This is the moment every wedding ceremony builds to, the first kiss as husband and wife, captured from behind so you can see not just the couple, but the entire audience reacting to the moment. The bride specifically asked for this angle, and I’m so glad she did. At The Wilds in Bloomington, Indiana, with the covered pavilion framing them like a rustic cathedral and the winter sun spilling through the open sides, the kiss happened, and every single guest reacted exactly how you’d hope. Smiles so wide they hurt, tears barely held back, and that collective cheer that echoes through the photos even now.
As your wedding photographer, the first kiss is sacred ground. It’s the one thing that can’t be recreated, no do-overs, no second takes, no “let’s try that again.” Once it happens, it’s etched in time, and if you miss it, it’s gone forever. That’s why my years of experience (over 1,000 weddings and counting) mean I treat it like the pinnacle it is. I’m always in position before the officiant says “you may kiss your bride,” one camera on a wide lens for the full scene, the second on a telephoto for close-ups. I know the light at The Wilds like my own backyard: that pavilion softens harsh sun into the most flattering glow, and on winter days like this, the low angle creates beautiful rim light that outlines the couple like they’re haloed.
The Wilds pavilion is built for ceremonies like this. The open sides let in that golden Indiana light, the wood beams add warmth and texture, and the space is intimate enough (up to 250 seated) that every guest feels like part of the family. Winter weddings here are quietly spectacular, the bare trees frame the scene like nature’s own architecture, and the chill in the air makes everyone huddle a little closer, amplifying the warmth of the moment.
With my experience, I know the first kiss isn’t just a checkbox. It’s the emotional peak, the unrepeatable heartbeat of your day. I’ve shot it in rain, in sun, in barns, under stars, and every time, this venue makes it shine. We never miss it, and we always capture it masterfully, because some moments deserve to be remembered from every angle.
At The Wilds, your first kiss isn’t just shared between two. It’s felt by everyone. And I’ll make sure you get to see it.
This image was captured by my second photographer with a Nikon Z9 and a 24-70mm lens in natural light and edited to look like film.
Location: 6483 Kent Rd, Bloomington, IN 47401.