Wedding “red flags”: How photographers can spot a troubled marriage

A wedding is often considered one of the happiest days of a couple’s life—but experienced wedding photographers say that some signs of potential marital trouble can be noticed even on the big day, reports NYP.

Reluctance to Be Photographed

"One of the clearest red flags is when the groom or bride—usually the groom—absolutely refuses to be photographed," says Christopher Todd Griffiths, a Southern California wedding photographer with 20 years of experience. He explains that this is not mere shyness: avoiding photos can signal a lack of willingness to support what is important to their partner.

Body Language and Chemistry

Professional photographers can easily read a couple’s chemistry. Some appear harmonious and happy, while others seem eager to keep as much distance from each other as possible.

Response to Problems

Another telltale sign is how a couple handles issues on the wedding day. Independent photographer Devin Dugard notes: "You can see their problem-solving skills: do they work together as a team, or do they immediately start blaming each other?"

Avoiding Eye Contact

Even during the celebration, if a couple avoids looking at each other, it may indicate a deep emotional disconnect. Dugard adds: "It’s a sign of detachment and emotional distance between them."