Alright, lovebirds, gather ‘round! Victoria here, your go-to Hudson Valley wedding photographer capturing love across Hudson Valley, Catskills and beyond. Now, if you’re wondering how to stunning create summer wedding photos because you’re dreaming of a summer wedding, you’ve probably got visions of sun-kissed portraits, golden hour glows, and vibrant backdrops dancing in your heads. And let me tell you, those dreams can absolutely come true! But, much like trying to keep your cool when your future spouse forgets to put the toilet seat down again, summer weddings come with their own unique… quirks.

But fear not, my delightful darlings! As someone who’s wrangled more sunshine than a field of sunflowers and captured more “I do’s” than a justice of the peace, I’m here to spill the tea (or perhaps, a refreshing glass of iced lemonade) on how to create summer wedding photos that are so stunning, they’ll make even your most stoic aunt shed a tear. We’re talking magazine-cover worthy, tear-jerkingly beautiful, “frame every single one” kind of photos.

 

The Golden Rule on How to Create Stunning Summer Wedding Photos (and the Golden Hour!)

💡 SECTION 1: The Golden Rule — It’s All About the Light

Beautiful wedding photos don’t happen by accident. They happen by intention.

• The golden rule: Lighting is everything—especially in summer.

• Harsh midday sun can wash out details and create unflattering shadows.

• Enter: Golden Hour—nature’s built-in filter and a photographer’s dream.

 

☀️ SECTION 2: What Is Golden Hour & Why It’s Non-Negotiable

• Occurs during the hour after sunrise and before sunset.

• Soft, diffused, golden light that flatters all skin tones and captures romance like no other.

• Why luxury photographers plan their entire shot list around it.

🕰️ SECTION 3: How to Build Golden Hour into Your Wedding Timeline

• Coordinate with your planner and photographer in advance.

• Schedule 15–30 mins for golden hour portraits — even during cocktail hour.

• First Look or post-ceremony sunset shots? You can do both with smart planning.

🎯 Pro tip: Use a golden hour calculator for your wedding date + location.

📸 SECTION 4: From Good to Iconic — The Photographer’s Secret Sauce

• Why seasoned photographers chase golden hour.

• Skin looks radiant. Details pop. Emotions feel cinematic.

• It elevates everything from florals to dress texture to candid moments.

• Pull in a real quote from a photographer:

“Golden hour is when the magic happens—it’s when we create art, not just pictures.”

🌾 SECTION 5: A Real Moment at Gilbertsville: Pure Summer Magic

• Share a real story from a past summer wedding:

“As the sun began to dip behind the Catskills, Kelsey and Matt stepped into the pasture. Her dress glowed, his eyes sparkled, and for a moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the world.”

• Highlight how it was planned into the day and how the couple felt about the results.

💼 SECTION 6: Golden Hour Must-Haves (for Luxury Results)

• ✨ A second outfit, dramatic veil, or statement bouquet

• 🕶️ Touch-up kit for a dewy glow (not a sweaty shine)

• 📸 A photographer who specializes in golden light

• 📍 A venue with west-facing or open-sky views (like Gilbertsville Farmhouse)

 

💌 OUTRO: Let the Light Tell Your Love Story

“Your love deserves to be captured in its best light—literally. The golden rule isn’t just about timing. It’s about creating moments that feel as beautiful as they look.”

CTA:

🎯 Planning a summer wedding? Let’s design your timeline with golden hour magic in mind. Contact us today and let the light lead the way.

 

Playing Hide-and-Seek with the Midday Sun (and Winning!)

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But Victoria, my ceremony is at 2 PM! What then?” Ah, my astute little photographic apprentices, this is where we get strategic. The midday sun can be a real bully, casting harsh shadows that make even the most angelic faces look a bit… villainous. But we’ve got tricks up our sleeves!

