The pressure of your wedding day is real… but it doesn’t have to steal the spotlight. I am Cesare Piaser, and as a photographer I’ve witnessed hundreds of love stories unfold and trust me, the most magical moments come when couples let go, trust the process, and just live the moment. If you are looking for THE best way to approach the big day, here are my Paris wedding photographer tips for you.
Whether you’re tying the knot by the Eiffel Tower or in a hidden Parisian courtyard, managing stress is key to getting those glowing, emotional, real photos you’ll treasure forever.
So, how do you stay calm, natural, and fully present ? In this article I am giving you my personal tips, tried, tested, and inspired by real Parisian love stories to help you make the most of your day without the overwhelm.
- Build a relationship with your photographer before the big day
- Schedule an engagement session to break the ice
- Trust your photographer and vendors on the big day
- Focus on being yourselves and forget the camera
- Embrace the unexpected with a smile
- Prepare all essentials the night before
- Eat well and stay hydrated
- Plan for couple portraits in Paris’ most magical spots
- Bonus tips from a seasoned Paris wedding photographer
1. Build a relationship with your photographer before the big day
Take time to connect during video calls or in-person meetings
So here is my first Paris wedding photographer tip : building a real connection with your wedding photographer before the big day can change everything.
I remember a couple, Shahad and Amine who booked me for their Paris wedding almost a year in advance. They were sweet but quite reserved during our first video call. It was clear they weren’t totally comfortable yet, which is actually really common. Most people don’t feel natural in front of a camera, and that’s totally normal. That’s why I always suggest starting simple — a casual call, even just to chat and get to know each other, with no pressure.
By the end of that first meeting, we were already talking about our points of interests and Paris venues. That’s why I recommend you to make sure your first meeting with your Paris wedding photographer goes well. It may sound trivial, but when you’re being photographed on such an emotional day, feeling a personal connection really makes a difference. You’ll feel like there’s a friend behind the lens, not just a professional doing a job.
I invite you to take a look at this Paris wedding photo shoot to see how relaxed I want my clients to feel.
Make sure your personalities and visions align
This is so important. You could hire the most technically skilled photographer in Paris, but if your personalities clash, it’s going to show : in your mood, your comfort level, and ultimately, your photos.
For example, I once worked with a couple who wanted very editorial, Vogue-style images, while I naturally lean toward candid storytelling. We only realised the difference after a quick scroll through their inspiration board. From there, we adjusted. As I also do editorial photoshoots, I adapted my shooting style a bit, and they understood which moments I would focus on. That kind of clarity only happens when you have honest conversations ahead of time.
Some couples know exactly what they want. Others are still figuring it out. Both are totally fine, but talk about it openly, and early. Share galleries you love, talk about the kind of vibe you’re drawn to, and listen to your photographer’s input. A shared vision avoids surprises later.
Understand each other’s expectations and working style
Every photographer has a rhythm. Some are hands-on and will guide you through every pose. Others, like me, prefer a more observational approach, letting the day unfold naturally while staying ready to capture the magic.
That’s why I always ask my couples: what do you expect from me ? Do you want someone giving direction throughout the day, or do you prefer I blend in and shoot from the background ? Are there specific people or moments that absolutely need to be captured ? The clearer we are, the better the experience on both sides.
One tip : don’t be afraid to ask your photographer about how they work during chaotic moments. Things rarely go exactly as planned. A good photographer knows how to adapt. But again, if you’ve never talked about it, you might not realise that they’ve already planned two to three backup options if it rains or if timing runs late.
In the end, it’s not just about photos. It’s about trust, chemistry, and being aligned so that when the big day comes, you’re free to focus on what really matters: living every second of it. And all these details are the ones you should keep in mind in advance of your first contact with your Paris wedding photographer.
Please check the article for more information.
2. Schedule an engagement session to break the ice
Practice being in front of the camera without pressure
I always say this to my couples: the engagement session isn’t just about pretty photos — it’s your rehearsal, without the pressure of the big day.
