How do you plan on capturing the beauty of the season in the fall? Have you sat down with your photographer and made a plan on capturing not only the moments of your wedding, but how to incorporate the season’s beauty into your photos? Fall is a beautiful season alone. Now imagine saying “I do” amongst the glory autumn has to offer. Most fall couples select fall for the season. They want to be immersed in all the season has to offer. We’ve worked more than a handful of weddings in this season and we’ve definitely learned tips and tricks from our favorite photographers. There is a way to not only capture all of the beautiful moments between you, your partner, and your family and all the season has to offer. 

#01: Use your Surroundings
We highly suggest you meet with your photographer at your venue. Especially if your photographer has not worked at the venue prior. Most of the time, photographers are pretty familiar with the area, or vendor. But it never hurts to ask them to meet you, at the time of day you plan on tying the knot. You’ll want to search for spots around the venue that feature the landscape of the venue and dynamics of fall. Search for gorgeous spots of scenery, tree lines, and focus on being in the nature, not just standing in front of it. Be immersed in fall and all mother nature has to offer. 

#02: Find your Lighting! 
Fall is filled with gorgeous opportunities for lighting. Fall features the most beautiful golden hours. There is something about the autumnal landscape and when the light hits the land. Step outside, intentionally plan to hit golden hour and we promise you, you and your partner will have glowing nuptial shots. Take advantage of the natural lighting and step outside into nature. Plan on carving some time between the ceremony and reception to take intimate shots in nature. Your guests can enjoy a brief cocktail hour and you can enjoy some time with your spouse in all that nature has to offer. 

#03: Utilize the Colors of Fall 
Whether you chose to incorporate fall colors into your overall theme or palette. We love fall for it’s rich colors, tones, dark and moody hues, and bright lighting. There is definitely double the opportunity if you choose to decorate with fall decorations, like gourds, pumpkins, seasonal blooms, and colors. You can pair and elevate the season, so don’t worry that your wedding will look like Hobby Lobby - you can make fall decor, modern and sophisticated. 

# 04: Get Out and About 
This one takes a little bit more planning, but we recommend you get out and about, and get moving around the town with your wedding planning. Instead of just taking wedding photos at your venue, hop in the car or party bus and shoot some documentary style photos around the town. Capturing fall in the beauty of the city is amazing. We love seeing our couple explore Tacoma and Seattle during the season. Some of our favorite candid shots come from these adventures. You can even through on a cute accessory, have that excuse to buy that cute “Mrs” leather jacket you’ve been eying and take season pics around the city. 

#05: Incorporate Seasonal Elements
If I were to say “I do” again, I would honestly select fall to the backdrop to our wedding. Bottom line, fall has so much to offer. There is a plentiful bounty of items at the farmers market, from pumpkins, gourds, sunflowers, farmer’s market bouquets, fresh fruits. In Eastern Washington there is an area called Green Bluff, that features breweries and apple orchids galore. Incorporating autumn into your wedding will help you establish your wedding backdrop and provide beautiful seasonal touches. So whether you plan on choosing a venue that incorporates fall, or carefully selecting seasonal touches, embrace the season wholly. 

#06: Find the Right Photographer 
Finding the right photographer to fit your needs is so important, we cannot stress this enough. You want to meet with photographers that not only share your style, but understand your vision. Whether you want sepia filled photos, candid shots, or want crisp and clean documentary style photos – you need to find the right photographer for you. Once your wedding day has come and gone, your photos are what will make the memories last. Budget appropriately and meet with photographers that share your vision. 

An autumn wedding is THE backdrop. It’s like no other. The landscape, the colors, it is truly picture perfect. Find and meet with your photographer to develop your vision and time frame for taking the perfect fall shots. Don’t be afraid to step outside and explore all that nature or the city has to offer seasonally. Use this imagery and nature to tell a story of your love and capture all of the moments from the biggest day of your lfe. 

Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.