Why are group and family shots at weddings important?

 

 

We all know the Bride and groom are the star of the Hollywood blockbuster that is the wedding day.

 

A brilliant Liverpool wedding photographer, like the one you find at Matthew Rycraft Photography, will make sure that not just the dream duo at the altar and the top table receives the cameras attention.  But also the guests and more importantly the immediate family.

 

Some wedding photographers just don’t bother

 

My camera points the spotlight on much more than the Bride and Groom, I pride myself on going above and beyond to capture the raw emotions and expressions of wider family members, friendship groups and relations who are all an extra special part of your extra special day.

 

It does come as quite a surprise to couples when they visit my award winning studio when I ask them if they have considered wedding family group shots. Many will think this is a given, when there are so many lesser Liverpool wedding photographers who just do not bother.

 

Friends not just families

 

I always fully encourage that couples have group shots of their friends and family. They’re always beautiful and poignant shots that family members will want multiple copies of, you’ll likely see them adorned on the walls of your family home for many years. They are simply proud as punch!

 

Family is always important and a key cornerstone of any wedding - or else you’d elope!


Having these group shots during your wedding day is a standard for Matthew Rycraft Photography.

 

Always capture the bare minimum

 

I always ensure I capture the bare minimum possible of family wedding photographs as you enjoy your special day because, and this is an unfortunate sad reality, you can never be sure how long you have left with your loved ones.  And Covid19 has taught us this.

 

These high quality stunning wedding images can sometimes be the only photos you have of certain family members and you’ll cherish them forever. Maybe not straight away but I guarantee a time will come when this is a reality.  For some familied weddings don’t happen very often and they are a great time to get professional family photographs.

 

Top 5 minimum wedding group shots to capture and ask your wedding photographer for:

1.     Mum, Dad, Bride and Groom both sides

2.     Parents both sides with siblings

3.     Siblings with their family

4.     Grandparents

5.     Group shot of whole wedding party

 

 

 

Showing respect & appreciation

 

Group and family photos are also a way to show your undying love and respect towards your family. Your parents and grandparents will definitely want a group photo with you and your new spouse and they’ll hold onto that memory, either digitally or printed for ever more.  If you don’t get them they’ll murder you.

 

It’s also a nice thought, that if they have made a contribution to your wedding financially, to maybe get one printed as a present after the big day.

 

 

Capturing them at opportune times

 

During your wedding day Matthew Rycraft Photography will personally make sure you get photos with your loved ones. We can organize them at the most opportune intervals so there’s absolutely no disruption to the flow of your wedding day and you have plenty of time for schmoozing and dancing! 

 

Straight after the ceremony is a great time as the whole wedding guest list will be around and in great spirits.  Another great moment is just before the food, this gives them time to mingle when they arrive at the reception location.  And is a great way to gather them before the food to announce them in for your wedding breakfast.

 

 

Getting help rounding guests up

 

Nominating a close family member or usher, who knows the immediate family, to pick out family and friends also helps the session go smoothly and quicker.

 

Don’t take an hour….

 

Group photography may seem like a chore but to Matthew Rycraft Photography it’s an absolute pleasure and is done and dusted in a matter of 5-10 minutes…. Depending how drunk the wedding guests are…. Lol.

 

But being quick allows guests to carry on enjoying themselves.  Plus the last thing you want is to be stood there for an hour working through a list.  There is nothing worse.

 

At a minimum I always tell my couples that they will need mums, dad, siblings and grandparents.  Plus a group shot of everyone together with the blushing bride and groom.  This is when no list is provided.  But by all means get a small additional list put together.

 

More wedding group shot ideas

1.     University friends

2.     Oldest Friends

3.     College or school friends

4.     Best friends

5.     Stag & Hen Do attendees

6.     All the above plus partners

7.     Nieces and nephews

 

It’s also worth noting that bridesmaids and ushers shots are considered separate to this and you’ll get those as standard too! 

 

Add extras as the night goes on

 

As the day goes on, there is nothing stopping the couple from asking their award winning Liverpool wedding photographer to grab a couple of guests, even if on the dance floor.

 

And don’t worry if anyone is estranged. I know that many wedding parties come together and unite for your special day, while they may not do on any other occasion.  I am always happy to take this into account, getting all the same quality images without upsetting or grouping people together who may not want to!

 

Parents who are separated

 

This can be tricky, but on most occasions, even parents who have separated and don’t get on, will behave at your wedding day.  You can get a picture together with them, just act as the divide between them both and have one either side.

 

And a good wedding group shot list tip is to photograph double the mum and dad shots when parents are separated.  This was both get something to print and frame on their mantelpiece.  And think about adding their new partners, separately of course, you don’t want to make anyone feel awkward.

 

Visit www.matthewrycraft.co.uk for more information, wedding guides and wedding inspiration.

 

 

Matthew Rycraft is a Award winning wedding photographer. Wedding of the year winner Three Times, over 10 wedding magazine front covers with multiple industry awards. Ranked TOP 100 wedding photographers in the UK.

Matthew Rycraft Photography is located at The Mews Wedding Centre, 15a Liverpool Road, Birkdale, PR8 4AS. Matthew’s new studio is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, with evening consultations available by appointment. To make an appointment, or for any further information, call 01704 741111, email enquiries@matthewrycraft.co.uk or visit www.matthewrycraft.co.uk.