Embrace Natural Light for Stunning Wedding Photographs

In the previous blog post, we discussed the importance of good, natural lighting for weddings and how it can elevate the quality of your photographs. (If you missed it check it out here.) Now, let’s explore practical ways a bride can incorporate natural light throughout her wedding day, from the getting ready room to the end of the reception.

Choosing the Perfect Getting Ready Suite

The first moments of your wedding day are filled with anticipation and excitement. To capture these precious moments beautifully, let’s talk about the following tips:

• Room with Large Windows: Select a getting ready room with large windows that allow ample natural light to flood in. The more windows, the better!!
• High Ceilings: Rooms with high ceilings tend to have better light distribution, reducing harsh shadows and creating a more even lighting environment.
• Light-Colored Walls: Rooms with light-colored walls reflect natural light better, enhancing the overall brightness and warmth of the space.
• Minimal Clutter: Keep the getting ready room tidy and clutter-free. This ensures that the natural light can illuminate the space without obstructions, making for cleaner and more elegant photographs.
• Finding the Right Space: If you’ve booked a venue that has a nice getting ready room, perfect! If your venue does not have that then I would recommend booking an airbnb over a hotel. You can stay in this airbnb the night before, and you could even use it for after the wedding (assign someone to give it a quick clean once everyone is done getting ready). Airbnbs give so much more control over the space you book. You can ensure it’s a space that will have natural light and plenty of room for photos!

Planning the Ceremony

The ceremony is the heart of your wedding day. Here’s how to ensure it’s beautifully lit by natural light:

• Outdoor Ceremonies: If possible, plan your ceremony outdoors. Gardens, beaches, and vineyards are perfect venues that benefit from abundant natural light.
• Time of Day: Schedule your ceremony during the golden hours—shortly after sunrise or before sunset. The soft, warm light during these times creates a magical ambiance and results in stunning photos.
• Orientation: Position the ceremony area so that the sunlight falls on you and your partner evenly. Having the sun behind you and your fiancé is always the way to go for photos. If the sun is in front of the altar it will create harsh lines on your faces resulting in unflattering photos.

Enhancing the Reception Space

As the celebration continues into the evening, it’s important to maximize natural light and transition smoothly to artificial lighting:

• Outdoor Receptions: Consider having your reception outdoors to take advantage of natural light as long as possible. Use canopies, tents, or pergolas with transparent or light-colored covers to allow natural light to filter through.
• Glass Walls or Windows: If your reception is indoors, choose a venue with large glass walls or windows and high ceilings. These features allow natural light to enter and create a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor environments.
• White Lights for Evening: As the natural light fades, transition to white lights to maintain a clean and elegant look. String lights, lanterns, and chandeliers with white bulbs create a warm and inviting atmosphere without altering the color balance in your photographs.

Incorporating Natural Light in Decor

Your décor choices can also enhance the natural light in your wedding:

• Transparent Elements: Use glass, acrylic, or other transparent materials in your décor. These elements allow natural light to pass through and create an airy, open feel.
• Light Fabrics: Choose light and airy fabrics for drapes, tablecloths, and other textiles. These materials allow light to pass through and create a soft, romantic glow.
• Open Floral Arrangements: Opt for open and airy floral arrangements. Avoid dense, compact bouquets that can block light and create shadows. Instead, choose arrangements that allow light to filter through, enhancing the overall brightness of the space.

Working With Your Photographer

Communication with your photographer is key to ensuring natural light is effectively used throughout the day:

• Scout Locations: Work with your photographer to scout your venues ahead of time. Identify the best spots for natural light and plan key moments around those areas.
• Flexible Timeline: Be open to adjusting your timeline based on lighting conditions. If your photographer suggests moving certain activities to take advantage of better light, consider their advice.
• Backup Plan: Discuss a backup plan for inclement weather. Ensure your indoor venues also have good natural light options, so your photos remain beautiful regardless of the weather.

Conclusion

Incorporating natural light into your wedding day not only enhances the ambiance but also ensures that your photographs are vibrant, authentic, and timeless. From selecting the right getting ready room to planning the ceremony and reception, thoughtful consideration of natural light can make a SIGNIFICANT difference. By following these tips and working closely with your photographer, you can create a beautifully lit wedding that captures the essence of your special day perfectly.

Just in case you’d like to see examples of venues that have all of the above, here are some of my favorites:

• The Barn at White Oaks (Murray)
• Hazelnut Farm Events (Louisville)
• Heartland of Versailles (Lexington)
• The Olmstead (Louisville)
• The Woods at Cedar Springs (Louisville)
• Cason’s Cove (Alvaton)
• The Well at Cherry Well Farm (Winchester)
• White Willow Farms (Located in Arcadia IN but it deserved a mention)

Thank you so much for reading through! If you would like anymore vendor recommendations or would like to book me as your photographer click here! You can also get ahold of me at hello@adyamariephotography.com.