There is no dress code needed, no timeline, no bouquet to carry or guests watching. Just the two of you walking, laughing, being yourselves. After this you will get comfortable in a minute and forget about the camera. That’s exactly the goal, to make you feel like you’re simply spending time together, while I quietly capture those moments.
Usually when the wedding day come, my clients are naturals. They move freely, smile more, and don’t look at the lens wondering “do I look okay ?” Because we had already broken that ice.
Build trust and chemistry with your photographer
Engagement shoots are also a chance to test the real chemistry between you and your photographer. It’s one thing to like their photos online, it’s another to see how they make you feel in person.
For me, it’s about tuning in. Do I need to guide you more, or just let you be ? Do you like playful photos, or something more soft and romantic ? I learn all that during the session. And you learn how I work, how I shoot, direct when needed, and blend into the moment when it counts.
I’ve had couples tell me, “We didn’t think we’d enjoy the shoot this much.” That joy is important. Because when you trust the person behind the camera, you open up and that’s when the real, meaningful photos happen.
Feel more confident and relaxed on the wedding day
Confidence doesn’t just come from how you look, it comes from being familiar with the process. When you’ve already had that engagement session, you walk into your wedding knowing what to expect. No awkward silences, no guessing where to stand or what to do with your hands.
You’ll recognise the rhythm. The way I give light direction. The pauses where I let you just be. That familiarity turns what could be stressful into something comforting.
And let’s not forget, you also walk away from the session with beautiful, informal images of a moment in your life you won’t get back. It’s not just practice, it’s a memory in itself. So yes, schedule that engagement session. You’ll thank yourself later when the wedding day feels like the second chapter of a story that already began : calmly, joyfully, and with complete trust.
3. Trust your photographer and vendors on the big day
Let the pros handle lighting, timing, and unforeseen challenges
I’ve seen it so many times, couples trying to control every detail on the wedding day, phone in hand, checking schedules and worrying about the weather. And I get it. You’ve spent months, sometimes years, planning this day. But here’s the truth: once the day begins, it’s no longer about controlling every second, it’s about letting go.
I remember a wedding in the 6th arrondissement. The ceremony was set for late afternoon, with golden light planned for couple portraits. But clouds rolled in, fast, and it started drizzling 30 minutes early. The couple started to panic, understandably. But I had already scouted a sheltered passage nearby and adjusted my lighting setup.
We shot the couple session under soft rain with an old stone archway as our backdrop. It turned out to be their favorite set of photos. You wouldn’t believe how many of those “plan B” moments become magic but only if we, the pros, are allowed to do our job with trust and flexibility.
Avoid micromanaging = peace of mind for everybody
As a Paris wedding photographer, another tip I would like to give you for the benefit of everybody involved is : don’t micromanage. Micromanaging your team on the wedding day is the fastest route to stress. And not just for you, it affects your energy, your guests energy and even your photos.
Compare that to couples who fully delegate : either to a planner, a trusted friend, or just by trusting their vendors. They smile more, move more naturally, and genuinely enjoy their day. That joy? It shows in every frame.
From my side as a paris wedding photographer, when couples let go, I can focus fully — on chasing the light, capturing the unscripted emotions, adapting when things shift. Because they always shift. But those are my job to handle, not yours.
Enjoy the moment knowing everything is in good hands
You’ve chosen your vendors for a reason. Hopefully, after multiple calls, shared ideas, and planning sessions, you feel a sense of confidence in them. Lean into that.
When you allow yourself to enjoy the present without worrying about the order of speeches or where the cake is, something shifts. Your shoulders drop. You smile without thinking. You’re no longer performing a perfect wedding, you’re living your real one.
And as your photographer, that’s where I find the magic. Not in stiff, controlled poses. But in the laughter between moments, the quick glances, the deep breaths before walking down the aisle.
So hand it over. Trust the team you’ve chosen. Let yourself be surprised. Because often, the most beautiful moments are the ones you never planned at all.
