The strange thing about taking couple shots is that a “candid” is hardly ever a pure candid. If you’ve posed for engagement or wedding photographs, then you know what I mean– as much as we try to forget the cameras are there, we can’t.
But there’s something so precious about capturing those moments of tenderness and affection, even if they are posed. When my husband and I did our engagement and wedding-day shoot, it took me at least a few minutes to become comfortable posing affectionately for the camera. It was the very definition of “act naturally.”
Thankfully, our photographers were so wonderful that I let my guard down quickly. We’ve taken photos of ourselves before by using a trusty tripod, but we were now asked by a third party to pose a certain way or to look in certain directions. Some of the photos turned out surprisingly natural-looking; even I can’t remember which ones were directed, and which ones we did just on our own.
Ultimately, I think that the sweetness of a relationship can’t be captured in any tangible form; instead, we hold those snapshots as signs of a precious reality far deeper than images or words. The joy of being loved by someone is not the opportunity to gloat or to simply frame a few special images– though we’ll certainly do the latter. It is a reminder to be humbled by that love, knowing ourselves to be imperfect, and to pour out that love upon others.
My husband’s love for me has been inspiring, and it goes far deeper than the smiles and hugs you see here. We all know that love is about bearing with one another through all things. The happy ending of every fairytale is only the beginning of what will be a test of character and commitment forever after.
Still, we enjoyed taking these photos. They were precious moments before the wedding ceremony, where we were able to celebrate our relationship together, and marvel at how far we’ve come.
Have you ever posed for a couple shoot? Did it feel natural, or more like one of these “engagement photos that will make you happy you’re alone“? I would love to know!
{Read last week’s Wedding Snapshots: Not Just About the Bride}
Thank you so much Liza!! Thanks for following, I look forward to getting to know you better 🙂
Such beautiful pictures. You both look so awesome.
I’m following you now, dear. Have a nice day
xoxo
http://www.lizacorner.blogspot.com
Thanks so much Kiki!! And I can’t imagine how wonderful and fun those photos were!! 🙂
Aw thank you so much Pam!!
These photos are stunning. (: We did a gender reveal photo shoot at the park last year. It was fun and we were laughing the whole time. I loved the way they turned out, but I definitely think the key is to over take photos. That way you’ll at least have a handful you like. (;
Beautiful pictures! So adorable!! Thanks for sharing with us. 🙂
xx Pam
http://www.thegirlfrompanama.com
Thank you Jana!! 🙂
Thanks friend!!!
Thank you so much Tina!! You are so kind 🙂
These are just breathtaking! Thank you for sharing these. 🙂
You are beautiful girl!! xoxo
You and your hubby are so cute! Your love truly shines through these photos!
Tina
http://www.justatinabit.com
Thank you so much Camille!! That means a lot to me 🙂 And I’m glad to hear we weren’t the only ones– after letting go a bit the photo shoot became a ton of fun! 🙂
Thank you Jackie! Yeah, once we let go a bit it was definitely quite fun! 🙂
Oh Jeannette, you are the kindest person ever! Thank you so much for your good wishes and sweet words! And congratulations to you too!! When is the wedding? I can’t imagine how excited you must be for that special day, and what fortunate daughters you have to be able to call you there mom! So much excitement, can’t wait to hear more updates, my friend!
Thanks so much Denise! That means a lot to me, and I’m so glad you can relate! We definitely did get a few good shots in there 🙂
Thank you so much Mili!! You are so kind, thank you so much for stopping by 🙂
Thanks girl!! And it’s good to take photos together– sometimes we forget to do it and special moments pass by without any images. Maybe he’ll come around to it eventually 😉
Thank you so much Shireen! You are so kind, I really appreciate it!
Thank you so much Deniz! My dress was perfect for twirling, so it was really fun to do 🙂
Aw I can’t wait to see your photos Erin!! I’m sure they’ll be gorgeous!
Thank you so much Rachel:) So glad you understand what I mean, friend!
That sounds fun!! And you probably got lots of great laughing candids 🙂 And thank you so much Rachel!!
Thanks so much Sera! 🙂
Aw thank you Miriam!! We got married in June of this year, but we’ve been together for about 6 years now, and dated long-distance for 4 years. 🙂
Thanks so much! And you can definitely try your tripod. We took a lot of photos together through the years using a tripod, and it’s definitely more comfortable than a third party!
Aw thank you Sarah, you are so sweet! And I believe you when you say you’re not good at taking photos because I can relate! The wedding photos turned out really well because they took hundreds and hundreds of them and picked the best ones. 🙂 And you should definitely take couple photos! we took quite a few with a tripod and it was nice to have it be just us!