• Find Your Shade Sanctuary: Think of shade as your personal superhero. A majestic oak tree, the elegant overhang of your venue, or even a well-placed building can become your best friend. Shade acts like a giant, natural softbox, diffusing the light and making everyone look angelic. It’s like putting a beauty filter on the entire scene, but in real life!
• Embrace the Backlight Ballet: This is one of my favorite moves. Instead of having the sun directly on your faces (which leads to squinting and harsh shadows), we can turn you so your backs are to the sun. This creates a gorgeous “rim light” around your hair and shoulders, making you practically glow. It’s like you’ve got your own personal halo. Just make sure your photographer knows how to properly expose for your faces, or you’ll end up looking like beautiful silhouettes (which, while artistic, might not be what you’re going for!).
• The Reflector: Your Secret Weapon: Imagine a giant silver or gold disc. No, it’s not for serving pizza! This humble tool can be a game-changer. It bounces light back onto your faces, filling in those pesky shadows and softening everything up. It’s like having a portable sun, but a much nicer, gentler one.

 

Beyond the Light: Posing, Play, and Personality

While light is the foundation, your photos are really about you – your love, your joy, and your unique story.

• Movement is Your Muse: Don’t just stand there like a pair of garden gnomes! Summer weddings are vibrant, lively affairs. Twirl, dance, walk hand-in-hand, have a little impromptu dip. Flowy dresses and veils absolutely sing when they’re in motion. These candid moments of pure joy are often the ones that truly tug at the heartstrings. Remember that scene in every rom-com where the couple is just utterly, blissfully in love? That’s what we’re aiming for.
• Utilize Your Environment: Summer venues often boast lush greenery, vibrant flowers, or breathtaking vistas. Let’s use them! Frame your shots with those blossoming trees, incorporate the stunning architecture of your venue, or capture wide shots that showcase the grandeur of your chosen location. Think of your surroundings as supporting characters in your love story.
• Details, Details, Details: It’s not just about the big moments. It’s about the little things that make your day uniquely yours. The delicate lace on your dress, the intricate design on your cake, the laughter lines around your grandma’s eyes, the way your partner nervously adjusts their tie. These are the threads that weave together the tapestry of your wedding day.
• Props with Panache: Want to add a touch of summer whimsy? Consider incorporating props! A stylish parasol can be both a chic accessory and a functional shade provider. Sparklers for an evening send-off create magical light trails. Or perhaps just a refreshing glass of bubbly, capturing that moment of pure bliss. Just don’t get so caught up in the props that you forget to enjoy the actual moment!

 

Battling the Summer Beasties (Heat and Humidity!)

Let’s be real, summer isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes, it’s sunshine and… sweat. But don’t let the heat wilt your spirits (or your carefully applied makeup!).

• Hydration Station: This might seem obvious, but it’s paramount. Keep water, and plenty of it, readily available for yourselves, your bridal party, and especially your photographer (we’re working hard out there!).
• Beat the Heat with Smart Attire: While you want to look your best, consider lighter fabrics and breathable styles if your wedding is in the peak of summer. Your comfort will translate into genuine smiles in your photos.
• Makeup for Meltdown Prevention: Invest in a professional makeup artist who knows how to create a look that will withstand the heat and humidity. Waterproof everything, darling, waterproof everything.
• Strategic Breaks: Don’t try to power through hours of photos in the blazing sun. Plan for short breaks in air-conditioned spaces or cool, shady spots. A few minutes to regroup and refresh can make all the difference in maintaining your energy and enthusiasm.

 

The Bottom Line: Trust Your Team, Embrace the Moment

Ultimately, creating stunning summer wedding photos is a collaborative effort. Choose a photographer whose style you adore and, just as importantly, whose personality gels with yours. They’re your guide through the photographic landscape of your wedding day.

And finally, my dear couples, remember this: while beautiful photos are the goal, the real magic lies in the experience of your wedding day. Be present, soak in every moment, laugh until your cheeks hurt, and don’t be afraid to let your personalities shine. Because when you’re truly enjoying yourselves, that joy will radiate from every single frame, creating photos that aren’t just stunning, but deeply, beautifully yours.

So go forth, explore how to create stunning summer wedding photos, plan that gorgeous summer wedding, and get ready to capture memories that will make your heart sing for decades to come!

💌 Let’s connect!