For the weekend warriors who bring weddings to life.

A PHOTOGRAPHER‘S NOTE

At some point during every wedding ceremony, something shifts. The nerves settle. The room exhales.

It stops feeling like a production and starts feeling like a connection.

Not just between the couple, but across the whole room.

Sometimes it’s a line in the vows. Sometimes it’s a laugh or a silent glance. Sometimes it’s a parent wiping away tears they didn’t expect.

That’s the moment I wait for. That’s the one that gets framed.

After photographing countless weddings, here’s what I’ve learned: the most memorable ceremonies are the most emotional—and the least choreographed. What makes the photos live on isn’t the floral arch or the dress—it’s the emotion, the connection. And to this day, that connection is what I love most.

In this second installment of A Photographer’s Note, I’m breaking the ceremony into four acts: the Processional, the Vows, the Kiss, and the Recessional—spotlighting the moments that most often end up on the mantel, and how we can make the most of them together.

X, MICHAEL

THE CEREMONY IN 4 ACTS

SLOWING IT DOWN

Act 1: The Processional

The Processional is the first look for everyone and if it’s rushed, no one feels a thing. That’s why I call it “The Long Walk.” It’s important to remind everyone to walk slow and breathe. By keeping the processional at a more relaxed pace, this signals that something important is starting, and gives guests time to take it in and be present. Whatever has happened during the day — from unruly hair to family tiffs — this is the time to shelve it and experience the moment, the celebration at hand. The Long Walk sets the tone for the whole day.

FINDING THE EMOTION

Anticipate the shots

• I watch the procession unfold like it’s in slow motion, anticipating the emotional impact on faces.

  Get the expressions

• Glances are impactful. You can feel it: pride in a parent’s eyes. That’s what i’m looking for.

FRAMING THEIR STORY

Act 2: The Vows

Now that the anticipation of seeing the couple walk down the aisle has happened, the guests settle in for the ceremony and vows. This is the most emotional part, with the officiant sharing personal stories about the couple, and the couple speaking from the heart to each other in front of family and friends. So focusing on them is important. Having multiple shooters provides more opportunities to capture those moments.

Shoot flash-free

• During the ceremony, I try and avoid using a flash to highlight emotions and ambiance.

  Sync with team for coverage

• Coordinate with a second shooter to be in an unobtrusive fixed position to capture the faces of the bride and groom during the ceremony.

BEING READY FOR ANYTHING

Act 3: The Kiss

The kiss is often long and passionate, but the couple may make it a quick peck, so you need to be ready to move fast to capture whatever comes.

Act 4: The Recessional

The Recessional is the most framed moment of any wedding. I make sure my team and I are positioned to catch that spontaneous full-body happiness and joy.

Leave Space

• As the photographer, you have to leave space for the dips, cheers, bubbles, and surprise lifts — while walking backwards. Make sure you don’t fall. (No one’s tripped me up yet.)

  Rapid-fire

• During the recessional, I shoot rapid-fire because you never know what’s going to happen. It’s the one part of the day I treat like sports—fast and unpredictable—so I don’t miss a thing, and the results are always fun to see.

TRADITIONS

What is a Ketubah?

The Ketubah ceremony is an intimate, emotional moment shared with close family and friends. It’s when the couple makes a religious commitment to one another and signs a marriage contract that has been part of Jewish weddings for generations. Beyond the prayers, it’s really about the two of them pausing to feel the weight of what’s about to change in their lives.

There are religious elements, but what stands out most are the physical gestures, the touch, and the words they share right before walking down the aisle. One especially meaningful part is the veiling of the bride: the groom places the veil over her, and it creates a powerful, private moment between them. There is also a time when the parents are invited to say a blessing over their children. It’s less about the specific prayer, and more about the way they embrace their kids before they step forward as a new couple.

“I’ve been photographing people for years. What I fell in love with was the connection. That’s still the most important part of what I do.”

- Michael Kress

A LOOK WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

FROM THE BLOG