Is there any wedding photo more special from a wedding day than your first kiss as a married couple? I think not! You’ve just dedicated yourself to spending life with your favorite person, surrounded by the people you love most in the world. But did you know there is some work you need to put in to make sure this is the perfect, romantic shot you’ve always dreamed of? Here are a few of my favorite tips for ensuring your first kiss as a married couple is perfectly captured that you might not have known about!

1. Practice, Practice, Practice

While kissing your partner may be nothing new, practicing ahead of time is a must! Have a discussion on how dramatic you want to be with it so that way there’s no awkwardness during that moment. Is he going to grab you around the waist? Are you going to hold hands?? Is he going to hold your face? It may be an iconic moment that is always captured during a wedding, but each and every couple does it differently! I’ve had couples give soft kisses, dip kisses, fist pumps while kissing, picking the bride up while kissing…the list goes on and on!

2. Hold It For At Least Three Seconds

Some first kisses are blink and you’ll miss it moments! I know plenty of couples aren’t in love with packing on the PDA in front of people, but you want to make sure to hold that kiss for three seconds, minimum. That way your photographer and videographer have the chance to capture more than one frame of it. If it’s just a quick peck, there is a chance the shot will be missed. Feel awkward holding it that long? Give each other a couple of quick kisses to help it feel less awkward!

3. Talk With Your Officiant

This moment is about the two of you being the center of attention! Go over the game plan with your officiant to step to the left or the right as they’re announcing you as the newly married couple. That way the two of you are the stars of the show! Another pro tip? Ask them to step aside before they officially announce it, that way they’re not trying to move to the side as you go in for the kiss and are a distraction in the background. Some people get so excited to go in for the kiss, they forget to wait for the officiant to move first! So going over them moving before they say it helps!

4. The Recessional Kiss

One of my favorite creative shots during a ceremony is a mid-aisle kiss as you’re leaving! Everyone is cheering and clapping as you walk away, I love the excitement and cheers that happened when couples stop for a second kiss! It’s a perfect way to end any ceremony!!

No matter how you choose to do it, your first kiss is going to be perfect and something you can cherish for years to come in your photos!!