French vs American Wedding Photography: What I have learn and what to Expect

Understanding Cultural Differences in Wedding Photography Styles

After one year working in Minnesota as a wedding photographer, I have discover that wedding photography traditions vary significantly between cultures, and understanding these differences can help couples make informed decisions about their special day. Having photographed weddings in both France and Minnesota, including Rochester and the Twin Cities, I’ve observed fascinating contrasts that couples should know about when planning their wedding photography.

Key Differences Between French and American Wedding Photography

Bridal Party and Family Photography Sessions

American Wedding Photography Style: In Minnesota and across the United States, bridal party photography follows distinct patterns that differ from European traditions. American bridal parties typically feature coordinated but not identical outfits. Bridesmaids often wear the same color palette rather than identical dresses, as each member usually purchases her own dress. This creates a harmonious yet individualized look in photographs.

French Wedding Photography Approach: French wedding photography traditionally focuses on group pictures taken after the ceremony with all guests included. The approach is more inclusive and less structured than the American bridal party concept.

What This Means for Your Wedding:

• Plan dedicated time for bridal party photos before or after the ceremony
• Consider whether you prefer coordinated or matching bridesmaid looks
• Discuss timing with your photographer for optimal lighting and schedule flow

The Second Shooter Debate in Wedding Photography

Understanding Second Shooter Services: The concept of hiring a second shooter is much more prevalent in American wedding photography than in French traditions. This practice involves having two photographers capture your wedding from different angles and perspectives.

When to Consider a Second Shooter:

• Large weddings with multiple simultaneous events
• Ceremonies in venues with challenging layouts
• When you want comprehensive coverage of guest reactions
• For destinations weddings with multiple locations

Important Considerations: Many couples assume a second shooter automatically means twice as many photos, but this isn’t necessarily true. The quality and experience of both photographers matter more than simply having two cameras present. In the saturated Minnesota photography market, it’s especially important to verify the experience level of both photographers, as many newcomers to the field may offer second shooter services without adequate wedding experience.

Wedding Ceremony Traditions: City Hall vs. Private Officiants

American Wedding Flexibility: In Minnesota, almost anyone can obtain a permit to become a wedding officiant. This flexibility allows couples to have family members or friends officiate their ceremony, creating more personalized and intimate experiences.

Benefits of This Approach:

• Time-saving compared to mandatory city hall ceremonies
• More venue flexibility for your ceremony location
• Personal connection with your officiant
• Enhanced emotional significance when family officiates

French Tradition: Traditional French weddings typically require a civil ceremony at the city hall, followed by a religious or personal ceremony if desired.

Grand Exit Photography: A Minnesota Wedding Tradition

The American Grand Exit: Minnesota weddings often feature planned grand exits at the end of the reception. Popular options include:

• Sparkler sendoffs
• Bubble exits
• Petal tosses
• Vintage car departures

Photography Benefits: Grand exits create dramatic and memorable final images of your wedding day. They provide a definitive conclusion to your reception and often result in some of the most dynamic photos of the entire event.

Planning Tips:

• Coordinate timing with your photographer for optimal lighting
• Consider backup indoor options for weather concerns
• Ensure guests know the exit timing for maximum participation

Wedding Reception Traditions: Speeches and Entertainment

American Wedding Reception Style: American weddings, particularly in Minnesota, typically feature multiple speeches throughout the reception dinner. These moments often provide the highest emotional content of the entire day, creating powerful photographic opportunities.

Common Speech Patterns:

• Best man and maid of honor toasts
• Parent speeches
• Couple’s thank you addresses
• Sometimes additional family member contributions

French Wedding Approach: French receptions traditionally include more interactive games and activities mixed with fewer, but longer speeches.

Photography Considerations:

• Speeches create highly emotional moments perfect for candid photography
• Consider designating specific speech timing for optimal photo opportunities
• Discuss with your photographer about positioning for the best reaction shots

Choosing the Right Wedding Photography Style for Your Minnesota Wedding

Popular Minnesota Wedding Venues and Photography Considerations

Rochester Wedding Venues: Working as a wedding photographer in Rochester, Minnesota offers access to some truly exceptional venues:

• Mayowood Stone Barn: Rustic elegance with natural lighting opportunities
• Plummer House: Historic charm with formal garden settings
• Barn of Glory: Country atmosphere with flexible indoor/outdoor options

Twin Cities Wedding Photography: Minneapolis and Saint Paul offer diverse venue options, from urban lofts to historic mansions, each requiring different photographic approaches and timing considerations. The Twin Cities region provides photographers with urban sophistication while Rochester offers more intimate, natural settings throughout Minnesota.

After-Day Photography Sessions (Trash the Dress Alternative)

Modern Approach to Post-Wedding Photography: Contemporary couples are embracing after-day sessions, sometimes called “Day After” sessions, which offer several advantages:

Benefits of After-Day Sessions:

• Relaxed atmosphere without time constraints
• Opportunity for adventurous or unique location shoots
• No stress about preserving the dress during the session
• More intimate couple-focused photography
• Ability to visit meaningful locations not suitable for wedding day

Planning Your After-Day Session:

• Choose locations that reflect your personality as a couple
• Consider seasonal factors for outdoor shoots in Minnesota
• Discuss wardrobe options that photograph well in your chosen setting

The Importance of Wedding Albums in Digital Age

Why Physical Wedding Albums Matter

Despite the digital age, wedding albums remain the ultimate keepsake from your special day. While digital galleries are convenient for sharing, physical albums provide:

• Tangible memories that don’t require technology
• Professional layout and design
• High-quality printing that preserves images for generations
• Something meaningful to pass down to future family members

Planning for Your Wedding Album

Many couples intend to create wedding albums but never follow through. Consider including wedding album services in your photography package to ensure these precious memories are properly preserved. The real final product of a wedding should be the wedding album, not just a folder of images stored on your computer.

Practical Tips for Minnesota Wedding Photography

Seasonal Considerations

• Spring: Mild weather but unpredictable conditions
• Summer: Peak wedding season with long daylight hours in Minnesota
• Fall: Beautiful foliage but shorter days
• Winter: Unique opportunities but weather challenges, especially in Rochester

Understanding the Minnesota Photography Market

The Minnesota wedding photography market is particularly saturated, with many career changers entering the field. This makes it especially important for couples to carefully research photographers’ experience and portfolio quality. Look beyond impressive websites to actual wedding experience and professional training.

Cultural Sensitivity and Personalization

Understanding both traditional and contemporary approaches to wedding photography allows couples to create a personalized experience that honors their heritage while embracing local customs. Couples planning weddings in Minnesota benefit from photographers who understand the saturated local market and can distinguish between experienced professionals and those who may have impressive websites but limited actual wedding experience.

Conclusion: Creating Your Perfect Wedding Photography Experience

Whether you prefer French elegance, American traditions, or a blend of both styles, the key is working with a photographer who understands cultural nuances and can adapt to your vision. Minnesota offers incredible opportunities for wedding photography, from the urban sophistication of Minneapolis to the natural beauty of Rochester venues.

By understanding these cultural differences in wedding photography styles, couples can make informed decisions about their photography timeline, style preferences, and overall wedding day experience. The goal is creating images that authentically represent your love story while capturing the joy and emotion of your celebration.

Remember, the best wedding photography transcends cultural boundaries and focuses on the authentic emotions and connections that make your day uniquely yours. Whether you’re planning a wedding at the Mayowood Stone Barn or in the heart of the Twin Cities, choose a photographer who understands both the technical aspects of their craft and the cultural significance of your special day.