If your friend is performing your ceremony….

2007 seemed to be the year of the best friend/minister. What could be cooler? A few clicks on the Internet and someone who knows you uniquely and personally can perform your ceremony. And it’s perfectly legal. An excellent trend, with only one caveat.

Here’s the catch. Your newly ordained best friend, despite his or her exceptional charm, has probably not performed a zillion weddings. There’s a trick or two that the old pros know that you can pass along in advance of the big day.

Tip #1. It matters where you stand.
The best ceremony photos show both the bride and groom’s faces. To do this, the couple needs to stand somewhat closer than typical body language dictates and facing slightly towards the guests. Make sure you’re standing close enough to easily hold one another’s hand. That way you won’t have to straight-arm across a giant divide when it’s time to say vows or exchange rings. We photographed one wedding where the uninitiated minister positioned the bride and groom off to the side and took the center spot for almost the entire ceremony. (uh-oh.)

This is a good distance, they can easily reach each other. The bend in the arm makes a nice line.

Look how far this couple has to reach to touch each other. I think it’s too far apart.

Tip #2. It matters where you stand, part 2
Make sure that the two of you are positioned far enough away from the front row so that the photographer can get a good angle across the aisle. If you’re positioned too close to the front row, your heads will make a little eclipse: we’ll see the back of your beloved’s head and only a tiny sliver of yours. Given a little distance, we can get wonderful photographs of each of you looking at each other.

This is a great angle for the ceremony. There was about 8 feet between the couple and the first row. The attendants are standing in a slight arc, which is good however, be careful that they don’t move too far forward and obscure the view of the wedding couple.

Tip #3. Practice makes perfect.
Many modern couples are less formal about their weddings and are willing to let their friends take creative license with the ceremony. Keep in mind that what’s cute and funny to you and your friends may not go over so well with your 72-year-old Aunt Ruthie. Resist the urge to overly personalize your vows. You’ll never regret keeping it simple and classic.

Tip #4. Step aside for the kiss.
The best ministers know to do a little sidestep just as they pronounce the couple married. (We LOVE those guys!) It’s easy to get absorbed into the emotion and excitement of the moment, but remind your guy or gal, that stepping aside gets us a fantastic photo of your first married kiss without his or her head popping out the top.