yes, Seriously)

We all love our phones. But here’s the thing: put it down. Don’t worry about checking social media or answering texts (unless it’s your mom telling you where to stand, but even then, just ignore her for a sec). Stay off your phone and stay in the moment. The photos of you staring at your screen will not win any awards.

How Being Present Transforms Your Wedding Photos

Now that you know how to stay present, let’s talk about how this advice will work its magic on your wedding photos. You’re probably thinking, “But how can just being present really change anything?” Well, my friend, it makes all the difference.

1. Natural Smiles

You know that forced smile you give when the camera’s on you? Yeah, no one wants that. But when you’re truly present and enjoying the moment, your smile becomes real. You’ll be smiling because you’re actually having fun—not because you’re trying to keep your teeth from looking weird.

2. Candid Moments

Some of the best wedding photos are the ones you don’t even know are being taken. When you’re in the moment, dancing with your bride, laughing with your best man, or even wiping away a tear—those are the shots that show genuine emotion. Those moments can’t be planned, and they certainly can’t be forced.

3. Less Stress

Look, we get it. Weddings are stressful. But the more you let go and embrace the chaos, the more you’ll enjoy yourself. This results in photos that capture a groom who’s calm, collected, and totally in love (without that “deer caught in headlights” look).

The Real Secret to Amazing Wedding Photos

Here’s the deal, grooms. It’s not about looking perfect or having the best choreographed first dance (although, hey, if you’ve got some sweet moves, go for it). It’s about being there. Be present with your bride. Be present with your friends and family. And, most importantly, be present with yourself.

That’s how you get wedding photos that are timeless, emotional, and exactly how you want to remember your big day. No pressure, no stress—just a man, a bride, and some really, really great photos.

So, let your photographer work their magic while you soak it all in. Just remember, the most important part of the day is already happening—right now.

And if you forget, don't worry. The photographer's got your back. Just breathe, smile, and enjoy the ride. Your wedding day will be one for the books.