Capturing the scenery at a destination wedding is more than just documenting the couple’s love; it’s about preserving the magic of the place that surrounds them. The unique landscape and atmosphere of your destination can add a layer of beauty to your wedding photographs, making them even more memorable. Here are some tips for making the most of the surroundings at your destination wedding.

Plan Ahead for the Perfect Shots

First, scouting the location before the big day is key. By visiting the venue in advance, you can identify the best spots for stunning backdrops. Look for areas with natural beauty, such as ocean views, mountain ranges, or lush gardens. Knowing where the light falls during different times of day will help you decide when and where to take those perfect shots.

Use the Scenery to Tell a Story

Next, think about how the surroundings can enhance your wedding story. For a beach wedding, let the waves and sandy shores add a sense of romance and freedom to the scene. If you’re in a historic city, incorporate the architecture to give your photographs a timeless feel. Use the natural elements of your setting to create a visual narrative that reflects the mood of your celebration.

Embrace Candid Moments in Nature

Candid moments often bring out the best in wedding photographs. Encourage the couple to take a stroll through the vineyards, dance under the sunset, or share a quiet moment by a waterfall. These unplanned interactions with the landscape create genuine, heartfelt images that capture the essence of their connection and the beauty of the destination.

Make the Most of Weather and Lighting

Weather can play a crucial role in your destination wedding photographs. Embrace sunny skies for bright and cheerful images, or use cloudy days for a soft, romantic glow. Golden hour—the time just after sunrise or before sunset—is ideal for warm, natural lighting that flatters everyone.

Let the Details Shine

Finally, don’t forget to capture the little details that make the day special. Highlight candid moments, cultural elements, or unique memories. These details will not only add depth to your photographs but also preserve the charm of the wedding itself.

By focusing on these elements, you can beautifully blend the couple’s love story with the stunning moments of their destination wedding.

Planning a Destination Wedding? Tips for Capturing the Scenery | Kansas City Wedding Photographer

A beautiful spring day set the perfect stage for a stunning wedding at The Everly in Kansas City, Missouri. The venue’s industrial charm, with its exposed brick and modern touches, created a unique backdrop for this unforgettable celebration.

The bridesmaids wore elegant champagne satin dresses that beautifully complemented the bride’s lace gown. The soft, shimmering fabric added a touch of sophistication, perfectly matching the season’s warm tones. The groomsmen, dressed in traditional black tuxes, added a timeless, classic feel to the wedding party. The contrast between the light, airy dresses and the sharp black tuxedos made for striking, memorable photographs.

One of the bride’s favorite parts of the day was dancing at the reception with family and friends. After the ceremony, the couple felt a sense of relief and joy, knowing the formalities were over. The reception turned into a celebration, filled with laughter, dancing, and pure happiness. The couple’s first dance, to “Lover” by Taylor Swift, was a highlight. The song choice was meaningful, as both the bride and groom are big Taylor Swift fans. They felt completely at ease dancing to a song that held special significance for them.

The florals and candles at the reception were another favorite detail. The soft glow of the candles and the lush floral arrangements added a romantic atmosphere to the evening. As the night continued, the newlyweds took in the moment when it all felt real—on the party bus, realizing they were officially married.

The entire day felt surreal for the couple. Despite the typical wedding day stress, they felt remarkably relaxed and were able to fully enjoy each moment. When they look through their wedding gallery, they feel a rush of happiness, reliving the day through their favorite images. The sunset photos at The Everly stand out as a particularly cherished memory, capturing the love and joy of their special day.

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, especially when choosing the right vendors. However, the couple was thrilled with their choices, each contributing to making their day perfect. The Everly’s team was a joy to work with, helping to create a wedding that was as stress-free as it was beautiful. In the end, the day was everything they had hoped for and more, filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

An Everly Elegant Spring Wedding | Kansas City Wedding Photographer