Get The Perfect First Kiss Photo

And “poof” just like that, the stress of the entire day is gone. You’ve said “I do“ and are now ready to start your married life together. Time for the very expected kiss… Wait… You are going to kiss in front of all your family and friends. Are you a bit nervous? No worries, We got this! Here are a couple of tips to make it the most epic and beautiful kiss of your life. One that will be captured on camera, video and maybe on 150 phones. One that you will want to frame on your mantlepiece and show your kids (and everyone knows kids love to see their parents kiss!!).

1 ASK YOUR OFFICIANT TO STEP TO THE SIDE FOR YOUR FIRST KISS.

I’ve worked with many types of officiants: the professional one, the friend one, the funny one, the romantic one… I love an officiant that gives a heartfelt and beautiful ceremony. But what they all should have in commun to get the perfect first kiss shot is: step to the side, disappear for a second, take a breather behind the antique decor and let the newlyweds have their moment. It’s not the end of the world if they forget, but it’s always better when they remember!

See the With and Without officiant photo below.

2 UNPLUGGED OR PLUGGED CEREMONY, NO PHONES DOWN THE AISLE

Especially during your first kiss. Having an iPhone (or an iPad) right next to your face at the most epic moment of your ceremony is not a good look, I promise. Ask your officiant or your dj to make a little announcement before the ceremony to remind your guests to keep their phone in front of them if they want to take photos or your precious union.

3 DO NOT FRENCH KISS

I repeat, Do. Not. Stick. Your. Tongue. Out. In any other circumstance I would highly recommend this kiss, as it raises all the good hormones in your body and it was named after my very own country, but no. Don’t French kiss during your first kiss. Keep your tongue in your mouth and give a nice soft kiss to your new spouse.

4 PUT A SONG TO IT

Have you ever watched a movie where the two main characters finally kiss for the first time and the music is… Silent? (criquets…) Love and music go together! Chances are that your dj already asked you which song you would like played for your recessional. It will start right when it’s time to smooch your love. Time to paaaarty!

5 KEEP IT LONG AND SLOW

Don’t hurry baby! Appreciate the moment, you and your sweetheart are sealing your union with this first kiss. Slowing it down also gives plenty of time to your photographer to take a photo of you in different ways (full body, portrait, close up…)

6 MORE IS MORE. ADD A BIT OF DRAMA

For a little Hollywood effect, one of you should bend your back a little. That’s right! How far you should go on the path to a dramatic, cinematic kiss is completely up to you.

7 DO ANOTHER KISS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE AISLE

You did it. You kissed perfectly and are about to exit down the aisle. Turn to your guests and Scream HOURRA while lifting your hands up in the air! Or jump, or dance… Express your joy! Then… Kiss one last time in the middle of the aisle. You’ll get this awesome shot of you and your spouse, surrounded by your guests cheering and clapping for you.

8 FEEL IT ALL

You are now wedded and starting your life as a married couple! If you are nervous about kissing in front of your parents, grand parents, and your high school friends, don’t worry. I’m telling you, that’s the moment everyone is waiting for! Your love makes everyone around you happier and this kiss is truly a key in the ceremony. Make it calliente, grab your spouse by the neck, by the hips, make it steamy hot. If your Dad can’t take it, he will turn his eyes away no worries, this moment is YOUR moment, like this day is YOUR day! (But no French kiss, remember!)

9 REPRODUCE IT AFTERWARD

While your guests start enjoying their cocktails, go back to the altar with your photographer and reproduce the kiss. If you decided on a more modest kiss during the ceremony, make it steamy hot this time. If you didn’t feel like doing the Hollywood Drama kiss during your ceremony, you’ll have time to do it now!

10 ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW

Will your photographer have an assistant? If yes, you’ll get two view of your first kiss! It’s always magical to get the same exact moment with two point of view. An assistant can get a little bit more creative and include your guests cheering for you or more of the background. I would say it’s a must!

BONUS TIPS: Later is better. An early ceremony means harsh light. This light will create all those shadows and your photos might end up being very contrasted. A late afternoon ceremony will probably give you all the nice softer light that you deserve. But if you don’t want to end up having a ceremony in the dark or if you want to get away for the magic sunset romantics photos, you should plan your ceremony at least two hours before sunset. If your ceremony is indoor, well, you know… Anytime is fine!

Note: I have shot many weddings that didn’t involve a kiss and I totally respect that! If you want to have a modest ceremony, I have plenty of tips to help you make it sweet and romantic without the kiss! Simply email me and we can chat about that.

Where did they kiss for the first time?
- Sheraton Hotel
- The Reef , Long Beach
- Wayfarers Chapel, Rancho Palos Verdes
- Spanish Hills Country Club, Camarillo
- Point Vicente Interpretive Center, Rancho Palos Verdes
- The Neighborhood Church, Palos Verdes Estates
- Chart House, Redondo Beach
- Middle Ranch, Tujunga Canyon Sylmar
- Mount Palomar Winery, Temecula
- Catalina View Gardens, Palos Verdes Estates
- Palos Verdes Golf Club, Palos Verdes Estates
- Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion, Rolling Hills Estates
- Smoky Hollow Studios , Redondo Beach
- Bella Collina, San Clemente
- Crystal Cathedral, Garden Grove
- Eling's Park, Santa Barbara
- Portofino, Redondo Beach
- Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore, Santa Barbara

https://youtu.be/K-xfa-TtqYQ