I've always loved black and white images. They are timeless and classic and great for genres such as street photography, classic portraiture and definitely wedding photography. I have never shot an entire wedding in monochrome (although I'd be totally up for it), but certain parts of the day and certain wedding images really beg for it.

At the end of bridal prep, I love to get a few close up portraits of the bride right after she gets into her dress. I very often turn those into black and white images for that timeless feel.

The getting ready portion of the day lends itself well to monochrome images too. Doing a few sepia tones is also another technique I like for a more vintage look. When there are visiting grandmothers (like in one of the images below) or tight shots of mom's hands on the dress, more than likely I will take the color away. For the groom and groomsmen I feel a straight ahead black and white image as opposed to sepia works best.

Bridal prep photos in black and white and sepia tones.

Groom getting ready photos in black and white.

Groomsmen walk in a field in black suits.

For engagement photos I like to have a fair amount in monochrome to choose from. Urban shots in Chicago work well in black and white as well as images with snow and fog. Taking the color away can make them even more romantic and timeless.

Black and white engagement photo on the Chicago lakefront.

Romantic black and white engagement photos.

Sepia toned wedding photos can really evoke a vintage feel. For Kelly and Matt's 1920's themed wedding they had candy cigarettes, prohibition era styled clothing and a ceremony at the old Crown Point Courthouse. Their wedding photos had to take on that vintage look with an old film look.

Bride and groom take on a vintage look for their 1920's themed wedding in Crown Point.

These bridal portraits taken at the historic Barker Mansion in Michigan City are another example of vintage toned wedding photos.

Vintage styled wedding photos at Barker Mansion.

I hope you have enjoyed this look at how I might use black and white and vintage effects in wedding photos. While Region Weddings is certainly still "wedding photography for the modern bride", keep in mind that everything old is new again. If you love classic black and white photos for weddings, be sure to let me know. To inquire about your big day, please fill out the Contact Form and I will be sure to followup to let you know my availability for your wedding day.