Finding the right wedding photographer isn’t just about beautiful images – it’s about finding someone whose approach to your day feels aligned with your values and who helps you actually ENJOY your wedding day! As your photographer, I believe your wedding day should be lived fully in the moment, filled with joy and celebration, with photography that captures the genuine emotion and authentic moments without becoming the main focus of your experience.
I’ve created this guide to give you insight into my approach for each part of your wedding day. Whether you’re already one of my couples or you’re considering working with me, I hope this helps you understand what it’s like to have me as your photographer – and how I’ll make sure you never feel awkward or wonder “what do I do with my hands?” (Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with gentle guidance every step of the way!)
My Wedding Photography Philosophy: Joy, Presence, and Authentic Moments
Before we dive into specifics, I want to share the core philosophy that guides my approach: I deeply value real life, joyful moments, and your authentic experience over rigidly perfect poses.
This means:
- I’ll never interrupt a genuine moment just to straighten a jacket or move a water bottle
- I prioritize your joy and experience over getting the “technically perfect” shot
- I believe the most beautiful photos happen when you’re truly present and happy
- I’ll provide clear guidance when needed (especially about those hands!) while giving you space to simply be together
- I focus on capturing your day as it naturally unfolds, with all its beautiful, joy-filled moments
- I’m detail-oriented behind the scenes so you don’t have to worry about managing your timeline or if all the details have been captured
That said, I always look for opportunities to enhance photos without disrupting the authentic flow of your day. I’ll be mindful of backgrounds, lighting, and composition to create beautiful images while preserving the genuine moment. My goal is to make you look amazing while still feeling completely like yourselves!
Your Complete Wedding Day Photography Experience: What to Expect
Wedding Getting Ready Photos: Authentic Moments & Beautiful Details
Getting ready photos capture the anticipation, excitement, and emotion of your wedding morning – those butterflies-in-your-stomach moments before you walk down the aisle! My approach to these special hours is thoughtfully unobtrusive while still creating gorgeous images:
- I’ll arrive with plenty of time to document your getting-ready space and all the emotion unfolding
- I carefully frame shots to create clean, beautiful backgrounds whenever possible
- I’ll never interrupt meaningful interactions just to “stage” a perfect moment
- I focus on genuine connections, laughter, tears, and the authentic emotions as they happen
- I provide gentle guidance for flattering angles when needed (like when you’re putting on your lipstick, tie, dress, or shoes)
- I capture not just how everything looked, but the feeling of anticipation and excitement
Pro tip: If clean backgrounds are especially important to you, designate a “clean zone” in your getting ready space ahead of time. Let your wedding party know to keep this area tidy for key moments like putting on your dress or reading a letter. This simple preparation allows me to capture these moments beautifully without having to rearrange anything during emotional moments (though I will – ask me about the time I shoveled a deck during a winter storm for my couples first look!).
The getting ready portion sets the tone for your entire wedding day – it’s where the story begins! I love capturing these intimate moments of anticipation before all the ‘main events’ begin.
Wedding Details & Flat Lays: Thoughtfully Prepared
I believe your details deserve to be beautifully documented, but not at the expense of your morning peace:
- I arrive early to allow ample time for detail photos
- I bring styling mats, ribbons, and other tools to showcase your items beautifully
- We’ll coordinate ahead of time about which details you want included
- I’ll prepare a checklist so everything’s organized before your wedding day and have you put these details into one box or bag
- You won’t need to hunt down your rings or invitation while getting ready!
Learn more about my approach to detail photos in this dedicated blog post
First Look: Your Moment to Connect
If you’re having a first look (or a first touch or sharing private vows), this intimate moment deserves space and reverence:
- I’ll scout the perfect location for beautiful lighting and privacy
- My second photographer and I will capture multiple angles
- We’ll coordinate logistics so you don’t accidentally see each other
- I’ll give gentle guidance on placement but never dictate your reactions
- I encourage you to fully embrace the moment – hug, kiss, twirl, cry!
- I’ll never rush you through this experience to “stay on schedule”
- I’ll step back when appropriate to give you private time together
Remember: there is no “right way” to do a first look, first touch, or private vows. Some couples want to chat and laugh, others prefer quiet emotion. Whatever feels authentic to you is perfect.
