A great wedding photograph is a treasured keepsake of one of the most special days of your life. In most cases, couples have a clear plan of what they want: flattering poses, smiling faces — and definitely no vomiting.
But sometimes the wedding photos don’t go quite as planned, which doesn’t mean they’re not worthy of a place in the photo book. Some of the following images might bear the hashtag #weddingphotofail, but we’d argue that they’re actually winners.
Errant Veil
The veil can be one of the most unpredictable parts of the wedding. This shot, taken by NYC elopement photographer Sascha Reinking, shows a bride in a potentially precarious position. Hopefully the elevator wasn’t going anywhere.
Unexpected Upchuck
Here’s some more proof of how challenging it can be to photograph children. Well, it’s better out than in, right? The bride’s expression is everything in this image taken by Sascha Reinking.
Hands In Wrong Places
California-based Shawna Henrie of Bleudog Fotography is used to capturing all aspects of a wedding day — including those behind-the-scenes shots that don’t make it into the album. In this photo, the groom needs to work on his hand position. Several inches lower would be perfect.
Timely Stroll
You might be able to control what your subjects are doing, but as for everyone else … well, not so much. New York City-based photographer David Perlman had all the elements of a stunning image, until a woman, a baby and a stroller got in the way. Still, at least she seems to be doing her best to get out of the shot as quickly as possible.
What’s The Story?
We’re not quite sure what’s happening in this photo from Shawna Henrie of Bleudog Fotography. Is the groom trying to sit on the bride’s knee? Is her garter caught on her cowboy boot? Whatever’s going on, it’s one of those unscripted moments nobody plans to capture on camera, but it sure adds personality and humor to a collection.
Dogs, Dogs And More Dogs
Those middle-of-the-road photographs are bound to be difficult to nail. They’re made even trickier when a pack of dogs needs to cross. But the grooms in this photo from Sascha Reinking Photography loved their canine interlopers, making for a truly sweet, spontaneous image.
Run, Bridesmaid, Run!
Bridesmaids have lots of jobs during the big day. They need to make sure the bride has everything she needs, and they can sometimes become photographers’ assistants, of sorts. David Perlman managed to capture one bridesmaid mid-flight, racing to get out of the shot after ensuring the bridal gown was just right.
Location Invasion
This image from Sascha Reinking Photography shows a stunning bride, perfect veil placement, a beautiful backdrop … and a couple of gate-crashers. You might be able to control what you do when your photo is being taken, but you can’t account for other people. However, this sometimes leads to the pictures that make you smile the most.
On Your Bike
Here’s another road-crossing shot that took a little while to get right — because you just can’t account for rude cyclists. If you can forget about the guy on the bike, you can appreciate the fabulous city backdrop in this Sascha Reinking image, not to mention the dapper groom and exquisite bride.
If The Mood Strikes
The lure of that gorgeous turquoise water was seemingly too much for this groomsman to resist. Lucky for us, Del Sol Photography was there to capture the moment. Can you really blame him though? It does look inviting!
Kids Will Be Kids
It’s hard for some adults to sit through a wedding ceremony — and even harder for young children. It looks like the up-close-and-personal visitors of this lovely beach wedding only made the bride and groom smile wider. Also, props to the wrangler for managing to hang onto his glass and a child at the same time, and to Del Sol Photography for capturing the photo.
The Falling Tower Of Cake
That seems like it’s going to bring misfortune on their marriage. It’s customary for the bride and groom to cut the first slice of cake at the reception. But it seems someone knocked over the table. Looks like no one’s getting any cake at this wedding.
Digging For Gold
It seems as though this bridal procession all have the same issues with their dress. The two in the back just thought no one would see them. Unfortunately, the wedding photographer caught them.
Mistake With The Cake
Oh dear. They didn’t even make it to the table. To be fair, it looks like one of the groomsman tripped him. What a way to ruin your friend’s wedding.
To The Chapel!
Looks like they’re running a bit late to the party. The wedding’s probably going to start any second now. Fortunately the bride has a little bit of help dealing with her dress.
I Do
Either this was a poorly thought out hand sign poster or an incredibly devious photo bomb. Either way, the final result ended up looking hilarious.
What’s In The Box?
What has to be in the ring box for her to react that way? Seriously? Is it super cheap? Is it super expensive? The world has to know!
Stepping On The Veil
There have been plenty of veil mishaps on this list, but none like this. As long as the veil is, how do you accidentally step on it. You shouldn’t even move until the bride and groom have exited the room following the ceremony. Not only is the bride shocked but the groom looks rather irriated.
We’re Sinking!
They probably thought it would be this cute thing, having the bride and her bridesmaids sail in on a raft from the lake. Unfortunately, that’s not how it went down. At least when they started to sink it was close enough to the dock someone could help.
