Sunglasses After Sunset: My First Evening Wedding Shoot.

My First Evening Wedding Photoshoot: Golden Hour, Giggles & a Bit of Sparkle

Let me tell you about the evening I fell in love... with evening wedding photoshoots.

As a photographer, there are a lot of “firsts” you never forget — your first solo shoot, your first wedding, your first time panicking over a missing memory card (don’t worry, I found it in my back pocket). But this particular “first” was special: my first evening wedding shoot, and wow — I was not prepared for how magical it would be.

Once the sun dipped below the horizon, the vibe shifted — in the best way. The day’s nerves were gone, dinner had been eaten, and the couple was all laughter, champagne, and little glances that said “Can you believe we just did this?”

We snuck away from the party for some quiet twilight shots, and everything felt a little softer, slower, and more them. There’s something about that dusky light that makes people drop their “camera face” and just be themselves.

One of my absolute favorite moments? This photo right here 👆 — the bridal party, all huddled in a circle, looking down at the camera, rocking matching heart-shaped sunglasses like they’re about to drop the hottest love album of 2025. Each one had little chalkboard scribbles on the lenses with the couple's initials and wedding date — how cute is that?!

It felt less like a formal “wedding party photo” and more like a group of best friends being their silly, fabulous selves. I barely had to direct anything — they brought the joy, I just happened to be underneath it all with my camera clicking away.

My first evening wedding shoot wasn’t perfect — I got a bug bite, nearly tripped over and forgot to eat cake (rookie mistake). But it was absolutely unforgettable.

There’s a kind of magic that only happens when the light gets low, the music drifts into the night, and two people just married dance under the stars.

And now? I’m officially an evening shoot fan for life. Bring on the sunsets, string lights, and sparkler chaos — I’m ready.

Abbie x