Do you want picture perfect wedding photographs of your first dance? First and foremost, enjoy the moment! Just focusing on each other is key for romantic, beautiful first dance pictures as newly pronounced husband and wife.

We’re not great dancers ourselves, so there’s no way we’d recommend two step over the waltz. We’re just the photographers with a good eye that will capture your first dance jitters, tears and laughter.

Professional dancers need not apply. If you’ve already got your moves down pat, you could no doubt give us a pointer or two. However, many have the two-left-feet and/or fear of being the center of attention in a room full of people syndrome and could use a little advice. So here goes. Whether or not you take special dance classes together, it never hurts to go over your game plan for this special moment. And we have three easy tips to consider incorporating into your repertoire:

1. Start out slow. Take that deep breath, look into each others eyes and really feel the moment. Sometimes it takes a little time to settle into the swing of things and there’s really no need to sweep around the entire dance floor like your Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers (or whomever won last season’s Dancing with the Stars).

2. Don’t do any one thing the entire song… do a combination of movements with your heads, hands and arms. (note to left-feeters: even you can do this while going in a slow circle.) For example:
    – Dance super close hugging tightly for a moment, then loosen up and give space between you.
    – Ladies, try your arms up around his shoulders, and down to his biceps, then maybe with hands resting on his chest
    – Guys, you have it easy, just keep your arms low around her waist but feel free to move those hands up and around her back (go as low as grandma would approve of)
    – Candid shots are our favorite, but you’ll also love a cheek to cheek look at the camera at least once as you go around

3. Tack on a grand finale – no stress needed – Go for a slow dip at the end of your song, come up with a kiss or simply hold hands side by side while facing your guests with big smiles and perhaps add a little bow. This is a great photo op, so don’t drag each other off the dance floor the second your love song ends. A three second pause, and it’s a wrap.

Here’s a final hint: with the long bridal gown we can’t really see who’s stepping on who’s toes, so don’t worry and take pleasure in this delightful rite of passage on your wedding day!

Photography: Favorite Photography