Alex and Charles

Sometimes as a wedding photographer you get a couple that’s your dream couple. For me, that was Alex and Charles. These two were the adventurous bride and groom that were willing to try out a few odd ideas to get amazing pictures. Plus they were so dang in love that the photos were easy: you can see it in their faces.

COVID weddings run a little bit differently from the typical wedding. The getting ready shots get cut short, so we started right at the first look.

Of course I had to include a silhouette against the beautiful sky. Alex and Charles indulged me by climbing up to the bluff.

First looks are a great choice for couples who want a bit more time for their photos and no stress about getting back to their guests after the ceremony. They’re also a perfect chance to show off your personalities, like this classy a** grab.

One of the challenges of first looks is that they often take place in the middle of the day when the sunlight can be overwhelming. I make sure to bring my couples to the shade to make sure those wedding photos turn out beautifully. If the sun keeps causing problems, you can always combat it by adding in some of your own light. You’d never guess it, but we were using a groomsman as a lighting assistant here to add in our own light.

One of the best things about adding your own lighting is that you can create some gorgeous landscape shots that take your portraits to the next level. Sometimes it’s nice to have a beautiful photo with you in it rather than a beautiful photo of you.

As part of their first look, Alex and Charles exchanged letters that they had written to each other. Of course their nerves got in the way and at first they moved too fast for a good photo. I asked them to do it one more time and they spent a good few minutes passing the letters back and forth to get the best picture. I knew we’d gotten the right one when I snapped this picture of Alex tearing up. I love a good tear.

Of course no COVID wedding is complete without a mask photo.

Speaking of a good tear, there were some wet eyes during the ceremony too.

Followed by a good dip. Charles was a champion dipper.

When I said that these two were so in love, I wasn’t kidding. Everyone wants a picture of their spouse looking at them the way Alex looks at Charles.

As the reception was wrapping up I knew I wanted a few more photos that would really pop and I made a suggestion that I never expected they would go along with: jump in a fountain for some pictures. Of course Alex and Charles are not your typical bride and groom and they went right for it. It just shows the benefits of being open to something a little bit wild in your wedding photos.

Couple: Alex and Charles
Location: The Waterfront, LaCrosse, WI
Date: July 25, 2020