We have hosted hundreds of weddings as a premier Houston event venue, and we can tell you a little secret: “Photogenic” isn’t a real thing.
Most couples who walk through the doors of Pelazzio are not professional models. They are normal people who feel awkward when a lens is pointed at them. They worry about double chins, awkward hands, and forced smiles.
But here is the truth: You don’t have to be a model to take a magazine-worthy picture. It’s about feeling positive, connecting with your partner, and moving rather than staying static. The main job of a professional photographer isn’t just to click a button; it’s to give you “prompts” that make you forget the camera exists.
Here are 11 easy, low-pressure ideas (prompts) for your engagement session or wedding photos that rely on connection, not posing.
TL;DR
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The Secret: Stop “posing” and start “moving.” Action shots always look more natural than stiff smiles.
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The Focus: Look at your partner, not the lens. Connection creates the best candid moments.
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The Tricks: Use props (champagne, pets) or movement (walking, spinning) to give your hands and body something to do.
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The Solution: Hire a pro who knows how to direct you. Pelazzio’s Paradise Package includes an 8-hour professional photography session, so you are guaranteed an expert behind the lens.
1. The “Movement” Prompts (Action Shots)
Best for: Couples who feel stiff or don’t know what to do with their hands.
1. The “Drunk Walk.” This is a photographer’s secret weapon for genuine laughter.
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The Prompt: “Hold hands, walk toward the camera, and bump your hips together like you’ve had a few too many drinks.”
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Why It Works: It is impossible to do this without laughing. The resulting photo is full of genuine joy and movement.
2. The Little Spin Movement is your best friend when you feel stiff.
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The Prompt: Hold one hand and have one partner do a simple twirl or spin.
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Why It Works: It adds energy to the shot and is excellent for showing off the flow of a wedding dress or the lining of a suit.
3. The Walk Away This is a beautiful shot with zero pressure on your facial expressions.
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The Prompt: Hold hands and walk slowly away from the camera toward a landmark (like the Pelazzio Gazebo).
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Why It Works: It looks cinematic and symbolizes walking into your future together. Plus, you don’t have to worry about blinking!
4. The Squeeze from Behind
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The Prompt: Have one partner wrap their arms around the other’s waist from behind, resting their chin on the shoulder.
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Why It Works: It’s a comforting, secure pose that anchors your bodies together, eliminating the “floating arm” problem.
2. The “Intimacy” Prompts (Close & Quiet)
Best for: Romantic portraits where you can ignore the photographer.
5. The Forehead Kiss. There is a reason why this pose is a classic.
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The Prompt: Close your eyes, lean in, and gently kiss your partner’s temple or forehead.
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Why It Works: It creates a peaceful, serene vibe. Because your eyes are closed, you stop worrying about the camera lens.
6. The Whisper (The “Dirty Secret”) This creates the best natural smiles.
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The Prompt: Whisper something in your partner’s ear. It could be “I love you,” a description of your breakfast, or an inside joke.
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Why It Works: It elicits a genuine reaction. The camera captures the exact moment your partner laughs or smiles at what you said.
7. The “Almost” Kiss
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The Prompt: Get your faces as close as possible—lips almost touching—and freeze.
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Why It Works: The anticipation creates “romantic tension.” It is often more powerful and photogenic than the actual kiss, which can sometimes squish noses.
8. The “Soul Stare” (Look at Each Other)
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The Prompt: Ignore the photographer entirely. Just look at your partner’s eyes and breathe.
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Why It Works: The “in-between” moments where you are just existing together are often the most emotional images in the album.
9. The Cozy Cuddle
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The Prompt: Find a comfortable lounge chair or sit on a staircase (like our Grand Ballroom stairs). Lean into their chest and relax.
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Why It Works: It changes your body language from “standing alert” to “relaxed at home,” instantly softening your posture.
3. The “Distraction” Prompts (Props & Pets)
Best for: Taking the focus off your faces entirely.
10. The Detail Shot Sometimes, the pictures that show the most love don’t show your faces at all.
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The Shot: A close-up of your hands holding each other, showing off the new rings, or a hand on a shoulder.
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Why It Works: It tells a story of connection without requiring you to “perform.”
11. Bring a Prop (or a Pup!) If you give your hands something to do, you’ll feel less awkward right away.
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Ideas: Pop a bottle of champagne, hold a bouquet, or bring your dog.
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Why It Works: Focusing on the dog or the champagne pop takes the mental pressure off you. When you smile at your pet, it is always a real smile.
4. Pelazzio’s Best Photo Spots
If you are getting married at Pelazzio, use our architecture to help frame your shots. A good background does half the work for you.
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The Grand Staircase: Perfect for the “Cozy Cuddle” or displaying the full train of a dress.
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The Outdoor Gazebo: Ideal for the “Walk Away” or “Drunk Walk” shots with natural lighting.
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The Chandelier Foyer: Great for the “Almost Kiss” and dramatic silhouette shots.
5. The Professional Advantage: It’s Not You, It’s the Photographer
In the end, the best way to get pictures you love is to hire a professional you can trust. A talented photographer knows how to use lighting and angles to flatter you, and they know how to give the prompts listed above so you don’t have to memorize them.
The Pelazzio Advantage: This is a big reason why our Paradise Package includes an 8-hour professional photography session.
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Expertise: Our photographers know our ballrooms and lighting perfectly.
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Direction: They are trained to make couples feel at ease.
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Value: You don’t have to hunt for an outside vendor; we provide a vetted expert.
6. FAQ: Common Photography Worries
What if I blink in every photo?
Professional photographers use “Burst Mode,” taking 10+ frames per second. Even if you blink, we will capture the split second your eyes are open and sparkling.
Can we give the photographer a “Shot List”?
Absolutely. If you want to try the “Drunk Walk” or the “Whisper,” tell your photographer! They love it when couples are willing to play.
Do we need an engagement session?
We recommend it. It acts as a “dress rehearsal” for the camera. You get to meet your photographer and practice these prompts without the time pressure of the wedding day.
This is a big reason why the Pelazzio Wedding Paradise Package includes an 8-hour professional photography session. Our photographers, whether they work for us or with us, expertly capture real, beautiful moments. They know our ballrooms, our grounds, and how to make our couples feel at ease and look their best.
So, just relax when it’s time for your pictures. Pay attention to your partner, enjoy the prompts, and trust the professional you hired to capture the magic.
