The Importance of Taking Time For Yourselves on Your Wedding Day | Cardiff Wedding Photographer Explains
Your wedding day is one of the most exciting, emotional, and love-filled moments you’ll ever experience. But it can also go by in a flash. As a Cardiff wedding photographer who’s had the honour of capturing weddings across South Wales and beyond, I’ve seen first-hand how quickly the day goes. While your couples portraits are important, it’s also important that you take some time just to be for yourselves, and to enjoy that intentional time being married amidst the celebrations.
Whether you're tying the knot in a larger venue like Hensol Castle, or a quiet countryside setting, having a few peaceful moments alone is not only good for the soul, it’s perfect for natural, relaxed photography too.
Why It Matters on Your Wedding Day
Between morning preparations, family portraits, speeches, and the dance floor, it's easy to feel pulled in every direction. But remember: this day is about you two. Taking just 10 to 20 minutes together allows you to pause, reflect, and reconnect.
As a South Wales wedding photographer, I always aim to help you build in quiet time during your schedule, so you don’t miss out on a chance to just be. These are the moments that ground you and help the day feel real. Because it won’t. It will not feel real.
These Might Just Be The Ones You Frame
And send on the thank you cards. (Yes this is your reminder that you need to do that - Auntie Karen is expecting one.) There is something so delightful and magical about the pause. It’s a chance to take in the fact that—you’re freakin’ married!
These moments are full of raw emotion, laughter, whispered words, and sometimes even happy tears (and a lot of ‘can you believe it?’. They’re the photos you’ll keep framed on your wall for years to come.
Planning Quiet Time Into Your Wedding Photography Timeline
If you’re working with a Cardiff wedding photographer who understands how important this time is (hi, that’s me!), it’s easy to make space for it in your timeline. I always chat with my couples (hey, that’s you!) about the best times of day to step away, whether it’s after the ceremony, during golden hour, or just before the reception begins.
This isn't just about photos. It's about giving yourselves a breather, a hug, or a little walk together in the sunshine.
A Tip for South Wales Wedding Couples (that’s you!)
South Wales is full of incredible wedding venues, from coastal cliffs to rustic barns and elegant manor houses and FREAKIN CASTLES. No matter the location, there's always a quiet spot nearby - fields, gardens, or even hidden corners of your venue, where you (we) can escape for a few minutes together. I’ll usually get to the venue a little early so I can go and scout, though we will have time during our pre wedding chat and figure out where’s best if you’ve seen the venue already.
And if you just aren’t sure, as your South Wales wedding photographer, I’ll help you find that perfect spot and gently guide you into natural, meaningful moments without making it feel staged.
When you look back on your wedding, you’ll remember that seeing each other on the day, first hug after the first kiss, the kind and often embarrassing words during speeches, the dancing, and all your people. Though the day goes by fast, and there’s a lot to take in, you’ll remember how you felt, especially in your moments together.
Take that time. Breathe it in. And know that you’ll have photographs to remember not just what your wedding looked like, but how it felt.
Planning your wedding in Cardiff or South Wales? Or anywhere for that matter?
If you're looking for a relaxed, storytelling approach to your day with someone who’ll help you slow down and soak it all in, I’d love to chat. As a Cardiff-based wedding photographer, I cover weddings all over South Wales, the surrounding areas like Bristol, Bath, and beyond. Basically, wherever you are, I’ll be there, too. (Did someone say destination wedding?!)
Let’s capture the calm between the chaos, your moments that matter.
