Long Island Wedding Grooms Gone Wild!
Long Island groom with his merry band of frolicking groomsmen. © Dan Wagner 2023
Check out these photos I shot of a Long Island wedding groom and his merry groomsmen “going wild.” Funny thing, this was before they’d had a single drink! Well perhaps not that much to drink. Having been caught up in all the hilarity, I confess such mundane specifics such as who drank what and when don’t seem to matter much when you’re getting great wedding photos. My wedding photographer motto is “What happens in wedding, stays in wedding!”
Theatrical Long Island groom and groomsmen striking contemplative poses. © Dan Wagner 2023
In all seriousness, it’s always fun when bridal parties know how to put the party in party. During these photos I recall the groom saying something about being in a theatrical improv group with some, if not all of his groomsmen. The top photo in particular had something to do with a “stage picture.”
Part of the way I like to shoot wedding photography involves encouraging people to be themselves—on acid. Just kidding. No acid, just tequila! What’s more, these are the shots people often look forward to the most. And it’s not just the bridal party that likes to act up—but the parents of the bride and groom as well. If it was a competition, it would be hard to declare a winner. As some of the parents hold positions of responsibility, I’ll not share their photos—for now!
Long Island groom getting the star treatment from his playful groomsmen. © Dan Wagner 2023
I love this photo of the groomsmen framing the groom’s face with their hands. I have no idea what this photo means. Are they trying to get him to relax and not run off into the woods to cavort with wildlife before the wedding ceremony? Is it some kind of Vulcan group mind-meld? And what about the groomsmen with the “wild” eyes in the background? What’s his story?
Long Island bride and bridesmaids “gone wild” with the groom. © Dan Wagner 2023
Not to be outdone by the “gone wild” groomsmen, the bride and bridesmaids got into the act, too. I photographed this outdoor wedding in Eastern Long Island, and it remains one of my favorites. The cloudy-bright day was ideal for photography, and gave the shots a certain dreamy feeling.
Photography Tips for Going Wild on Your Wedding Day!
Let your hair down and have fun!
Remember that any shot you deem “too silly,” can be deleted or put in the marked private folder or used as blackmail.
Sometimes “goofy” shots can lead to spontaneous moments that might otherwise not occur. The point being, that going with the flow and rolling with the punches as they say can produce amazing results. That said, you should never feel to do anything for photos that you’re not comfortable with—unless guests are showering you with paper money on the dance floor.
Never do shots until your photographer is in position and ready to capture the evidence photos. And please don’t rest your drink glasses on the photographers equipment cases.
Encourage your photographer to go drink for drink with the groomsmen—as long as their drinking non-alcoholic drinks of course! And please don’t make fun of me if I drink cranberry juice and club soda—I don’t have a blank-infection—I just love cranberries!
For obvious reasons, please schedule any lifting photos of the bride, groom, and others before drinking commences. When lifting the bride and groom on chairs—watch out for ceiling fans and low ceilings.
When going wild at your wedding, please ask everyone at your wedding to sign an NDA and a notarized release from responsibility for wardrobe malfunctions.
Please feel free to get creative at the clothing-optional chocolate fountain.
Remember that catching the bouquet is a no-holds-barred, winner-take-all moment! Bonus points if the garter belt gets stuck on the chandelier.
Most importantly, when it comes to going wild during your wedding photos—there are no rules.
Simple tips like these will add elegance and glamour to your wedding photos. Stay tuned to my blog for future wedding photography tips!
“I could not have been more pleased with our photography choice. Dan was so easy to communicate with and really captured the feeling we wanted in our photographs. His price was fair in comparison with other photographers and was very flexible in creating our package. On the day of the wedding everything went smoothly with no kinks and honestly during the day we barely even knew he was there taking the pictures.”
—Zarrea and Elvis
Every Bride and Groom Deserve Beautiful Wedding Photos!
Please feel free to share your wedding-related tales of mayhem and madness in the comment box below. And thanks for visiting my Long Island and NYC wedding photographer blog!