A recent bride pulled us aside six months after her wedding.
She told us, through tears:
“The photo of my grandma holding my bouquet I didn’t even know you took that. She passed away last month. That photo means everything now.”
That’s why we do this.
We don’t just document a day.
We preserve your legacy.
How to Make Sure Your Grandparents Are Photographed with Intention
Here’s how to ensure those images happen with care, dignity, and zero awkwardness.
1. Add Them to Your Shot List with Specifics
Don’t leave it to chance. List them out by name and include:
- Portraits with you (individually and together)
- Candid interactions (during hugs, toasts, or prayers)
- Detailed moments (hands, jewelry, heirlooms)
📌 Example: “Photo of Grandpa giving his WWII pin to the groom.”
2. Include Them in the Getting Ready Room (If They’d Like)
This is a beautiful, private window before the chaos. Some of our favorite moments happen here:
- Grandma, adjusting your veil
- Sharing a quiet story or prayer
- A surprise gift exchange
📌 Tip: Let your planner or maid of honor know to welcome them in gently, no pressure.
3. Make Space for Their Pace
Many elders tire easily or use mobility aids. Create opportunities that respect their needs:
- Seated family portraits in soft light
- Shorter walks for group shots
- A designated chair with a great view during the ceremony
📌 Photographer Tip: We scout seating and shadow patterns ahead of time to keep grandparents out of harsh light or background clutter.
4. Honor Cultural or Generational Traditions
Maybe it’s the rosary they gifted you.
Maybe it’s a blessing they give during the ceremony.
Let us know if we want to document it.
📌 Idea: Have a moment where your grandparents present a symbolic item or say a few words during the ceremony.
5. Get a Solo Portrait of Them, Too
They might wave you off, “Don’t worry about me,” but trust us, these portraits become treasures.
Make it quick. Make it beautiful. Make it happen.
💬 What Couples Say After the Wedding
“That photo of my grandpa holding my hand before I walked down the aisle? It’s framed in my living room now.”
“I had no idea how much I’d cherish the shot of my grandma laughing at the cake cutting. She was always laughing.”
“You didn’t just take pictures. You gave us history.”
❓ FAQ: Grandparents in Wedding Photos
What if my grandparents aren’t comfortable in front of the camera?
We use a soft, documentary approach. No stiff poses, no pressure, just genuine connection. Often, they forget we’re even there.
What if my grandparents can’t attend?
If they’re nearby, we offer pre-wedding portrait sessions. If they’ve passed, we can incorporate photos or mementos into your flat lays or heirloom shots.
Can I ask my photographer to focus more on family than décor?
Yes, and you should. Your people are the real story. We’ll still capture the aesthetic, but legacy always comes first.
❤️ Final Thought: Legacy Is the Point
When the cake is gone and the flowers fade, what’s left?
Photos.
Moments.
Memory.
Make sure the people who shaped you are part of that.
Let’s tell their story while we still can.
📸 Book your Timekeeper Session or reach out for wedding availability.
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