4. Focus on being yourselves and forget the camera
Authentic emotions create the most powerful images
If there’s one thing I’ve learned after years of photographing weddings in Paris and across France, it’s this : authenticity wins, every time. The raw, unfiltered emotion of a couple who’s truly present is what creates the kind of photos that move people.
The camera isn’t there to judge you, it’s there to reflect what you’re feeling. And I want you to keep in mind what you would like to feel in a few years when you look back to the photos.
Have fun and don’t hold back
Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions. You’ll feel nervous, joyful, maybe even overwhelmed. And that’s okay, just feel it all. Hug your grandma for long minutes if you feel like it. Cry if you need to during the vows. Dance like you used to when you were teenagers in your living room. All of it matters.
I can always tell when a couple is trying to look “perfect” with tight smiles, hands posed just so, glancing at the camera like it’s a mirror. And I get it, it’s natural to want to look your best. But your best doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from connection. From presence. From that feeling of “this is our day, let’s live it fully.”
Some of the most beautiful photos I’ve ever taken happened when people forgot I was there. Like a groom wiping lipstick off his cheek after the first kiss. Or a couple cracking up mid-ceremony because a kid dropped the rings. Real memories. Not staged.
The best photos often come when you’re not even posing
Let’s be honest : posing can be awkward. That’s why I don’t rely on rigid poses. I guide gently, then step back. I might ask you to walk hand-in-hand or whisper something silly to each other. But I’m always watching for that shift : when you stop performing and start being.
So here’s my advice: let go of the idea of being “camera-ready.” You already are, simply by being yourselves. Forget the lens. Trust the moment. And let the emotions lead the way. That’s where the magic lives.
5. Embrace the unexpected with a smile
Stay flexible and keep a positive mindset
What I’ve noticed is that the energy of the couple sets the tone for the whole day. If you stay calm and positive, your guests will follow. Your vendors will adapt. And most importantly, you will remember the day with joy, not stress.
Being flexible isn’t just about reacting well, it’s about expecting that something won’t go to plan and deciding in advance to handle it with grace. It’s freeing, honestly. You don’t have to fight the day. Just flow with it.
These little stories often become your fondest memories
Years from now, when you look at your wedding photos or talk about the day with friends, it won’t be the perfect floral arch or the scheduled timing that comes up first. It’ll be the funny little hiccups, the boutonnière that wouldn’t stay on, the flower girl who refused to walk down the aisle, or the spontaneous street musician who crashed your photo session by the Seine. So when the unexpected happens , and sometimes it will, take a breath and don’t worry. Trust that sometimes, the unplanned moments end up being the most unforgettable ones. In a good way.
6. Prepare all essentials the night before
Organize dresses, accessories, invitations, rings ahead of time
The calmest mornings I’ve witnessed on wedding days always have one thing in common : the couple was prepared the night before. It sounds obvious, but in the rush of last-minute emotions and excitement, it’s incredibly easy to forget small (but crucial) details.
I always advise couples to create a “wedding box” the night before. Lay out the dress or suit, shoes, cufflinks, earrings, printed vows, perfume, flat-lay details , even backup safety pins or stain remover wipes. Place everything together, ready to go. It’s a simple habit that saves a lot of worry.
Avoid a chaotic morning and start the day feeling calm
Mornings set the tone. If your first hours are rushed, with missing items or unanswered questions flying around, it’s really hard to fully settle into the joy of the moment. I’ve seen brides who couldn’t enjoy their makeup session because someone was still looking for the flower girl’s shoes.
The couples who start the day calm, smiling, and grounded are the ones who truly feel their wedding, not just go through the motions. And that calmness always reflects in the photos. There’s a softness in their posture, a quiet joy in their expression. That kind of energy is contagious, and it carries through the entire day.
A little preparation the night before brings mental space. You’re not wondering if you forgot the invitations or if your partner knows where the boutonnière is. You’re present.
