When people think about wedding photography, the first images that usually come to mind are the bride’s preparations: the hair and makeup, the dress reveal, the champagne glasses clinking. And while those moments are undeniably beautiful, there’s another side of the story that’s just as meaningful: the groom’s shoot.
The groom’s shoot is often overlooked, yet it’s a treasure trove of raw emotion, character, and storytelling. It’s the other half of the narrative, and when combined with the bridal prep, it creates a wedding album that feels balanced, complete, and truly reflective of the day.
The groom’s shoot is usually a little more relaxed in atmosphere compared to the bridal suite. Instead of hairspray and makeup brushes, there’s banter, laughter, sometimes nerves, and usually a playlist running in the background. There might be a quiet toast with the groomsmen, or a father giving a last-minute pep talk. It’s a space where the anticipation builds in its own way — less sparkle, perhaps, but equally powerful in storytelling.
I often find that grooms underestimate how much these moments will mean to them later. Looking back at the photos of buttoning a jacket, fixing a tie, or sharing a laugh with friends often brings back the exact atmosphere of that morning.
Weddings are not one-sided events. By photographing both preparations, your wedding album shows two perspectives coming together into one. The bride’s world is filled with detail and anticipation — but so is the groom’s. Seeing the day from both vantage points gives a richer, more emotional narrative.
The groom’s shoot often captures moments that are surprisingly tender. A groom who might usually keep his emotions close will often have little flickers of nerves: a deep breath while tying his shoes, or a smile breaking through as he opens a letter from his bride-to-be. These are fleeting expressions that become priceless to look back on.
Much like the bride’s dress, the groom’s suit and accessories are a carefully chosen reflection of personality and style. From cufflinks to socks, watches to cologne, these finishing touches deserve to be documented. They tell part of the couple’s story — sometimes even carrying sentimental value, like a grandfather’s pocket watch or personalised cufflinks gifted by the bride.
The groom’s shoot isn’t just about the groom — it’s about the people who stand beside him. Groomsmen straightening ties, brothers exchanging inside jokes, or a father adjusting his son’s jacket. These photographs preserve the bonds of friendship and family, the people who helped shape the groom into the man standing at the altar.
Every groom is different — some are naturally comfortable in front of the camera, while others are more reserved. That’s perfectly fine. My approach to the groom’s shoot is simple: keep things natural and relaxed.
I’ll usually start with the details — the suit hanging, shoes polished, cufflinks waiting. Then we’ll move into the “getting ready” sequence: buttoning shirts, tying ties, adjusting jackets. These moments flow naturally and don’t require forced posing.
Once everyone’s ready, we’ll capture some portraits — a mix of editorial-style shots and candid ones. Some of my favourite images are of the groom with his groomsmen, whether it’s a serious group portrait or a burst of laughter over an inside joke. If time allows, I love creating a couple of strong solo portraits too — timeless images that capture the confidence and anticipation of the day.
Here are a few simple things that make a world of difference:
When couples receive their wedding galleries, they often tell me how much they love seeing the “other side” of the morning. The bride gets to see her groom’s anticipation — the way he carefully prepared, the expressions she didn’t see before walking down the aisle. And the groom gets to relive the camaraderie and quiet moments before one of the biggest steps of his life.
I’ve had grooms tell me they never thought they’d care about these photos, only to later admit they’re some of their favourites. That jacket being buttoned, the high-five from a best man, the way the room felt before everything began — it’s priceless.
The groom’s shoot isn’t just about getting dressed — it’s about capturing anticipation, personality, and connection. It’s about preserving the laughter, nerves, and camaraderie that make the wedding day so unique.
So while the bridal preparations often take the spotlight, the groom’s prep deserves to shine too. After all, your wedding story is about both of you, and when the morning is captured from both perspectives, your photographs become so much more than a collection of images — they become a complete, timeless record of the day you both said “I do.”
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