Casual wedding

[MikePetrosky]

A few months ago I was booked for a 6/10 wedding. This week as I was getting details from the bride I found out that it's going to be an extremely casual affair. No one is getting "dressed up", there is no bridal party. The reception is a chicken barbecue and once the ceremony is over it'll basically be a glorified picnic complete with volleyball.

My question is, what's the best course of action to shoot this wedding and making it look romantic. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[therosefairy]

Interesting, good luck! My advise would be to get as many nice shots during and right after the ceremony as you can. I'm guessing though that if the couple is having this kind of wedding they probably aren't too set on having a ton of romantic shots anyways.

[sageone]

I agree with the above. Maybe ask the couple to get some of them alone, away from the crowd. Then maybe focus in on them as they are interacting with their guests with a longer lense - crowd isloation type thing. It sounds like it's going to be a bash, so why not shoot with that style in mind.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

As long as they're casual, maybe throw in some lovey engagement type shots. You know. Just shoot it like a party, but focused on the couple.

[jamiewexler]

Exactly - don't make it "look" like anything other than it is. The B&G wanted their wedding to be a backyard BBQ, so capture it that way - making sure to get details of all the fun BBQ stuff (Grill, Apron, Corn-on-the-Cob, Watermelon...yummm). Just take the B&G off for 15 minutes or so and capture some nice portraits of them, then enjoy the party!

[Big Mike]

I agree, shoot the party atmosphere with lots of goofy guest shots and such...but definitely get the B&G away for some romantic portraits...when it's all said and done, they will be thankful to have them.

[tim]

What Jamie said - don't try and make it look like what it's not. Shoot what's there, get close, get wide, try different angles, and try to get them by themselves for a half hour for some nice photos. Playing with lighting might help (ie multiple lights).

[liza]

This is great advice for which I'm grateful. I just booked a similar wedding for a local farmer. The colors are yellow and green and the theme is John Deere. I'm just gonna roll with it!

[therosefairy]

Well I guess its good to get stuff like that every now and then, just to help explore our creativity a bit.

[newgenphoto]

One of my very first weddings was this way. Backyard of a house and they did it very polynesian style. It was awesome. They told me to wear khaki shorts, a floral shirt and sandals. It was truly one of the weddings I will never forget. Oh, and they LOVED their pictures!! ; )

[DWolfe]

Find out what your client's hobie's are. Do they like the water? maybe a trip to the local lake at sunset. It sounds like volleyball is of interest, make sure there are pleanty of VB pictures to choose from. The key is to include pictures of the family and important friends in casual, moments; both staged and unstaged. catch the bride and groom in a private moment together and with family and friends. Be sure to capture the love, fun and friendship of the day.

and Good Luck!