Destination photographer Sarah Tonkin knows exactly how to capture the raw, unfiltered love between two people. Camera in hand, she focuses on glances, gestures and unspoken moments—those fleeting instances that often say more than words ever could. Her imagery moves beyond stiff poses and perfect smiles, embracing atmosphere, movement, emotion and above all, romance. In this exclusive for THE WED, Sarah Tonkin shares her top tips for couples who want their photos to feel as wildly romantic as the day itself.
Prioritize Light
Light is essential for creating romantic wedding photos. Soft, directional light, like the golden hour before sunset, flatters skin and adds warmth. Harsh midday light can also be striking, creating bold, editorial shots with strong contrast. Meanwhile, blue hour, the moments just after sunset, adds a dramatic, cool tone and ethereal quality to your photos. Work out how you want your photos to feel, whether soft and intimate, bold and dramatic, or dreamy and cinematic, and then ensure you’re using the right light to bring that vision to life.
Create Time for Romance
Romance needs time to unfold naturally—it doesn’t flourish when everything is squeezed into a tight schedule. Don’t underestimate how much time and space you need to simply feel relaxed and at ease. When things are rushed, it often shows in the photos. Expressions can look stiff, and the connection feels off. However, when you have more time set aside, you can settle in, forget about the camera, and let your real connection come through. Build extra time into your timeline—not just for photos, but for breathing room. That’s when the best moments are captured, when you’re focused on each other, not on what’s coming next.
Let Movement
Lead the Moment
Movement brings subtlety and depth to photos. When you’re walking through the venue grounds, reach for each other’s hand without prompting, fall into natural poses and interactions that you usually have as a couple. These instinctive gestures—a glance over the shoulder, leaning in slightly as you speak—all carry weight.
Instead of focusing on “posing”, think about how you move together in everyday life. Do you often stand close together? Does one of you always tuck a hand around the other’s waist? Those habits translate well on camera, especially in editorial work, where the goal is to document connection. Movement doesn’t need to be dramatic; it just needs to be deliberate. The more you relax and stay true to who you are and how you move, the better the photos will be.
Be Thoughtful
About Locations
The locations you choose shape the romantic tone of your photos. An old building with textured walls and classic architecture adds depth, creating a timeless, intimate feel. A church sets a more formal tone, where you as a couple are immediately grounded in history and traditions. On the other hand, a ceremony in a garden or nature has a softer, more organic tone, making moments feel fluid and intimate. Therefore, be intentional about where you choose to get married, and think about how the backdrop itself will shape the essence of your photos.
Curate the Experience,
Not Just the Look
Romance isn’t just about how things look; it’s about how the day feels. It’s in the little choices that make the experience more personal. Play music, write personal vows, exchange a gift or a handwritten note. These small but intentional moments shift the energy. You’re no longer performing for the camera—you’re living something real. And when that happens, the emotion shows up in the photos without you even trying. The more meaningful the experience, the more honest and lasting the images become.
