Alright, so weddings are supposed to be one of the best days ever, right? There’s dancing, fancy clothes, people crying happy tears, and food that’s way better than regular party snacks. But here’s the thing—after the cake is gone and everyone goes home, all that’s left are the memories… and the photos.
Now imagine flipping through your wedding album and thinking, “Wow, why does everyone look so stiff?” or “That doesn’t even look like us.” That’s what people mean when they say wedding photos can be cringe. Good news though: it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right choices and a little planning, your photos can actually show off how fun and real your day was.
Pick a Photographer Who Gets You
One of the biggest reasons wedding photos turn out awkward is because people feel weird around the camera. And if the photographer is a total stranger who doesn’t get your vibe, things can get even more uncomfortable.
That’s why it’s a big deal to choose a photographer who not only takes nice pictures but also knows how to help people relax. A great Raleigh wedding photographer will know how to capture moments without making everything feel forced or fake. They’re used to working with couples who aren’t models and know how to get those sweet, natural shots that actually feel like you.
When checking out photographers, scroll through their galleries and look for people who look genuinely happy—not just posed. If their past work shows couples laughing, hugging, or being themselves, you’re on the right track.
Practice Makes Perfect (or at Least More Comfortable)
Most couples don’t get professional photos taken all the time. So yeah, it can feel a little awkward at first. But that’s where engagement sessions come in.
Doing a quick photo session before the wedding helps a ton. You’ll get a feel for how your photographer works, and they’ll get to know your best angles and how you interact together. Think of it like a practice run where there’s no pressure. That way, on your wedding day, you already know what to expect and won’t feel like you’re being followed around by paparazzi.
Plus, engagement photos are fun to use on your wedding website or save-the-dates.
Let the Day Happen Naturally
The best photos usually aren’t the ones where everyone is lined up, holding their breath and saying “cheese.” They’re the in-between shots—your best friend fixing your hair, your partner tearing up during the vows, your grandparents dancing like they’re teenagers.
To get photos that actually mean something, don’t try to plan every little thing. Let moments unfold. A good photographer will spot the important stuff without needing a checklist a mile long. Sure, there’ll be a few posed pictures with family (that’s kind of required), but the ones you’ll keep looking at years later are the real moments.
If you’re worried about missing anything big, talk to your photographer about what matters most to you. Maybe it’s getting a shot with your dog before the ceremony, or a quiet moment with your parents. Tell them what you care about, then let them handle the rest.
Wear What Feels Good
Seriously, nothing ruins a good photo faster than being uncomfortable. If your outfit is itchy, tight, or hard to move in, it’s going to show. You’ll be tugging at straps or standing awkwardly in every shot.
Pick clothes that look great but also feel good. That doesn’t mean skipping fancy stuff altogether—it just means making sure you can breathe, sit, and walk like a normal person. Same goes for shoes. If they hurt after 10 minutes, think about bringing a backup pair for later.
Also, don’t worry about following every wedding trend. If something doesn’t feel like “you,” skip it. Being comfortable and confident always looks better in photos than forcing a style that doesn’t fit.
Trust the Photographer (Seriously)
Once you’ve picked someone whose style you love and who you feel relaxed around, the best thing you can do is trust them. Don’t micromanage every shot or stress about how your hair looks in every frame. Let the photographer work their magic.
They know how to use light, pick the best backgrounds, and time things just right. If the sun suddenly disappears or your timeline runs late, a good photographer will roll with it. Trying to control every second will only make things more stressful—and stress is not a good look in photos.
So take a deep breath, enjoy your day, and let the pros do their job.
You Don’t Have to Smile the Whole Time
This sounds weird, but smiling non-stop in every photo can actually make them look less real. You don’t walk around with a permanent grin all day, so why fake it in pictures?
Instead, focus on what’s actually happening in the moment. Listen to the speech your sibling is giving, hug your friend who flew in from out of town, laugh at that thing your partner whispered in your ear. Real reactions look better than fake ones every time.
And if you’re nervous about your “photo face,” remember: a true smile, even a small one, beats a forced grin. Always.
Think About the Details That Matter (To You)
The little things help tell the story of the day. That could be your grandma’s necklace, your best friend’s goofy socks, or the handwritten notes you and your partner exchanged before the ceremony. These things might seem tiny at the time, but they hold meaning. A good photographer will catch those small details so you can look back and remember everything—not just the big moments.
If there’s something that’s super important to you, let the photographer know ahead of time. But don’t try to plan every shot in advance. Trust their eye for catching what matters.
It’s Okay to Be a Little Weird
Weddings don’t have to be super formal to be awesome. If you and your partner love board games, ice cream, or Star Wars, find ways to include that in your day. The more personal it is, the more the photos will reflect who you really are.
Some of the best photos are the ones where people are being totally themselves. Laughing too loud. Dancing badly. Making silly faces. That stuff shows personality—and it’s way better than a dozen stiff portraits where everyone looks the same.
If your photographer is cool with it, have fun with your session. Throw confetti. Jump in a lake. Run around barefoot. Do what feels right for you.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding photos don’t have to be perfect—they just have to feel real. The goal isn’t to look like models or copy someone else’s Pinterest board. It’s to remember how you felt, who was there, and all the little pieces that made your day special.
When you find the right photographer, wear what makes you feel good, and just enjoy yourself, your photos will show that. No fake smiles. No weird poses. Just moments that actually matter.
And years from now, when you look back at those pictures, you’ll be glad you didn’t try to make everything perfect—you just made it yours.