As a wedding photographer I have heard many times from the groom, “It’s her day, I’m just along for the ride.” Usually, it’s followed by a laugh and joke. But we know that the groom is equal to our client.

If you question this, then ask any newlywed what the best part of their wedding was – most couples would say it was the moment they first saw each other. Now imagine you have a photo album spread featuring the bride’s tearful and smiling face when she sees her handsome groom as she walks down the aisle, and the opposite page featuring the groom’s face as he’s struck with emotion while watching his stunningly beautiful bride walking towards him.

Achieving equal photos of the bride and the groom on the wedding day is no easy feat – and may even be something the bride isn’t thinking about when planning the wedding! Usually, the guys aren’t as excited about being featured in photographs and the thought of being followed around by the photographer’s second shooter may lead to some anxiety. Affirm their anxiety with, “I understand that guys don’t normally want their own personal paparazzi.  Most of our grooms felt the same way. However, later on, they really seem to cherish the photos we captured of them hanging with their groomsmen and family.”

To achieve this, we recommend keeping one photographer with the bride and one with the groom in the moments leading to the wedding – this will make memorable spreads that they both will love. Not only is everyone grateful in the end with compliments of, “Thank you for really capturing my son, he usually hates photos,” or “I love the shots of the girls laughing together while getting dressed” but it also creates a great up-sell for our parent photo albums! The last time most of these parents had a smiling photo of their son in a suit was senior prom, so of course they’ll want a 20×24 canvas and an 8×8 parent album featuring their handsome boy all grown up! We have to keep in mind that the groom is not a “prop.” He is an equal partner who may not love photos, but he has people who love him and want to see him captured just as much on his big day as his blushing bride. Please share your thoughts on how you capture moments with the groom. For more information about Zookbinders, visit our website – www.zookbinders.com.