Weddings are a celebration of love, commitment, and joy. They're also a feast for the senses—from the flowers and music to the laughter and, of course, the food. For wedding planners, foodies, engaged couples, and anyone embarking on the adventure of planning a wedding, the cuisine is often a star of the show. And as a wedding photographer, I've learned that capturing these culinary elements is as crucial as snapping the couple's first kiss or a proud parent’s teary smile.
Every detail matters. Every thought, effort, and dollar put into orchestrating a wedding deserves to be immortalized through the lens. And when it comes to the cuisine—especially a perfectly cooked, glistening steak—it’s not just about documentation; it’s about creating appetite appeal, a technique I honed with passion and precision during food photography workshops at UCLA.
Photography Is Storytelling, Food Is the Plot
As a wedding photographer trained under one of the top professionals in Los Angeles, I absorbed countless lessons about capturing not just moments but also the finer details. One piece of advice my mentor would repeat like a mantra was this:
"If the couple paid for it or even thought about it, you better get a picture of it."
This philosophy has driven my approach to wedding photography. From the intricate lace on the bride's gown to the texture of a medium-rare steak resting on porcelain dinnerware, I aim to tell a complete story. After all, the menu at a wedding is often a culmination of months (or even years) of thought, tasting trials, and decisions. Every dish represents a piece of the couple’s unique narrative.
The Power of Appetite Appeal
During my time in Los Angeles, I had the opportunity to attend food photography classes at UCLA, where I learned from some of the best in the world. I quickly realized that food photography isn’t just about documenting what’s on the plate—it’s about bringing the food to life and creating a visceral craving for it in the viewer. This is where “appetite appeal” comes into play.
Appetite appeal is achieved by highlighting the textures of a dish, making the viewer feel as though they could almost reach out and savor it. One technique that was constantly drilled into me was to work with light to create what I call "texture magic." By letting the lighting roll over the surface of a steak, capturing its juices and searing marks, the food becomes irresistible.
Take, for instance, a perfectly plated filet mignon at a wedding in Miami. With the right light, those caramelized edges become rich and inviting, while the subtle shine of the juices catches your eye. Now, imagine pairing that with soft focus on a bouquet of rosemary or a drizzle of herb-infused jus. The result? A photograph that doesn’t just document—it entices.
The Role of Food in Weddings
Food is more than just sustenance—it’s a memory in the making. For many couples, the wedding menu is personal. Whether it's a nod to a shared culinary adventure, their cultural heritage, or simply their favorite flavors, these dishes reflect their unique story.
At a recent wedding I photographed in Florida, the bride and groom opted for a steak dish as part of their surf-and-turf menu. For them, this wasn’t just about serving great food—it was a tribute to their love for fine dining and the many steakhouse dates that marked their courtship. The steak wasn’t just a plate of food; it was a symbol of their love story.
Capturing this dish was like preserving a piece of their history. And it wasn’t just the steak that needed the spotlight—there were delicate sides of garlic pomme purée, charred asparagus, and a red wine reduction, each plated with care and precision. My aim was to showcase this culinary masterpiece in a way that paid homage to its purpose and artistry.
How to Photograph Wedding Food like a Pro
For wedding planners, engaged couples, and photographers looking to perfect their craft, photographing food at a wedding can seem daunting. Balancing busy timelines and varied lighting conditions isn’t easy, but with a few key techniques, you’ll be capturing breathtakingly delicious shots in no time.
1. Scout the Lighting in Advance
Lighting is everything in food photography. While natural light is often ideal, weddings are dynamic environments where you might have to work with overhead lighting or candles. Position yourself to accentuate the texture of the food. Use soft, diffused light when possible and adjust angles to highlight key details, like the sear on a steak or the shimmer of a sauce.
2. Frame the Dish as the Star
A cluttered table can detract from the scene. When photographing plated meals, ensure the dish takes center stage. Move stray utensils or glasses out of the frame, and use bokeh effects to blur out distracting elements in the background. Focus on what makes the dish special—whether it’s the ingredients, the plating, or the colors.
3. Play With Textures
One of the lessons I learned at UCLA was to bring out textures that make a viewer hungry. When photographing something like steak, capture the peaks and valleys of the sear marks, the glisten of the fat, and the rich tones of the meat. Intricate details like these create depth and dimension that instantly elevate the image.
4. Show the Setting
Plating is critical for food photography, but don’t forget the larger context. Show how the steak fits into the elegant place setting, or highlight the candlelit ambiance of the reception venue. These elements evoke the full dining experience, telling a story that words alone cannot.
5. Quick and Efficient Execution
Weddings move quickly, and so do hungry guests. Be prepared to snap multiple angles of the dish while the kitchen is still finishing up. Practice efficiency by using pre-set camera settings. During downtime, take test shots to make sure you’re ready when the action starts.
Weddings, Food, and Photography—A Match Made in Heaven
As a Miami-based wedding photographer, I’ve grown to appreciate the intricate dance between presentations of love and flavors on a plate. The marriage of taste and visuals creates a lasting impression on guests, and it’s my honor to help couples relive this—bite by bite—through my photography.
Whether you’re a wedding planner looking to elevate an event, a foodie seeking inspiration for your big day, or a photographer aiming to showcase your craft, remember that every dish tells a story. And often, the steak at a wedding isn’t just a meal—it’s a masterpiece.
Preserving the Flavor, One Shot at a Time
The lessons I’ve learned from food photography have taught me that the smallest details often leave the biggest impact. At the heart of every photograph I take is a singular goal: to honor the thought, love, and labor that went into each dish. After all, if the couple paid for it? You better believe I’ll get a picture of it.
To engaged couples and wedding planners alike—next time you’re designing a menu or planning a wedding, think about how you want your food to be remembered. And if you’re dreaming of a celebration as toothsome as your favorite dish, don’t hesitate to make steak the star of the table. Rest assured—it’s worth capturing.
Hungry yet? 😉
Location: Miami, Florida..