Allow buffer time in your timeline for smooth transitions
Another game-changer? Add buffers into your timeline. Don’t plan everything down to the minute. Leave ten or fifteen extra minutes between your morning prep and the ceremony, or between the ceremony and your couple portraits.
People underestimate how long it takes just to move from place to place, or to gather everyone for a photo. Plus, those little buffers give space to breathe, to hug your parents and spend quality time with them, to sip champagne with your bridesmaids, or just to look out the window and realize this is really happening.
So yes, prep your details. Pack everything neatly. Build in time to slow down. You’ll thank yourself in the morning, and your whole wedding day will feel smoother, calmer, and more connected because of it.
7. Eat well and stay hydrated
Don’t skip meals : your energy is everything
One lesson I’ve learned working as a wedding photographer is that no matter how much adrenaline is flowing, skipping meals is never a good idea. I’ve seen brides and grooms try to “power through” the day on just coffee and a quick breakfast and by mid-afternoon, they’re exhausted, sometimes even dizzy. Your energy fuels everything: your smile, your laughter, even your patience.
Keep snacks and water nearby, especially during portraits
Portrait sessions often take longer than people expect, especially when you want to explore beautiful spots around Paris like the Tuileries or along the Seine. Waiting around can be surprisingly draining, so having snacks and water close is key.
I always suggest couples pack small, easy-to-carry snacks: nuts, energy bars, fruit slices and definitely water bottles. Staying hydrated helps with nerves and keeps your skin looking fresh, which makes a big difference in photos.
A nourished body means clearer emotions and better photos
At the heart of it, wedding photography is about capturing genuine emotions. And emotions are hardest to express when you’re not feeling at 100%. A nourished body helps keep your mind clear, your mood stable, and your feelings honest.
I once told a bride, “Think of yourself like a marathon runner, not a sprinter. This day is long, so you need to fuel up.” She laughed but took the advice seriously, munching on fruit and sipping water throughout the day.
So remember: eating well and drinking enough water is essential. It helps you stay present, enjoy every moment, and ultimately, makes your wedding photos shine with the best version of you.
8. Plan for couple portraits in Paris’ most magical spots
Choose one or two iconic locations
Paris is full of incredible spots for wedding portraits, but picking the right place can make all the difference. I always recommend couples choose one or two iconic locations, think the Pont Alexandre III or the gardens of Palais Royal but avoid the busiest tourist areas during peak hours. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where the beauty of Paris shines without the crowds stealing your moment.
Have a look at this article on great places for a Paris wedding photo session.
One wedding I shot near the Louvre early in the morning was perfect because we caught the quiet streets before the tourists arrived. Another time, I suggested a lesser-known corner in the Marais with ivy-covered walls and vintage street lamps. These spots add a timeless charm without the stress of too many passersby.
Allocate time for a peaceful couple session away from the rush
Couple portraits aren’t just about snapping photos, they’re also a chance to pause together amid the whirlwind of the day. I always advise setting aside at least 30 to 45 minutes for a calm, uninterrupted session. This gives you time to relax, connect, and really enjoy the moment, which translates into more natural, heartfelt photos.
I’ve seen rushed sessions where the couple is glancing at their watches or feeling the pressure of waiting guests. It shows. When there’s space to breathe, the smiles are softer, the looks more genuine. Plus, it’s a rare quiet moment for just the two of you so you must savor it.
Let the beauty of Paris elevate your photo story
The city of Paris is a whole character in your wedding story. The elegant architecture, the cobblestone streets, the soft glow of street lamps at dusk, all of these add layers of romance and history to your images.
I always tell couples to rely on the city’s magic. Sometimes, a simple walk along the Seine or a quiet spot by the Pont des Arts creates moments no studio or garden could match. Your photos become not only about you, but also about the timeless love story set against the City of Light.
So, plan wisely, pick your favorite corners, and let Paris do what it does best: make your wedding memories unforgettable.
