What is This Magic We Call Golden Hour?

Simply put, golden hour is the period shortly after sunrise and, most beautifully for weddings, the hour right before sunset. But its effect is anything but simple.

Unlike the harsh, overhead sun of midday that can create unflattering shadows, the light during golden hour is soft, directional, and dimensional. It wraps around you like a warm embrace, making your skin glow, setting the landscape ablaze in gold, and creating an ethereal, cinematic quality that cannot be replicated. It is the light of romance, the poetry of the day’s end, and the secret ingredient to creating true photographic heirlooms.

Weaving Magic into Your Timeline

“But we’ll be at our reception then!” is a thought many couples have, and it’s a valid one. This is where trust and intentional planning come into play. Crafting the perfect wedding day timeline with your planner and photographer is key.

We ask our couples to set aside just 15-20 minutes to sneak away from the joyful buzz of the reception. Think of it not as an interruption, but as a private escape. It’s a moment for the two of you to breathe, to reconnect, to look at each other and say, “We did it,” all while we quietly capture the most exquisite light of the day. These 15 minutes will yield a gallery of images so stunning, they will feel like they belong in a fairytale.

Beyond the Kiss: Creative Ideas for Your Golden Hour Portraits

This magical light invites creativity and play. While a simple, romantic portrait is always breathtaking, here are a few ideas to make your golden hour session even more special:

• The Cinematic Stroll: Simply walk hand-in-hand through a field or along a coastal path. As you move and interact naturally, the low, golden sun will create long, romantic shadows and catch the light in your hair, creating images that feel like stills from a classic film.
• A Celebratory Toast: Let’s pop a fresh bottle of champagne! The spray catching the golden backlight creates a dynamic, joyful, and utterly celebratory image that encapsulates the happiness of the day.
• The Veil's Embrace: If you have a long veil, this is its moment to shine. A gentle toss in the breeze will allow it to catch the golden light, creating an ethereal, floating effect that is pure magic.
• The Whispered Secret: In this intimate light, we love to capture the quiet moments. Lean in and share a secret, a whisper, or a soft laugh. The focus is on your connection, illuminated by that perfect, warm glow.
• The Timeless Silhouette: As the sun dips just below the horizon, we can use its final, powerful rays to create a dramatic and timeless silhouette. This classic shot focuses entirely on your two forms becoming one, a powerful symbol of your union.