Daisy! This is so incredibly sweet and beautiful. Photos together were a bit awkward for us at first, but I’m always so happy we have them to remind us of that moment in time. What great advice for new couples! But I truly love how you write about the love you two share, so beautiful <3
You’re right Nabihah! The payoff is worth the awkward moments; I had to keep reminding myself that our photographers had photographed dozens of couples in the past!
Thank you Charity!! And kids always look good in photos… it’s harder for us because I think we can sometimes overthink it!
Thank you so much, friend! And I agree, a little champagne goes a long way to keeping those smiles up 😉
you both look great and natural. it’s definitely awkward at first posing but then it’s nice to just be in the moment and take some pretty photos 🙂
Hello wonderful Daisy! I really loved this post. The pictures are so beautiful and they do speak by themselves. The love that you have for each other can be seen through the pictures and the energy that they radiate. I am so happy that your found each other and I wish you with all my heart nothing less that pure bliss, lots of love and a happy life forever. My first marriage wasn’t all that great even from the beginning but gave me the two most amazing people in my life, my beautiful daughters. Life gave me the opportunity two find love again and we are getting married next year so I will be coming back to your blog for tips and ideas:-) Thanks for sharing my friend. You are one of the sweetest human beings I have ever met and I really mean it. xoxo, Jeannette.
http://www.msjeannieandhercloset.com
Totally agreed. Posing for pictures and trying to bring out the feelings is tough. I think these photos are stunning and I really can feel the love and comfort in all of these photos. You two look so happy! They look completely natural to me.
Denise
http://www.fashionloveletters.com
Your photos came out beautifully! I especially love the one where you’re twirling 🙂
Mili
Daisy these are so beautiful! They look so loving and natural 🙂 My partner and I have never done a couples shoot, I always force him to do selfies though and of course, self timers!
Rachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
Oh Daisy, these pictures are beautiful and each of it captured the moment perfectly. You both looks so happy and make such a stunning couple. I honestly feel really happy for the both of you!
Reflection of Sanity
These pictures are incredibly sweet. I absolutely love the picture where you are twirling – such a wonderful moment captured so beautifully (:
– Deniz
http://www.dressedupdeniz.com
You two are so cute! 🙂 I love seeing all your wedding photos! 🙂 I am so excited to capture our wedding moments soon!
xo Erin
http://www.winkandatwirl.com
These are so very sweet, Daisy! ^_^ Thank you for sharing! I love them all. I agree compltely, a camera can’t compltely capture the love, but it can be a reminder of the love that hides deeper within our souls.
My brother did a “couple photoshoot” for us several years ago, and I thought that was perfect because obviously we’re comfortable laughing and joking with my brother, and also with trying different poses or locations that might seem a little funny. I loved the pictures that came out of that shoot! Your wedding pictures are seriously stunning, though. All around, perfect.
Such beautiful pictures! 🙂
xx Sera | STARDUSTBOHEMIAN.COM
(IG: @TheStardustBohemian)
The love for each other is made SO apparent from the photographs. You guys are so lucky to have found each other, I’m really happy for you! When did you get married?
DiscoverMe
I love seeing your photos! You two are adorable. My boyfriend and I actually don’t have any photos together, so I need to have some taken sometime. We’re so bad at feeling natural in front of a camera, so maybe I’ll just try with my tripod.
WOW – I just love all of your wedding photos. They are always so freakin’ cute. I guess this is why I love the blogging world. I loooovveee looking at pictures – more please!
That said, I’m the worst picture taker (I’m sure you’re saying, no Sarah you look great! Trust me. It takes tonnnnnsss of photos to find 3 where I’m not looking super uncomfortable.) but I want to have nice pictures to adorn my home so I’m going to have to do the couple thing soon. I’m afraid of the acting naturally because that would mean eye rolling haha.
In all seriousness, this is GREAT! I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels awkward, and your pictures turned out lovely. There is hope!
– Sarah 🙂
http://www.thecrownbijoux.blogspot.com
Such cute photos! I’ve never posed for a couple shots and I can imagine it being awkward to try and act naturally but the photos always seem to come out so great! I think the pay off is worth the initial awkward feeling.
thesundaywardrobe.blogspot.com
You both are so adorable! We had family pictures taken last year and it’s always hard for me to get comfortable in front of the camera. We had a couple of good family shots but my kids are naturals.
First of all I looove this! Thank you for sharing! Girl when had to act natural for our wedding pictures it was beyond hard! Then after a couple of different shoots in different places we finally got the hang of it and chilled- also, a glass of champagne helped a ton too lol!