Posed individual and couple photos of the bride and groom should be taken before the actual wedding ceremony and reception. This captures the couple just after they have gotten ready on the morning of their wedding day. The light during this time will also be different and result in fresh, bright photos. Continue taking posed shots throughout the day, to capture the couple in different moments and with varying energy, excitement and even anxiety levels.
The classic pose consists of several shots of the bride and groom standing together and looking straight at the camera lens. These poses are formal and can result in the bride and groom looking quite stiff or uncomfortable. Have the bride and groom stand quite close to each other and slightly touching, with the bride positioned so that her body is slightly angled in front of the groom's shoulder. You can also vary classic photos by having the newlywed couple stand or sit in front of various outdoor and indoor backdrops.
As the couple moves between poses for each photo, they will let their guard down and exchange natural looks and banter between each other. Be prepared for these shots and continue taking photos even as the couple prepares for the next pose. You can then edit these photos and choose candid poses that the bride and groom like.
It can be difficult to capture natural moments while posing for a photo. You can help the couple relax and capture their relationship more organically by asking them to pose in different ways. For example, ask the groom to loosen his tie or bow-tie and ask the bride to face him and adjust it or have both of them admire the engagement ring as you take photos. These types of poses will capture natural and tender moments between the bride and groom.