The Meal and Speeches

The speeches can be a great time for informal photography. The day is in mid-flow, the nervous parts of the day are over - well for some at least - and people are generally much more relaxed. In many weddings the photography stops when the meal starts, it is the traditional divide that signals the end of the day for the photographer. I normally stay through to just after the end of the meal. It means a few more hours but I find photographs during the speeches in particular - of the guests and the bridal party - can make some fantastic pictures.

Here are some of my favourites:-


(above) This is a candid potrait of a bridesmaid taken during the meal. There is something about this picture in black and white that I like.


A classic reaction picture. The bride is holding her hands at some youthful story told by her dad!


This shot makes for a relaxed picture. It was during the speech by the best man.


One of those 'corker' moments - when I believe the best man came out with a great line. Being in the right place at the right time is key to getting these shots.


Again, a candid portrait. This is the bride's mother at the table.