A wedding reception scene with a speaker giving a toast while guests sit at decorated tables with floral arrangements.

 

Speeches & Dinner

 

Once your group photos are complete, I’ll take a bit of time to capture some detail shots of your reception space before your guests are called to dinner. This will focus on the table settings and any other unique details in the room at that moment.


I want to make sure you and your guests have time to enjoy your drinks reception, so I’ll give you a little space to relax and mingle. As your guests begin to settle in for dinner, I’ll capture some candid moments of them enjoying the atmosphere and their time at the tables. These shots will help tell the full story of your celebration!

A series of vintage photographs showing a formal wedding ceremony and reception in an elegant historic setting.
A wedding seating chart display with string lights hanging above during golden hour sunset.
A series of black and white photos showing people gathered around tables enjoying wine and conversation at a social event.
A grand ballroom set for a wedding reception with chandeliers and arched ceilings.
Elegant wedding reception table with silver candelabra, floral centerpieces and place cards.
Historic wood-paneled room with portrait paintings and empty chairs lined up for an elegant event.
Motion blurred image of people seated in a dimly lit room with warm lighting creating an atmospheric effect.
People toasting with red wine glasses at a candlelit dinner celebration.
Elegant table setting with pink and peach roses in vases, wine glasses, and menu cards for a romantic restaurant dinner.
A sequence of images showing someone in a black suit with dramatic messy hair seated at a formal dinner table.
Dark water lily pond at night with scattered leaves floating on the black surface.
Multiple hands raise wine glasses in a black and white toast sequence showing celebratory dining moments.
A romantic dinner table setting with glowing candles and wine glasses creating an intimate ambiance.
A black and white photograph captures a dramatic dance scene with performers in flowing costumes on a decorated stage.
After your entrance into your reception room, you will either begin your wedding meal or more likely, start into the speeches. During this part of the day you can expect a good variation of photos of the speakers and the reactions. There are only so many photos you can take of the same person holding a mic so now is a fantastic time to get shots of your guests who maybe haven't been photographed yet.

It is good to know how many speakers there will be and where they will be making these speeches. I will be roaming during this time and will be moving from table to table.
Wedding guests raise their napkins in celebration during a festive reception dinner at a rustic venue.
Candlelit wedding reception table with guests dining in an elegant indoor venue.
A black and white panoramic photo shows people seated at long tables during a formal dinner gathering.
A candid sequence of joyful reactions during a wedding reception celebration.
A bride delivers a speech at a wedding reception while another guest reacts emotionally at an elegant candlelit table.
A black and white portrait series showing progressive movement in dramatic ruffled white collar styling.
Elegant dinner party guests seated at a long table with ornate gold mirrors and candles in a luxurious dining room.
A black and white photo montage shows multiple candid moments of guests at a formal event or wedding reception.
A candid sequence of black and white photos showing a couple laughing together at an elegant dinner table with candles.
Romantic wedding couple shares tender moments during reception dinner at an elegant venue with floral decorations.
Wedding guests raise glasses in a toast during an elegant reception celebration at a formal dining table.
A romantic candlelit dinner setting with wine glasses and soft glowing ambiance in a dimly lit room.
Someone in a black tuxedo and bow tie gives a speech with microphone at a wedding reception under a tent.
Wedding guests in formal attire enjoying drinks and conversation under a white tent during an outdoor reception.
Elegant dessert plate featuring pink macaron and chocolate mousse with raspberry accents on white ceramic dish.
Dinner time is a time for all of us to relax. You will no doubt be ravenous from a  non-stop day so this is your time to refuel and enjoy good food and conversation. I too will be getting my dinner and starting to back up your images.

You will be thankful that you spent the time to greet your guests after your ceremony as this means no one will be interrupting you while you eat your starter. There will more than likely be a moment where you get to look at all your guests in the room and realise all your months of planning and late nights have all come together. You should be so proud at all you two have accomplished.
A couple shares an intimate moment while cutting their wedding cake in an elegant room with ornate decor and a marble bust.
After your dinner, you may be called to cut your cake. Depending on your venue, this may happen at a different stage throughout the day. Your wedding co-ordinator may talk you through how to "cut" your cake but there is really nothing to it. Guests may also want to take photos of this while it's happening so be sure to hold your positions and look around so everyone gets their shot. I may ask you to go in for a wee kiss or to look at each other and may also get a little detail shot of your hands while you cut the cake.

Have fun with it, don't take it too seriously.
A couple shares a joyful moment during their wedding celebration in black and white photography.

Let's dance the night away

Into The Night