Our Favorite Wedding Photos of 2023

Bride and Groom Singing and Doing Choreographed Dance With Wedding Party — Photo by Larissa Cleveland

At Brides, we have the honor of telling heartfelt stories that capture how real couples’ wedding celebrations unfolded, otherwise known as our real weddings. What lies at the heart of these narratives? The photos. Without images of the memorable moments and stunning details that comprise these nuptials, our published features wouldn’t be nearly as compelling. From the getting-ready process to the newlyweds’ send-off, these pictures take our readers along on the journey, as if they were actually an attendee.

In 2023, our real weddings were filled with eye-catching photos, but there were a few in particular that grabbed our attention and left a lasting impression. Some capture the couples’ emotional experiences, from feelings of awe during their first look or tangible joy after being pronounced newlyweds. Others document unique moments during the day, such as a pre-ceremony hot air balloon ride or a post-reception jump in the pool. Many of them showcase the skill of the photographer behind the lens by offering a unique point of view or playing with light. Overall, every one of these images encompasses the magic of weddings.

Read on to see 20 of our favorite photos from 2023.

01 of 20

A Youthful Moment

Bride Jumping on the Couch in Pajamas — Photo by Shannon Moffit Photography

Before saying “I do” to Adit Parasuram at their Parisian-inspired wedding at the Four Seasons in Washington D.C., Carolyn Jouben got glam with her bridesmaids in a room at the hotel. The bride was evidently excited to marry her person, so she couldn’t help but jump up and down on the couch in her pajamas. In this photo, the bride is on the brink of a life-changing transition, bit her act itself is youthful in nature (it reminded us of bouncing up and down on our beds as kids)—so this image is full of nostalgia.

02 of 20

A Tear-Jerking Letter

Bride Reading a Letter and Wiping Her Tears With a Tissue — Photo by Caroline Lima Photography

After changing into her wedding dress for her camp-themed nuptials in Texas, Julianna Beathard set aside a quiet moment to read a letter that her future husband, Lee Siratt, wrote her. Lee’s message was so touching that it moved Julianna to tears. We can almost feel the emotion that the bride was experiencing at this moment.

03 of 20

A Celebratory Champagne Pop

Bride Popping Champagne With Her Bridesmaids Outside in the Rain — Photo by Hana Gonzalez Photography

Despite how much planning couples do, there are always going to be unpredictable moments. When Rroya-rae McIntosh was getting ready for her low-key affair in Jamaica, it started to rain. Instead of getting upset, the bride decided to embrace the weather change by gathering her bridesmaids outside to pop open a bottle of Champagne. “I was never truly worried for a second,” Rroya said. “I knew in my heart the day was going to be perfect.”

04 of 20

A Moving First Look

Brides Smiling and Crying During Their First Look Outside — Photo by Henry & Mac

Initially, Carolyn Berndt and Vic Jones were contemplating saving their first look for their ceremony during their modern, ethereal celebration in Newport, Rhode Island, but they eventually had a change of heart. The brides debuted their outfits to one another outside of their venue, and the experience was bittersweet—both brides smiled and cried when they saw one another.

05 of 20

A Pre-Ceremony Horseback Ride

Bride and Groom Kissing One Another on Horseback in Front of a River — Photo by Michelle Beller Photography

It isn’t every day that couples take their portraits while riding horses, but that’s exactly what Madison Shaffer and Devin Ashburn did before their organic fête on a Montana ranch. “It was definitely a moment as everyone watched us ride in on horseback in our wedding attire for the first time,” the couple reflected. This picture conveys the setting’s natural beauty, and it plays a role in telling their love story since the duo made many trips to that same river while dating.

