There’s something so timeless about a bride holding her bouquet for the first time. It’s one of those little moments that pulls everything together and makes the day feel real. I’ve photographed countless weddings, and every time I see a bride holding her bouquet, I feel the same flutter in my heart. That tiny bundle of flowers carries so much emotion and personality, and it can completely transform the look and feel of your wedding photos.
More Than Just Flowers
Bouquets are more than just something to hold while walking down the aisle. They can be a reflection of your personality, your style, and the overall theme of your day. Some brides choose bright, bold colors bursting with personality, while others lean into soft pastels for a more romantic, dreamy feel. I’ve seen bouquets filled with wildflowers that look like they were just picked from a meadow, and I’ve seen sleek, modern arrangements that feel chic and sophisticated.
No matter what you choose, your bouquet tells a story. It becomes part of the narrative of your wedding day and helps set the mood in every photo it touches.
The Details Matter
When I’m photographing your wedding, I pay special attention to your bouquet because it says so much about you and your day. The textures, the colors, the way the stems are wrapped, even the ribbon you chose — all those details matter. They add layers to your photos and give them depth and character.
One of my favorite moments is capturing the close-up shots of the bouquet while you’re getting ready. Those images are perfect for your album because they highlight the artistry of the florist and show off the colors you chose for your wedding palette. Later, as the day unfolds, I love photographing how your bouquet looks as you hold it during portraits, during your vows, or as you walk back up the aisle as newlyweds. It’s such a small piece of the day, but it holds so much emotion.
Tying Everything Together
Your bouquet also ties together your dress, your bridal party, and even the venue. When everything is thoughtfully coordinated, your wedding photos look even more beautiful and cohesive. That doesn’t mean things have to be matchy-matchy — actually, I love when brides pick bouquets that stand out or contrast in a stunning way. It can be such a gorgeous focal point.
Florals have this way of softening the space, making portraits feel more intimate, and adding pops of color exactly where they’re needed. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with wedding planning, know this: your bouquet can do a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to tying everything together visually.
Memories You Can Hold Onto
One of the things I always remind brides is to savor the moments with your bouquet. Before you hand it off to a bridesmaid or set it down, breathe it in, look at it, feel the texture of the petals. It’s such a simple thing, but you’ll be amazed at how much those memories mean to you later. I love capturing those little candid moments of you just enjoying your flowers. Those are often some of the most heartfelt images from the day.
A lot of couples choose to preserve their bouquets after the wedding, either by drying them, pressing them, or having them turned into keepsakes. I think that’s such a beautiful way to hold onto the magic of the day.
Tips for Picking the Perfect Bouquet
I get a lot of questions from brides about how to choose the perfect bouquet. Here are a few tips I always share:
- Think about your dress and your overall wedding vibe. Do you want classic and elegant, or loose and bohemian?
- Consider your venue and season. Lush peonies might not be available year-round, but there are gorgeous seasonal blooms that can be just as beautiful.
- Talk to your florist about your favorite flowers and colors, but also trust their expertise. They can guide you toward blooms that photograph beautifully and last throughout the day.
- Don’t be afraid to add personal touches. Maybe include a small charm, a ribbon from your grandmother, or something blue wrapped around the stems. Those little details are meaningful and photograph so well.
Your Bouquet, Your Story
Every bride I photograph has a unique story, and your bouquet is a little piece of that. It’s part of the way you express yourself and share your joy on one of the most important days of your life. When you look back at your wedding photos, you’ll see your bouquet in so many moments — held close during quiet, emotional times, swinging by your side as you laugh and celebrate, resting gently on a table as you dance the night away.
That’s why I always say the bouquet isn’t just a detail. It’s part of the heartbeat of your wedding day.
xo, Critsey