Big Day Memories
In the world of weddings, where trends can shift faster than the ink dries on your invitations, nailing down the perfect approach to capturing your Big Day is no small feat. After all, your wedding photos are more than just pictures—they’re the timeless keepsakes that will transport you back to that magical day for years to come. As we wave goodbye to 2024, it's clear that wedding photography has entered a new era, one where authenticity, emotion, and storytelling reign supreme. So, which trends are here to stay, and which ones are better left in the past? Let’s dive into the must-have photography styles for your wedding, while saying goodbye to a few that have had their moment in the spotlight.
The Era of Storytelling:
Where Photos Become a Narrative
First things first, let’s make sure we have a good definition of a wedding photographer. It's not just about having a good eye for detail or knowing how to work a camera. In 2024, the best wedding photographers are those who understand that your wedding gallery should be more than just a collection of beautiful images. It should tell a story—a visual journey through one of the most important days of your life. This is where the documentary approach comes into play, a trend that’s not just surviving but thriving in the ever-evolving world of wedding photography.
(Sharon & Nam Wedding)
The Documentary Approach:
Real Moments, Real Memories
Gone are the days of stiff, posed shots that feel more like a chore than a cherished memory. The documentary-style wedding photography trend has taken over, and for good reason. The best wedding photographers are those who can blend into the background, capturing the real, unfiltered moments of your day. These pics are more than just images—they're amazing wedding candid shots that resonate on a deeper level because they’re real. The laughter, the tears, the spontaneous dance-offs—all of these unscripted moments come together to tell the authentic story of your wedding day.
(Jinelle & Jason Engagement)
Goodbye, Pop of Color Weddings
As we welcome new trends, we also say goodbye to a few that had their moment but are now fading out. Remember the pop of color weddings? This trend, which involved adding a palette of bold, bright colors to an otherwise neutral palette, was fun while it lasted, but it’s starting to feel a bit too contrived for today’s more sophisticated couples.
Gone are the Blurry Photos
And then there is (or should we say was) the blurry photo trend. While it initially made waves for its artistic vibe, it turns out that most couples prefer their wedding memories to be, well, in focus. In 2024, clarity and emotion are king. Yet, we have a newcomer in the “trendy vibes” - the flash in your face pics, but we’ll talk about those later.
Pre-Wedding Photo & Video shoots:
Capturing the Journey Before the Big Day
Another trend that’s gaining serious traction is the pre-wedding video shoots. Having your pictures taken at an engagement session or basically visiting a studio for those save-the-date shots used to be a routine for almost every couple. But with the growing influence of video content, more and more clients are requesting pre-wedding video shoots and it looks like this is becoming a staple for couples who want to document their journey leading up to the wedding. It’s an opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera, explore different styles, and even include locations or themes that are meaningful to you as a couple. The result? Amazing wedding photos & videos that not only capture your love story but also set the tone for the Big Day itself. Check this awesome video example from Krystal & David’s engagement:
The Timeless Appeal of Black and
White Photography
There’s something undeniably classic about black and white photos, and this trend is making a strong comeback in 2024. While color photos are beautiful, the absence of color in black and white photography allows the emotions of the moment to take center stage. It strips away distractions and focuses on the raw, powerful feelings of the day. Whether it’s a tearful moment during the vows or a quiet, intimate exchange between the newlyweds, black and white photos add a layer of depth and drama that color sometimes can’t match. By the way, every gallery from BDM always includes at least 30 black-and-white photos.
(Jinelle & Jason Engagement)
Drone Photography: Taking Your
Wedding Photos to New Heights
If you’re looking to add a unique, cinematic flair to your wedding album, drone photography is the way to go. This trend is all about capturing your wedding from breathtaking angles that were once impossible. Imagine amazing wedding photos that showcase not just you and your partner, but the entire venue, the surrounding landscape, and the gathering of your loved ones—all from above. Drone photography offers a new perspective that elevates your wedding album to new heights, quite literally.
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(Jullianne & James Wedding)
The Shift from Cinematic Video
to Reality-TV Style Productions
When it comes to wedding videography, there’s a noticeable shift happening. While cinematic wedding videos have been popular for years, capturing the day like a movie, 2024 is seeing a rise in a more raw, reality-TV style of production. Couples are leaning towards videos that feel more personal, unscripted, and real—where the focus is on genuine moments rather than perfectly staged shots. It’s about embracing the imperfections and the unexpected moments that make your wedding day uniquely yours. More voiceovers, more candid, in-the-moment type of shots and more interviews: with the newlyweds, their parents and friends - all of this brings a new perspective to the video style of contemporary weddings.
Interactive Photo Booths:
Fun for You and Your Guests
Let’s not forget about the fun factor. Interactive photo booths are continuing to be making a big splash in 2024. These aren’t your typical step-in-and-pose booths; they come with props, themes, and even digital enhancements that make for amazing wedding photos and instant social media hits. It’s a playful way to engage with your guests and ensure everyone walks away with a memory of your special day.
First-Look Photos: A Private
Moment Before Ceremony
Tradition says you shouldn’t see your partner before the ceremony, but modern couples are rethinking this with first-look photos. This intimate, private moment is captured by your wedding photographer, often resulting in some of the most emotional and amazing wedding photos of the day. It’s a beautiful way to calm those pre-ceremony jitters and create a moment that’s just for the two of you.
(Emma & Derek Wedding)
The Final Takeaway: Your Wedding, Your Story
At the end of the day, the best wedding photography trend for 2024 and beyond is the one that speaks to you. Whether you’re drawn to the raw emotion of the documentary style, the timeless beauty of black and white photos, or the breathtaking views of drone photography, your wedding photos should be a reflection of your love story. Because when the cake is eaten, the flowers have wilted, and the dress is back in its box, your photos are what remain. They’re not just a record of the day; they’re the memories that will last a lifetime.
So as you plan your Big Day, remember this: choose a wedding photographer who understands that your love story is unique and deserves to be captured in a way that’s just as special. And stay tuned, because in our next article, we’ll dive even deeper into the wedding photography trends that are shaping 2025, and which ones you should embrace to create amazing wedding photos that truly stand the test of time.
(Lexy & Anthony Wedding)
10 min