06 of 20

A Scenic Shot

Bride and Groom Embracing on a Staircase in Portrait Overlooking the Ocean — Photo by Ledia Tashi

Tori Saputo and Jared Toothman knew The Ringling Museum—an art museum in Sarasota, Florida, brimming with Italian architecture—would be the perfect spot to tie the knot at their classically elegant soirée. “Ringling made us feel like we had been transported to Italy,” Tori shared. “I also loved how the venue was a bit unassuming from the outside, but once you walked through the doors, you were suddenly hit by the immaculate beauty and in awe of its unceasing elegance.” This portrait of the bride and groom encapsulates the breathtaking waterfront setting and offers visual intrigue with the surrounding linear elements.

07 of 20

A Magical Hot Air Balloon Ride

Bride and Groom Kissing While Riding in a Hot Air Balloon Decorated With Colorful Flowers — Photo by Perry Vaile

Hot air balloons were a recurring motif at Kristy Hawley and Brian Schratz’s carnival-themed gathering in Virginia since the bride’s last trip with her late father was to an international hot air balloon festival. Not only was the aircraft a part of their décor, but it was also a main component of their first look—they took a ride through the skies after the grand reveal. “We felt like we were on top of the world on our wedding day when we took a ride up in the hot air balloon together,” the couple reminisced. “Looking out over the vast countryside made us feel like we could tackle anything in this beautiful world together.”

08 of 20

A Miraculous Processional

Paralyzed Bride Walking Down the Aisle With Dad and Brother on Either Side — Photo by A Sea of Love

When Brianna Medina was in college, she was involved in a head-on collision with a drunk driver that left her paralyzed from the waist down. “After I found out I was paralyzed, one of the first things I said was, ‘I’m never going to walk down the aisle in a wedding dress,’” Briana recalled. But for her fairy-tale wedding in Rhode Island to Matt Brouckaert, she did just that with the help of her brother and dad, who escorted her toward the altar. “Knowing what it took to get to that very moment, while looking at the love of my life, was more than I can put into words,” the bride expressed. “It was the very best moment of my life.” This photo, which documents a true miracle, says it all: The happiness on Brianna’s face is palpable.

09 of 20

An Emotional Encounter

Groom Crying and Wiping Away His Tears While Standing on Beach in Front of Floral Arch — Photo by Photo by Julieta

At their glamorous beachside wedding in Cabo, Ali Lawson and Devon Travis decided to skip a first look, so the special moment could happen in real time during their ceremony. Upon seeing Ali in her wedding dress, Devon broke down. “Seeing Devon at the end of the aisle crying and smiling as I walked down with my dad…is a memory I will forever cherish,” Ali recounted. This image, with all of its raw emotion, just tugs at your heartstrings.

10 of 20

An Elevated Setup

Bride and Groom Holding Hands on Elevated Stage Above Their Guests — Photo by Greg Finck

So often, couples describe their ceremony as feeling like it’s just the two of them, and this photo perfectly expresses that surreal experience. Niki Ikahihifo-Bender and Jordan Mailata exchanged vows on a stage at their elegant wedding in California, but their photographer, Greg Finck, exaggerated the elevation by positioning his camera above the crowd of guests.

11 of 20

A Cute Ceremony Exchange

Bride Grabbing Groom's Cheeks and Grinning at Ceremony — Photo by Ivan L'Astorina

Any photo that demonstrates a couple’s personality and portrays the intimacy between them is one that resonates with us. During Yety Akinola and Benjamin Brody’s ceremony at their lavish soirée in Florence, the bride grabbed her groom’s cheeks, which left her grinning from ear to ear. That one gesture displays tells you everything you need to know about these two.

12 of 20

A Dramatic Dip

Groom Dipping the Bride While Guests Toss Flower Petals — Photo by Janet Lin Photography

Recessional photos are some of our favorites because they capture that joyful just-married feeling. One that caught our eye the most this year? When Tuan Duong dipped Bao-Tram Do after being pronounced husband and wife at their lush wedding in Washington. In addition to everyone’s excited expressions, we love how the flower petals are showering the couple and dusting the aisle, creating a dreamy quality.

