Best of Wedding Photography: Top Gowns, Expert Poses, and Award-Winning Insights
2018 was a year filled with beauty, love, and adventure. We traveled across the world documenting fairytales and romances from the old-world villas of Tuscany to the grand boulevards of Paris to the rolling hills of California, and everywhere in between. To celebrate our adventures, I have pulled together my list of the best wedding dresses of 2018. Scroll down for all of the beauty!
Top Wedding Gowns for the Fine Art Bride
For our statuesque bride at Musee Rodin, the most elegant wedding venue in Paris, only the best would do. The glamorous Lihi Hod wedding dress featured sculptural, modern lines with a feminine neckline and ruffle for a truly couture look. Coming soon to Martha Stewart Weddings, Nicole’s grey Leanne Marshall wedding gown was the absolute perfect dress for her pre-wedding session in Santorini. For her Greek elopement, she chose an even more beautiful gown which I am so eager to share.
Inspired by a modern Marie Antoinette, Cathy Telle’s blush wedding dress paired with a flowing cape embellished with delicate, fluttering petals was truly fit for a fairytale. For our bride, Amanda, Emily Kotarski hand-crafted the delicate gown with chantilly and baroque French Alencon lace. Additionally, English rose Charlotte’s exquisite Lee Petra wedding dress was one of the most intricate and romantic gowns I have ever laid eyes on; the hand-beaded detail and pale blush color was the perfect touch for her autumn wedding in the English countryside.
Summary of Featured 2018 Wedding Gowns
- Designer: Lihi Hod — Style: Sculptural, modern lines with feminine neckline.
- Designer: Leanne Marshall — Style: Grey gown, perfect for Santorini.
- Designer: Cathy Telle — Style: Blush dress with a flowing petal cape.
- Designer: Emily Kotarski — Style: Hand-crafted chantilly and baroque French Alencon lace.
- Designer: Lee Petra — Style: Hand-beaded detail in pale blush.
- Designer: Sarah Seven — Style: Perfect compliment to a modern California fete.
- Designer: Rue de Seine — Style: Stunning lace wrap dress for a bohemian vibe.
- Designer: Jenny Packham — Style: Stunning embellished gown for New York City.
Master 20+ Bridal Poses for Stunning Wedding Photography
Wedding photography is a crucial aspect of the occasion. The happiness, affection, and beauty of the moment are captured. Wedding photographers have a significant role in providing posing instructions for the brides. These ideas significantly impact the final product of the pictures. The right bridal poses not only enhance the bride’s attractiveness but also beautifully capture the emotions and events of the wedding day. By having the bride strike these bridal poses, you can create beautiful and memorable shots.
Classic and Romantic Poses
- The Basic Pose: The bride should face the camera with her hands on her hips or clutching her bouquet. This is a classic and graceful stance.
- The Veil Shot: Extend the bride’s veil behind her to get a surreal appearance. This highlights the texture of the veil effectively when backlit.
- The Profile Shot: Take a side profile photo of the bride, emphasizing her hair and attire. This is the ideal position to highlight fine features, such as beading or lace.
- The Over-the-Shoulder Look: With a gentle and sentimental face, the bride glances backward over her shoulder. This stance provides a hint of mystery and is flattering.
- The Bouquet Kiss: The bride kisses the flowers softly while holding her bouquet near her face. This is such a sweet and intimate pose.
Fun, Candid, and Intimate Poses
- The Twirl: Please photograph the bride spinning around in her gown to convey enthusiasm and movement. Tell her to spin more slowly so as not to blur.
- The Laugh: To capture the bride’s true enjoyment, encourage her to laugh out loud. This unscripted event will give the pictures a dynamic feel.
- The Close-Up: A close-up of the bride’s face with emphasis on her expression and eyes. Soft lighting would draw attention to her features.
- The Final Touch: Capture the bride as she gently applies the final touch of lipstick or adjusts an earring while looking into a mirror. This intimate moment reflects her anticipation and quiet excitement.
Insights from Award-Winning Wedding Photographers
The world is a big place, with countless incredibly talented wedding photographers. I am currently tied for 5th place, worldwide for The Best Wedding Photographers of 2024 with my 3 fearless awards! I am also ranked as one of the “Best wedding photographers in the USA” by Fearless Photographers for 2024. Rankings are based on awards, showing creative imagery, bold storytelling, and consistent vision.
My secret sauce: In general, I try to fill the entire frame with a story, capture emotion, have a lot of pop (either vibrant colors, bold contrast, or both), and capture something a little unexpected. I also keep in mind general rules of composition like the rule of thirds, leading lines, negative space/pattern, and reflection. Something very important to me is incorporating the uniqueness of individuals and capturing authentic moments in my photography.
Choosing Your Wedding Photographer and Venue
When searching for Birmingham, Alabama, wedding photographers, it’s essential to ensure your questions are answered. Our style is light, bright, and airy photos that look timeless. Our focus is on a stress-free experience and natural posing that makes you feel comfortable. There’s something truly magical about finding a wedding venue that feels like it was made for your love story.
Recommended Venues:
- Rhodes Landing: Where European elegance meets Southern hospitality.
- Hamilton Place at Pursell Farms: Nestled in the rolling foothills of Alabama, it is a welcoming, joy-filled experience.
- Ridge Pointe Events Venue: A place that checks every box for a memorable experience.
- The Barn at Shady Lane: A place that feels like home, filled with beauty, warmth, and kindness.