WHY CATHOLIC WEDDINGS SHOULD HAVE A PHOTOGRAPHER WHO KNOWS THE SACRAMENT INSIDE & OUT TO CAPTURE THEIR WEDDING MASS
So do you really need a Catholic Wedding Photographer? Short answer, no. Slightly longer answer, wouldn’t that be so amazing?!
Hi, my name is Nikayla of Nikayla & Co., and I’m a Catholic Wedding Photographer based out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. My team and I serve the Midwest and worldwide with devout Catholic photographers and videographers. I would be delighted to discuss the possibility of being your wedding photographer. But first, let’s dive into why I think having a specifically Catholic photographer for your wedding is great!
THE DETAILS
So, let’s run through this chronologically and start with the flat lay details. When your photographer shows up, they will often ask for a box of details. This includes your rings, invitations, perfume/cologne, shoes, floral stems, etc. One thing I love to include in wedding flat lays is rosaries and religious images! Couples often have patron saints or religious items that have been special to their personal growth and relationship. I love reminding them to include those in the ‘details box’ so I can help they recall those that brought them to this day.
PRAYING TOGETHER
One of my favorite things about Catholic and Christian weddings is how enveloped the day is in prayer. Oftentimes the bridesmaids will pray over the bride and the groomsmen over the groom. Sometimes this is a super quick moment I’m not included in on. Other times, this is more of a coordinated prayer, allowing me to capture these tender moments and beautiful words spoken over the couple.
Another great way to include prayer before the ceremony is by doing what is called a ‘first prayer’ instead of a first look. Many of my couples come to me and say they don’t want to see each other before their wedding mass, but they want to be together. DING DING DING, that is where my Catholic Wedding Photographer expertise comes in! I will bring the groom into the space (sometimes the church or even a random corner) and then guide the bride in behind him. This allows them to hold hands, breathe deeply, and rest in our eternal Father’s love together before the big moment when the bride walks down the aisle.
THE MASS
Now let’s move on to the Mass – the most important part of the day. One perk of hiring a Catholic Wedding Photographer is that you know they have done Catholic Weddings before. This means, in most cases, they know how to photograph important moments while respecting the sacredness of the Mass. You also won’t be stressed about them missing a special moment. Catholic photographers, such as myself, have a sort of “routine” when it comes to photographing weddings. They know generally where they should stand to get a good angle of the procession, sign of the cross, blessing of the rings, the Consecration, offering flowers to Mary, and the show-stopping first kiss.
Have you ever entered a Catholic Church and thought, “wow, is it dark in here”? Yes, of course you have. BUT after 13 years of experience I am very comfortable shooting in dimly lit areas (and I have great equipment for it.) Some churches allow the use of flash during the procession and recession, and then ask the photographer to refrain throughout the Mass. I personally don’t love using flash and then switching to not. In my opinion, it takes some continuity out of your wedding gallery. It takes away from the church (because the people are lit, but the background is basically black.)
OK, I COULD GO INTO DETAIL ABOUT SO MANY THINGS, BUT HERE’S A BULLETED LIST TO KEEP IT BRIEF:
- They won’t be bored during your wedding mass – but fully present within it. Soaking up key points of the homily.
- If the Mass is the most important part of the day to you, why not choose a photographer who also feels/thinks the same way.
- We’ll kneel during the consecration, like one shoud.
- We won’t complain about restrictions, lighting, or “bad priests”. We will just be so excited to be welcomed into another gorgeous church. And to be photographing the moment where two become one and bread is turned into our Lord and Savior.
- We are discreet – the moment is you and the Mass, not us.
THE CATHOLIC GAP
Finally, Catholic Wedding Photographers are familiar with the “Catholic-gap” while other photographers may not be. They can guide you through how to organize photos to utilize this time most effectively or ways you can interact with your guests as well. They are also more likely to be comfortable with large families. Helping your family photo portion of the day run smoothly (because we all know Catholics love their kiddos ;)).
So, if I’ve convinced you that you DO need a Catholic Wedding Photographer, know that I or my team would be delighted to be that for you. Explore my website to browse your options and fill out a contact form to start the process!
THANKS FOR READING & HAPPY WEDDING PLANNING 🥂
Nikayla & Co. Wedding Photography, Videography, & Floral Design
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