The Proposal ~ Engagement ~ The Wedding ~ LOVE Magazine
Wedding Overview ~ Anatomy of a 2nd Wedding ~ Style ~ Photographs Matter ~ What’s In My Bag ~ Gallery ~ Pricing
Second weddings are quite different than a first wedding. This page explores some of those differences as they relate to photography. These are my first hand observations.
What couples DO want in a second wedding:
Couples want a more intimate and meaningful experience with their family and friends and especially their kids. They’re very concerned about their guests having a good time. They want fun, togetherness, and inclusion.
What they DON’T want in a second wedding:
They’re not interested in making their wedding a big deal for themselves or their guests. They are way past the fairy tale, dreamy, prince/princess fantasy wedding. They don’t want to be distracted with a bunch of stuff.
Important:
- Their kids feel safe and included in everything
- Their kids have a good time
- Their guests understand this is a big celebration
- Everyone understands this is a little more casual, a little less traditional
- Fun and stress free
Not So Important:
- The perfect floral centerpiece on each table
- Napkin colors
- The right silverware
- Wedding cake to make their friends jealous
- The absolutely perfect playlist
- Agonizing over seating arrangements
Your wedding is about you and your people – the ones who have supported you in some pretty rough times.
This translates into a big priority shift for the photographer. There’s only so much that can be done in a day. Do you want to take time out of your day to make elaborate photographs? Do you want your photographer focused mainly on you all day? Or do you want him/her focused on you WITH your friends and family?
Gone are the hollow and slightly baffling pictures of you in ironic situations (think all dressed up in gritty bus stations, in a field of flowers, on railroad tracks, etc.). You want to be real – you understand that a photograph of you sharing a joke with dad, a coy glance at your new husband, your kids laughing and playing with grandma – these are the photographs that matter!
I love looking through old wedding albums. Wedding photography sure has come a long way! The one picture that always cracks me up is the traditional cake cutting picture. The photographer sets up the couple, each of them holding on to the knife, each of them looking intently at the cake as if this cake holds the secret to eternal happiness. What the heck is that about? It’s got nothing to do with anything!
As you shop photographers, look for someone who really gets second weddings.
Let’s make some fun, interesting and beautiful pictures of you and your friends and family!