Behind the Scenes of Photographing a Disney Wedding: A Photographer’s Day-in-the-Life
Planning a wedding at Disney is a dream come true for many couples. With its enchanting locations, fairy-tale atmosphere, and magical moments, it’s no wonder that so many couples choose the Disney parks for their big day. But what’s it really like behind the lens when capturing one of these magical weddings? As a husband-and-wife photography and videography team, we’ve had the privilege of photographing numerous Disney weddings, and today, we’re taking you behind the scenes to show you what a typical wedding day looks like for us.
1. Early Morning Start: Capturing the Anticipation
The excitement starts early! Disney weddings are typically well-organized, so we arrive at the venue well before the ceremony begins. We love capturing the little moments before the event—those quiet, tender moments as the couple prepares for their big day. Whether it's the bride getting ready in her suite or the groom adjusting his tie, these moments help tell the story of the day.
The atmosphere is filled with excitement and anticipation, and it's essential to capture these raw, unposed moments. We always aim to get both candid shots and some posed ones to ensure we capture the full spectrum of emotions, from the quiet moments of reflection to the bursts of joy.
2. First Look and the Build-Up to the Ceremony
One of the most magical parts of a Disney wedding is the "first look." This is the moment when the couple sees each other for the first time before walking down the aisle. It's emotional, often filled with tears and joy, and as photographers, it’s one of our favorite moments to capture. We focus on getting wide shots to show the venue’s beauty and intimate close-ups to document the couple’s reactions.
Whether it's at Disney's elegant wedding venues like the Grand Floridian or the charming Wedding Pavilion, every location offers its own unique backdrop. Our goal is to combine the grandeur of the location with the intimate moments the couple shares with each other.
3. The Ceremony: Capturing the Magic
The Disney wedding ceremony is nothing short of magical. From the grand entrance to the vows, every moment is filled with emotion. Our role as photographers is to be present, yet unobtrusive, as we work quickly to capture candid moments without interrupting the flow of the ceremony.
Disney weddings often include unique touches, like Disney-inspired decor or music, which makes each ceremony stand out. We love capturing those details, as they’re what make each wedding special and unique to the couple. Whether it’s a Disney song playing in the background or a nod to the couple’s favorite Disney movie, these personal touches help bring the couple's story to life.
4. Post-Ceremony: A Magical Portrait Session
After the ceremony, we take the couple for their portrait session, which is another highlight of the day. This is where the magic truly comes to life. Whether we're shooting at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, or Disney’s lush gardens, every location offers incredible photo opportunities. The couple is often relaxed and excited, which makes for some truly beautiful photos.
We always strive to balance the grandeur of Disney with the couple’s unique personalities. From fun, playful shots to romantic, intimate portraits, we make sure to capture every angle and emotion. The goal is to create a gallery of images that tell the complete story of the day, from the anticipation to the celebration.
5. The Reception: Capturing the Celebration
The reception is a time for celebration, and we love capturing the energy of the event. From the couple’s first dance to the laughter during speeches, these are the moments that reflect the love and joy of the day. As photographers, we work quickly to capture every smile, every toast, and every special moment, all while blending into the background.
Disney weddings often feature spectacular receptions with unique themes, and we make sure to photograph all the fun details—whether it's a Disney-inspired cake, a fun dance-off, or the amazing fireworks that sometimes light up the sky. These are the moments that couples will cherish forever.
6. The Grand Exit: Ending the Day with a Bang
One of the most exciting parts of a Disney wedding is the grand exit. Whether the couple is leaving under a shower of rose petals, a sea of bubbles, or amidst an impressive fireworks display, we love capturing the emotion of this moment. It’s the perfect way to end the day on a high note, and we always make sure to get both candid and posed shots as the couple makes their exit.
Final Thoughts: The Magic Behind the Lens
Photographing a Disney wedding is an experience like no other. As photographers, we’re not just capturing pictures—we’re documenting a fairy tale come to life. Each wedding is filled with magic, emotion, and unforgettable moments. For couples planning their Disney wedding, choosing the right photography team is crucial to ensure that every precious moment is captured beautifully.
At JTR Media, we specialize in documenting these magical moments in a way that tells your unique love story. Whether you’re tying the knot in Disney World or at one of its many stunning resorts, we’re here to capture the magic from start to finish. Your Disney wedding deserves to be remembered in the most beautiful way possible, and we’d be honored to be a part of your special day.