Capturing Your People: The Importance of Wedding Day Family Photos
Why Family Photos Matter on Your Wedding Day | Minneapolis Wedding Photographer
Amid all the excitement, portraits, and candid moments of your wedding day, family photos often become the ones that are passed down, framed, and revisited for generations. As a Minneapolis wedding photographer, I always encourage couples to carve out intentional time for family portraits—because these aren’t just pictures, they’re part of your legacy.
Here’s why they matter—and how to make them as smooth and meaningful as possible.
1. They’re Once-in-a-Lifetime Moments
Your wedding may be one of the rare times all of your favorite people are together in the same place. Whether it's grandparents, siblings, or extended family, capturing these groupings while everyone is dressed up, glowing with love and excitement, is something you’ll always be glad you prioritized.
2. They Don’t Have to Feel Stiff
Family photos have come a long way from the overly formal, overly posed versions of the past. I focus on keeping them authentic, warm, and efficient, making space for a few traditional groupings along with natural, candid interactions—think hugs, laughter, and real connection.
3. Planning Ahead Makes All the Difference
I help my couples build a custom family photo list before the wedding so we know exactly who needs to be where and when. Whether we’re shooting outside your Minneapolis ceremony site or tucked into a cozy spot at your venue, this keeps the process smooth, stress-free, and meaningful.
4. They Become Treasured Keepsakes
You might not realize it now, but one day those photos of your mom fixing your veil or your grandparents smiling in the front row will become some of your most beautiful, candid memories. Family photos aren’t just for today—they’re for every tomorrow after.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding day is about more than just you and your partner—it’s also about the people who helped you get here. Thoughtful, well-planned family photos ensure those relationships are honored, remembered, and beautifully captured.
If you're getting married in Minneapolis and want timeless, heartfelt images of your loved ones, I’d be honored to help tell that part of your story.
My Family Photo Example List:
Bride, Mom
Bride, Dad
Bride, Mom, Dad
Bride, Groom, Mom, Dad
Bride, Groom, Bride’s whole immediate family
Bride, Groom, Bride’s whole immediate family, any serious girlfriends/boyfriends
Bride, siblings
Bride, individual siblings
Bride, Groom, Grandparent couples individually
Bride’s Mom + Dad together
Same thing for Groom’s side!
