Riding the Post-Wedding High

After the vows have been exchanged and the reception dances have ceased, the magic doesn’t have to end on your wedding day! As a dedicated wedding and elopement photographer based in Northwest Montana, I’ve had the privilege of capturing the unique charm of day-after wedding photos. In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons, the best times for a shoot, and why a day-after session might be the perfect choice for you.

Why Day After Wedding Photos?

The post-wedding high is palpable, and the day-after photoshoot is the perfect opportunity to capture the magic. For adventurous brides in Montana, this is a chance to get your stunning wedding dress out in the wild! A day-after-wedding shoot session allows you to bask in newlywed bliss. It’s also a chance to celebrate your love in a more relaxed setting, without the hustle and bustle of the wedding day.

Sunset vs. Sunrise Shoot: The Ultimate Showdown

First, let me start by saying; I am so sorry to all of my previous Brides who have done a sunrise shoot with me! And also, thank you for being troopers and letting me learn and grow as a photographer. Truly, you’ve done the Lord’s work so that future brides never have to go through what you did.

Sunrise Shoots: In the summer months, sunrises in Montana are around 5 am to 6 am. While sunrise shoots may seem romantic, the reality involves a 3 am wake-up call. In order to get hair and makeup and make it to the location, you are up early! Especially in locations like Glacier National Park. Let’s be honest; no one enjoys waking up that early ever. It’s particularly difficult after the whirlwind of a wedding.

Sunset Shoots: In the summer months, sunsets in Montana are around 7 pm to 9 pm. The golden hour at sunset offers a more relaxed schedule. With a full day to recoup and rest, you can begin your hair and makeup in the late afternoon, providing a comfortable and stress-free experience.

After experimenting with both sunrise and sunset shoots, the verdict is clear: sunset shoots are the winners!

Why Day After Sessions are Better than Day Before Wedding Sessions

The day before the wedding can be a whirlwind of stress, anticipation, and anxiety. Rushing to finalize preparations, you’re in a race against time to set up and check off those last-minute items. There’s an additional layer of stress around the fear of getting your dress dirty – the last thing you want is to walk into your wedding day with a stained gown.

Beyond the dress concerns, a day-before session can take away the super special feeling of seeing your significant other for the first time on the wedding day. That moment loses a bit of its magic when experienced the day before.

Equally crucial is getting enough rest before your wedding, as it is paramount to being fully present on your big day. Unfortunately, scheduling a day-before wedding session can hinder your rest, adding unnecessary pressure and potentially affecting your overall experience.

In reality, because of the stress factor and the anticipation, doing a photoshoot the day before is often the last thing you want to do. Your mind is likely preoccupied with other details, and you may even feel like you have to “turn it on” to get into the photoshoot mood, detracting from the genuine emotions you want to capture on your wedding day.

The Day After Wedding Shoot Pro’s

A day-after-wedding shoot is unmatched. You’re married! Riding on that post-wedding high, the photoshoot is magical. You and your spouse feel a heightened connection, basking in that newlywed bliss.

Now that your big day is over, your dress has been danced in, possibly adorned with cake or champagne stains. The worry about keeping your wedding dress pristine has dissipated. You now have the freedom to run through a field, lay in the grass, or walk in the lake with your wedding dress. You can be adventurous without the stress!

With the wedding festivities behind you, you are no longer preoccupied with guests and logistics. After a day of recouping and rest, you can fully immerse yourself in the photoshoot, enjoying precious one-on-one time with your loved one. This level of relaxation and intimacy adds a special touch to the images, making them a true reflection of your love story.

The day-after shoot provides an opportunity to capture genuine moments without the pressures and distractions of the wedding day. Ultimately, you can see why day-after-wedding photos are so special as a newly married couple.

Closing Thoughts: Capturing Your Love Story

In conclusion, a day-after-wedding shoot at sunset is the ideal choice, especially in the scenic beauty of Northwest Montana. For 2024 weddings, I have available wedding and day-after-wedding shoot dates here.

Venue & Vendors Spotlight

As seen in the photos a beautiful wedding in Jewel Basic Wedding in Bigfork, MT, complemented by the exquisite floral arrangements from Forage and Floral. We shot a stunning day after session in Glacier National Park. The love in the air was palpable, and the images captured during this session continued to radiate warmth and magic.