Bonus tips from a seasoned Paris wedding photographer
Plan a first look to calm the nerves
One of my favorite tips I share with couples is to plan a “first look” moment before the ceremony. It’s a private time when you see each other for the first time, away from the crowd. This can really help calm those butterflies swirling in your stomach. I’ve witnessed many couples who started tense and nervous, but as soon as they saw each other, everything relaxed : the smiles got genuine, and the day just flowed better.
This moment also gives us a chance to capture raw, intimate emotions without the pressure of the timeline rushing in. So, if nerves are creeping in, consider this little ritual. It makes a huge difference.
Choose comfortable shoes for walking between locations
Paris is a city made for walking and your wedding day will likely involve moving between beautiful spots for photos, ceremonies, and receptions. I’ve seen plenty of brides bravely rocking stunning heels at the start, only to swap them for flats halfway through because their feet were hurting.
Trust me, comfortable shoes can save your day. If you want to wear fancy shoes for the ceremony, bring a chic pair of flats or stylish sneakers for later. Your feet will thank you, and your photos will capture your energy, not your discomfort.
It’s about celebrating your love, not planning a perfect show
Finally, the best advice I can give : don’t get caught up in chasing a perfect day. There will be little glitches like a gust of wind messing with the veil, a flower falling off, or an unexpected delay. That’s okay. What truly matters is the love between you two, the laughter, and the memories you create.
Your wedding photos should tell your story, real and imperfectly beautiful. When you embrace this mindset, everything else falls into place. And as a photographer, I promise, those authentic moments are what make my job the most rewarding.
Key points to remember
Managing the pressure on your wedding day in Paris is all about
- preparation, trust, and staying true to yourselves
- building a strong relationship with your photographer
- planning engagement sessions
- trusting your vendors
- preparing essentials the night before
- eating well, staying hydrated, and embracing the unexpected with a smile
- taking time for couple portraits
As a Paris wedding photographer, I’ve seen how these simple tips help couples feel calm, confident, and truly enjoy their big day.
If you’re looking for more advice or want to capture your wedding story in the City of Light, don’t hesitate to reach out.
FAQ – Paris wedding photographer tips
What are your Paris wedding photographer tips to feel more relaxed in front of the camera on my wedding day?
Scheduling an engagement session with your Paris wedding photographer is one of the best ways to feel more at ease. It allows you to practice posing naturally, build trust with your photographer, and feel more confident when the big day arrives.
How do I choose the right Wedding photographer for my personality?
Start by scheduling a video call or in-person meeting. Make sure your personalities and visions align. Ask to see full galleries from past weddings and talk openly about your expectations. A good connection is key to relaxed, authentic photos.
Should I plan couple portraits at a famous Paris landmarks?
Yes, but choose wisely. Iconic spots like Pont Alexandre III or Palais Royal are beautiful but can be crowded. Ask your photographer for recommendations on hidden gems or plan your shoot early in the morning or just before sunset to avoid crowds and get the best light.
How can I manage stress on the day itself?
Delegate responsibilities to your trusted vendors. Let your photographer and planner handle logistics, lighting, and timing. The less you micromanage, the more you can enjoy the moment and feel present.
What are your best Paris wedding photographer tips to stay calm and grounded on the wedding day?
Prepare all your essentials the night before : outfits, rings, invitations. Eat well, stay hydrated, and take deep breaths. Most importantly, focus on enjoying the experience rather than chasing perfection. Authentic emotions always make the best photos.
Is a first look a good idea for a Paris wedding?
Absolutely. A first look is a private, emotional moment before the ceremony that helps calm nerves. It also gives you more time for couple portraits and lets you share an intimate memory without the pressure of the crowd.
How can I make the most of my Paris wedding photos?
Trust your photographer, choose a few meaningful locations, and be yourselves. Laugh, cry, dance — the more genuine your emotions, the more powerful the photos will be. Let the city of Paris enhance your love story naturally.
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