Montreal Wedding Planning: An unconventional glossary for memorable wedding celebrations: : Letter K: Keen Wedding Kisses

Let’s talk about the kiss. It’s tender, joyful, sometimes a little awkward — and always a moment worth remembering. From the ceremony to the golden-hour portraits, kissing isn’t just for you and your partner. It’s also one of the most iconic wedding-day photographs.

But don’t worry — you don’t need to be a movie star to have a kiss worthy of the camera.

“If kisses were raindrops, I’d shower you with a storm! ”

— unknown

The Romans had it right

Long before kissing became a wedding tradition, the ancient Romans were already obsessed with it. So much so, they had three distinct types:

Osculum — a friendly peck. Think “hi grandma” or the 2 or 3 air kisses we Montrealers do!
Basium — a kiss on the lips, sweet and romantic.
Savolium — the steamy one. Think passionate make-out session under a toga.

Your wedding kiss? It falls in the basium category: classic, warm, and just the right amount of spice for friends and family to cheer you on (without needing a cold drink). You can save the Savolium for later!!

The Romans knew what they were doing — and now, with a little help from your photographer (that’s me!), so will you.

Here are a few things to consider around your wedding day kisses:

Slow It Down, Sweetheart

The first kiss is exciting. But the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it peck is a common wedding-day regret. Take your time, close your eyes, and give your photographer a moment to capture it from the best angle. Hold it for at least 2–3 seconds — just long enough for a couple of frames, and through the applause. But don’t smush your faces too hard!

Even better, after the first kiss, go in for a second kiss. You don’t need an excuse, do you? If your first kiss was nervous, fast or a little punchy or smushy, don’t worry. No one will continue with the completion of the ceremony until you are finished! Take in the moment. Take in your new spouse. Then kiss for the second time, and lose yourself for that brief moment. Your photographer (and your resulting photos) will thank you!

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Lucy is a

Montreal WEdding Photographer

I’m here to photograph your joy, and [hopefully] make you ugly-cry (even if in private or just on the inside!)

My mission is your dream wedding.

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Hands Tell the Story

Your lips are busy, but don’t forget the rest of your body. Wrap your arms around each other, cradle a cheek, bring your partner in. These gestures make the kiss feel more connected and intentional in photos. Think “romantic embrace,” not “school dance.”

A note on PDA (public displays of affection)

While most of us naturally do embrace during a kiss, I have encountered clients who don’t love PDA and it extends to their wedding and their first kiss. Not to worry. If an “handsy” embrace or dip for that moment isn’t your thing, step closer and do a hand hold or a light elbow hold (as below). Keep it at a simple kiss, somewhere between the Osculum and Basium.

Practice (Yes, Really)

Some practice their first dance, so why not practice the first kiss? I mean, you probably already kiss a lot as a soon-to-be-married couple! Running through how you might do your first kiss a few times can help you feel less awkward and more natural when in front of an audience. You’ll figure out what feels good, looks great, and keeps you from bumping noses or blocking the camera with an elbow. My experience is that once you have the very first kiss out of the way (and the nerves that preceded it), the rest will be easy-peasy!

Bonus Tip: The sweet forehead kiss

Not all kisses need to be on the lips to be powerful. A gentle forehead kiss during portraits can feel incredibly tender and natural. It often evokes a sense of comfort, love, and deep connection. It photographs beautifully, especially in quiet, golden-hour moments. If you’re not in love with the idea of kissing portraits (with exception of the first kiss during the ceremony) then forehead, cheek, hair and hand kisses all work in my books!

The best wedding kisses aren’t about theatrics — my wedding couples aren’t about that kind of energy in general because the day is a celebration and not a performance. They’re about connection. Whether it’s the big one at the altar or a soft forehead kiss during portraits, what matters most is how it feels. And when it feels good? The best photographs!