Lift Me Up!
There are so many lifts you can do during your photoshoot or first dance, so here is some inspiration and advice to help you find a lift that works for you.
Before You Lift...
Before you start picking each other up, here are a few things to think about:
- How’s your back? You know your body better than anyone, if you don’t think your body is up for it, don’t start picking people up.
- What are you wearing? Are your clothes restricting you? Are you able to move freely in them? The lift might be cool, but is it worth ripping your brand-new outfit for?
- What shoes are you wearing and what is the floor like? If you lift at the gym, you know there is a huge debate about the type of shoes you should wear, and trust me, that debate does not include high heels and loathers. Also, if the floor is slippery or uneven, no, don’t even try it.
- Tipsy? Look on YouTube and you will find so many videos of people a bit tipsy trying to do the lift from Dirty Dancing, maybe avoid lifting people up if you’ve been at the bar.
Basically, use common sense before trying any of these.
Also, Liftees, if you don’t like being picked up, just say so! Don’t feel pressured into being lifted if you don’t like it.
The Scoop
This is the Disney of all the lifts, and is the one most people think of.
Just remember, if you are being lifted and you are wearing a huge skirt or veil, try to lift it off the ground so it doesn’t get twisted around your partners legs and trip them up.
The "Under The Bum" Lift
OK, I don’t know the formal name for this one, but simply put, it’s where you wrap your arms just below your partner’s bum and lift them up in the air. This is a great one if you want to get that classic kiss with your foot “popped” pose.
Brace Yourself
This one is a little tricky, but if you have a flowy dress, a cape, a veil, or just want a challenge, then it’s a fun one to try as it also involves a spin.
Face each other, and get ready. The Lifter needs to wrap their arms around the Liftee’s waist and start to spin. The Liftee, when ready, places their hands on the Lifter’s hips and uses them as a brace to push off them a little bit whilst they’re spinning.
Remember, watch where you stand Lifters, you don’t want to trip over, especially when you’re spinning around.
The Piggy Back
This one is a classic and so much fun!
Remember to empty pockets first and, Liftees, wear awesome socks ‘cos they will be seen in this lift.
Fireman's Lift
You know how this one works, but promise me, never attempt this after a large meal, just trust me on that one.
The Back To Back
Stand back to back, lock those arms together, and Lifters pull them on to your back.
Liftees, kick those legs up high if you want a cool photo.
Lifters, have a wide standing stance and don’t lean so far forward you topple over.
Airplane Pose
This went viral as a thing to try at home with your Partner, but it’s so much fun it may have snuck into a few of my weddings and photoshoots.
Before you attempt this though, make sure the ground is soft, trust me, you’re gonna fall a few times when attempting it.
Look What I caught!
This one is so much fun, but remember to watch those hands Lifters!
The Bumps
Admit it, you used to love getting the bumps when you were a kid, so why not bring this tradition back!
Superhero!
A variation of the bumps is the Superhero. This is where I lie on the floor, with you and your friends doing the bumps above me and I snap you mid air.
However, I can’t stress enough, REMBER TO CATCH THE LIFTEE! There is a video somewhere of a Groom being dropped ontop of me whilst doing this photo. Also, be extra careful if you are trying this in a strapless dress.
Who Does The Sweeping
It ain’t just women who get to be the Liftees!
Lads, if you want to be the Liftee and your partner is feeling strong and up for the challenge, then why not give it a go? You deserve to be swept off your feet as well.
