What Your Wedding Photographer Captures During A Wedding Reception

You can probably easily imagine what your portraits and ceremony photos will look like on your big day. But what moments does your wedding photographer capture during the reception, especially at a Colorado wedding, whether you’re celebrating in Denver, Boulder, the foothills, or a mountain lodge?

And how does booking all-day wedding coverage make your reception photos so much more full and storytelling-driven? I’m so glad you asked! Let’s break it down.

Grand Entrance, Welcome Toast/Newlywed Thank You, and Dinner Service

These moments are always filled with energy and joy, especially at Colorado wedding receptions, where every venue, from Denver lofts to mountain lodges, brings its own personality to the night. While the couple runs, walks, or dances out onto the floor, I’m snapping photos of the expressions worn by your family and friends, the opulent wedding decor and floral designs, and you and your new spouse, of course! The dinner service is always a great chance for me to sneak in some candid moments with your guests.

“I loved seeing my reception photos and they captured the happiness, joy and love for my new husband and I. I enjoyed these pictures because the pressure was off and everyone was just having a good time. They captured the smiles and love in the air at my wedding and commemorated the fun we got to have with our family and friends celebrating our love.” – Katie and Sean

Sunset Photos

A favorite of all the reception photos, sunset photos are when I steal you and your new spouse away and grab pictures of you two enjoying the sunset at your venue. This is an opportunity to get any extra angles we might have missed earlier, as well as drink in the beauty of your venue!

Wedding Toasts

The wedding toasts are a great opportunity for your wedding photographer to capture the emotions of your loved ones. While your best friend tells the story of when you and your fiance first met, I’ll be getting photos of everyone smiling, laughing, and happy crying. A skilled wedding photographer knows that when something emotional is happening, it’s time to get as many photos of your loved ones as possible!

“My favorite pictures from our wedding were the candids. I love looking back and seeing the photos of friends and family having a good time, and the speakers giving speeches and reactions from the group.” – Alex and Jon

First Dance and Parent Dances

These moments are always so touching! As your wedding photographer, I’ll capture the beauty of emotion of your first dance while not being invasive. After years of wedding photography experience, I’ve perfected the art of getting the best shots possible while staying out of the way. This is especially important during the first dance and the parent/child dances.

Cake Cutting / Dessert Bar

Always a fun moment, the cake cutting is when I’ll get gorgeous photos of your cake before it’s all cut up! I’ll also get the fun, classic photos of you and your spouse feeding the cake to each other.

*Take note: unless you live in the Midwest and do this tradition first, usually this is when traditional 8-hour coverage typically cuts off. So, if you want to have anything else after this, all-day wedding coverage is the way to go! 

Games, Horah, Anniversary Dance, Money Dance, Bouquet Toss/Garter Toss, and other traditions

No matter which traditions you integrate into your ceremony, I’ll document them all. With a combination of photos showing your guests’ emotions, the fun dynamics of the moment, and you and your spouse, you’ll know that no moment worth capturing is missed!

The anniversary dance is a great opportunity for me to get photos of all your loved ones who have been doing this epic marriage thing for quite awhile! I’ll capture the joy and beauty of lifelong love throughout this dance. Anniversary dances are especially sweet at Colorado weddings, where families often travel in from all over to celebrate together. And don’t forget, you likely only get these photos if you book all day wedding coverage!

Another opportunity for dynamic images and pure emotions is the bouquet/garter toss, I’ll photograph the excitement and chaos of tossing the bouquet and the garter. I’ll snag some photos of whoever the lucky catchers are, too!

Open Dance Floor

As a documentary-style wedding photographer this is where I really thrive! Colorado dance floors tend to be lively, maybe it’s the mountain air or the altitude, but they always bring out unforgettable energy. And trust me, you won’t want to miss out on these photos! Whether your grandpa is busting a move or your adorable niece is just trying to keep up, these photos capture the pure joy that comes from weddings. 

“Jennifer captured everyone having the time of their lives during the reception. It definitely puts a smile on our faces as we see everyone having so much fun!” – Paola and Zach

Send-Off: Sparklers, Bubbles, Glow Sticks, or Whatever You’ve Come Up With!

The send-off is always a joy to photograph! Amidst sparklers, bubbles, glow sticks, or whatever you’ve given your guests, I’ll be there to capture the chaotic beauty of this moment. The last kiss of the night is also a great opportunity for a dramatic, story-book shot. And as you drive off, I’ll snap a few final pictures of your guests’ reactions. 

Check out my blog post on Grand Exits: How To Plan An Exit You Love That Matches Your Day for more inspiration!

“It was such a blessing to have my photographer until the very end of the night. She was able to capture the fun, yet chaotic, grand exit. Sure, we may have almost caught fire, but it made for a fun photo! Believe it or not, it is one of my most favorite photos from the day, and it hangs on my mantle!” – Hailey and Ryan

Bonus: Night portraits

There’s nothing better than sneaking away for a few portraits with your partner after the sun has dipped behind the mountains. Whether we step outside to pose under the Colorado stars or light up your reception room for something more dramatic, the possibilities are endless.

Your wedding reception is where so many of the real, unscripted moments happen, laughter, joy, movement, and all the little interactions that make your celebration feel like you. Whether you're celebrating in Denver, Boulder, the foothills, or deep in the Colorado mountains, these reception photos help you relive the full story of your day long after the music fades.

Ready to Bring Your Colorado Reception Photos to Life?

If you’re planning a Colorado wedding and want reception coverage that’s candid, warm, and full of storytelling moments, I’d love to be part of your day. Fill out my inquiry form and tell me all about your celebration, I can’t wait to hear what you’re dreaming up!