13 of 20

A Fun Joyride

Bride and Groom Looking at Each Other and Smiling on Boat Ride — Photo by Leah Marie Photography

After Natalie Malcolm and Ross Chapman shared their first kiss at their tropical bash in Barbados, they headed toward their reception via a pink candy-striped boat. “Only a few people knew about our arrival, so it started off the celebrations in the most perfect way,” the bride recapped. While en route, the newlyweds took some portraits, and this particular photo, with the couple’s exchange and the sunny weather, radiated pure bliss. Plus, with the groom’s bare feet on display, it conveyed the laid-back feeling of the party to come.

14 of 20

A Choreographed Entrance

Bride and Groom Singing While Bridesmaids and Groomsmen Form a Procession While Holding Bells — Photo by Larissa Cleveland

When couples make their debut as newlyweds at their reception, it’s always a gratifying moment—in person and on camera. Instead of a traditional walk-in with their wedding party during their glamping-inspired nuptials in California, Yunha and Eddie Kim decided to put on a performance—complete with singing and choreography. “The words of ‘I Can Hear the Bells’ from Hairspray were rewritten to tell the story of how Eddie pursued Yunha and ultimately married her,” the couple recounted.

15 of 20

A Photo-Worthy Speech

Flower Girl Taking a Disposable Photo of Best Man Speech — Photo by Elizabeth Cecil

Whether it’s laughter or tears, the speeches and toasts at wedding receptions always lead to touching photo ops. When Brittany Melone and Josh Dines got married at their beachy backyard fête on Martha’s Vineyard, Josh’s best man delivered a sentimental tribute that was a “real tear-jerker,” according to Brittany. One of the flower girls could sense it was a special moment, too. In the middle of his speech, the young wedding party member took a photo with a disposable camera. And that moment was also caught on camera by a professional.

16 of 20

A Family-Centered Cake Cutting

Bride, Groom, and Son All Cutting the Wedding Cake Together — Photo by Liz Zimbelman Photography

At their romantic nuptials in California, Janessa Starkey and James Rey IV made sure that their daughter and son were involved in the festivities. While both of their children were members of the wedding party, their son also played a role in another important tradition, the cake cutting ceremony. The sweet picture of this ritual reflects more than just a love between husband and wife—it expresses a special familial bond, too.

17 of 20

A Passionate Ferris Wheel Ride

Bride and Groom Kissing While Riding in a Ferris Wheel — Photo by Ashley Cox Photography

There were so many euphoric moments from Laura Fitzgerald and Niall Hines’ technicolor affair in Virginia. One that transported us to the festivities and made us smile was a picture of the newlyweds taking a ride on a ferris wheel—a standout component of their event—and sharing a passionate kiss mid-ride.

18 of 20

A Soaring Dance Floor

Groom Spinning His Bride Around the Dance Floor — Photo by Lisa Poggi

The dance floor is where everyone can let loose, and as a result, there is so much potential for candid pictures. After browsing through nearly 200 Real Weddings that we published in 2023, this photo on the dance floor at Julia DiCesare and Jake Furnari’s traditional Italian wedding was the one that made an impact on us. In the image, Jake is hoisting Julia into the air and spinning her around while singing to her. It’s enchanting and exhilarating.

19 of 20

A Dazzling Firework Show

Bride and Groom Holding Hands and Admiring Firework Show — Photo by Lacie Hansen Photography

To conclude their floral-filled fête in Guatemala with a bang, Sarah Attman, Juan Smith, and their guests enjoyed a fireworks display. This photo of the newlyweds holding hands while admiring the bursts of light is undoubtedly captivating. The color and depth of the photographed firework is electric, and the scale hints at its magnitude.

20 of 20

A Spontaneous Jump in the Pool

Bride and Groom Jumping into the Pool — Photo by Erich McVey

To conclude their energetic celebration in Mexico, Angela Viscount and Justin Pugh took a spontaneous dip in the pool. This fun-filled photo caught their jump mid-air and their animated facial expressions.