Everything You Need To Know About Getting The Most Magical Wedding Photos

Your wedding photos are forever. And now, they’re also a major Instagram moment. They are the frozen whispers of a memory, the brushstrokes of a love story told in light and shadow.

And yet, as any bride will tell you, the difference between a photograph that captures beauty and one that transcends it lies in the smallest of details—the play of light, the choice of colour, the magic of movement. So, how do you make sure your photos are not just beautiful but also effortlessly Insta-worthy? 

Golden Glow 

Before we talk angles, filters, or even outfits, let’s get one thing straight—lighting is everything. Devika Narain of Devika Narain & Company insists, “It’s not about the colour or angle. It’s just about getting married in good light.” Translation? Say yes to daylight ceremonies or make sure your venue has warm, natural lighting. Forget stiff, staged poses.

Stuti Sakhalkar of The Cheesecake Project says the best wedding albums blend elegant, editorial portraits with fun, natural moments— think playful laughter, mid-spin twirls, or those heartfelt teary-eyed vidai shots. “Faking it for the ’Gram? We can see it,” she warns. Authenticity is key. So, instead of rehearsed smiles, focus on feeling the moment—your joy will translate beautifully into the photos.

The Colour Code 

A big debate in wedding fashion? The right colour. Sakhalkar shuts it down: “Every colour is Instagram-friendly if the bride feels amazing in it.” That said, one thing to avoid? Matching your lehenga to your backdrop. If you’re rocking a red lehenga, steer clear of a deep red stage setting—contrast is your best friend. Narain adds that lighter, brighter shades generally photograph better. Think soft pastels, dreamy whites, or jewel tones that pop beautifully in pictures. 

At First Glance 

Gen Z couples today are ditching old-school wedding trends and embracing more personal storytelling. One trend that’s picking up? The first look, where the couple sees each other before the ceremony, allowing for a private, emotion-filled moment (and, let’s be honest, absolute gold for Reels).

Narain notes that while traditional Indian weddings have their own “first look” moments (like the Bengali betel leaf reveal), couples are now staging these intimate exchanges for social media. Sakhalkar swears by the 85mm and 50mm portrait lenses for their dreamy background blur. But for wide shots that capture the full vibe of the ceremony, a 24mm or 35mm lens is ideal. The verdict? A mix of close-ups and grand frames makes for the most stunning wedding feed.

Yours Sincerely

What’s a wedding without some viral moments? According to Narain, couples are now designing their weddings with shareable content in mind—think surprise dances, dramatic veil flips, or even wedding day podcasts. The best part? These aren’t forced; they’re just fun ways to make the day more memorable and get those double taps rolling.

At the end of the day, the most stunning wedding photos aren’t about the perfect pose or the most aesthetic decor. As Sakhalkar puts it, “Sincerity shows.” The best photos capture the real emotions—the love, the laughter, the ugly-crying (which, let’s be real, is still beautiful). So relax, be in the moment, and let your photographer do their magic. Your Instagram (and future self) will thank you!

This story appears in Manifest India’s Issue 02. Subscribe here for more stories like this.