Wedding Party Photos: Classic to Creative
Your wedding party deserves to be celebrated in photos that reflect your personalities:
- I always start with classic “mantle-worthy” portraits with everyone smiling and showcasing the beautiful color palette you selected
- I’ll help with practical details (checking pockets, straightening ties, positioning bouquets)
- We’ll progress to more movement-based, interactive photos
- I tailor my approach based on your vision (more editorial? more candid?)
- My second photographer and I will divide and conquer to capture each of you with your own wedding party
- I make time for individual photos of you with each wedding party member
- I encourage genuine interactions while providing posing guidance
Before your wedding, we’ll discuss your vision for these photos. Some couples prefer sophisticated editorial poses, while others want fun, silly moments that showcase your friendships. I’m happy to adapt to whatever feels right for you.
Family Photos: Efficient Yet Meaningful
Family photos are some of the most cherished images from your wedding day. My approach makes this process smooth and stress-free:
- We’ll create a detailed shot list together before your wedding with all of your “must-have” combinations
- My second photographer helps organize family members “on deck”
- We’ll check for sunglasses, straighten ties, and ensure everyone looks their best
- I provide clear direction on where to stand and how to pose
- We work efficiently but never rush these important combinations
- I encourage leaving space in the timeline for meaningful moments with your loved ones between formal shots
- Typically, family photos take 20 minutes!
Find my complete guide to stress-free family photos here
Wedding Couples Portraits: Romantic, Natural, and Never Awkward
Your portraits as a couple should feel like a joyful celebration of your new marriage—not a stressful photoshoot where you’re wondering what to do with your hands or how to pose:
- I have signature poses and prompts that make everyone look amazing and feel comfortable
- I’ll guide you clearly on exactly where to place your hands, how to stand, and how to move naturally
- I tailor my approach to honor your unique relationship and personal style
- We’ll create a collaborative mood board before your wedding to understand your vision
- I provide specific, confidence-building guidance while encouraging natural interaction
- I focus on creating moments where you can truly connect with each other and have fun together
- I balance classic “mantle-worthy” photos with candid, emotional images that show your genuine joy
- I recommend taking portraits early in the day when you’re most fresh and energized
- We’ll sneak away for 10-15 minutes to capture some sunset portraits during that magical golden-hour glow!
My couples often tell me, “We were so worried about feeling awkward during portraits, but you made it actually FUN!” That’s exactly how it should be! My goal is for you to remember the experience of being together during portraits—laughing, connecting, and celebrating—not just the act of taking photos. When you look at these images years from now, I want them to bring back the feeling of your wedding day, not just how you looked.
Wedding Ceremony Photography: Capturing Sacred Moments
Your ceremony is the emotional heart of your wedding day – the moment you become married! This sacred time deserves photography that honors its significance while remaining respectfully unobtrusive:
- I position myself strategically to capture perfect angles without being distracting
- I will only use flash during the ceremony if I absolutely have to!
- My second photographer and I work from different positions to document multiple perspectives
- We capture both your key moments AND the reactions of your loved ones
- I focus on emotional exchanges, tears, laughter, and those meaningful glances between you
- I stay aware of ceremonial and cultural significance specific to your celebration
- I’m prepared for key moments like your first kiss (and will have given your officiant a gentle tip to step aside!)
- I capture the pure joy of your recessional as you celebrate those first moments of marriage – we’ll chat ahead of time about whether or not you’d like to stop down the aisle for a second kiss!
Before your wedding, we’ll discuss any special ceremony elements or traditions that are particularly meaningful to you so I can be sure to document them beautifully. I’m also happy to share my ceremony-specific tips that can enhance your photos – like holding hands throughout the ceremony and taking a moment to look out at all your gathered guests.
Cocktail Hour & Reception: Authentic Celebration
During these more relaxed parts of your day:
- My second photographer and I capture candid guest interactions
- We remain available (but not intrusive) for any formal photos you’d like
- We document details of your reception space before guests enter
- We stay attuned to spontaneous moments
- We keep an eye on you throughout the night to capture special interactions and all your best dance moves
When the dancing starts, we’ll be out there with you:
- We’ll capture the energy and emotion of your dance floor
- We’ll focus on quality shots that tell the story of your celebration (without setting off our flashes at you and your guests all night)
- We love to stay until the end to document your send-off or last dance – we’ll make sure your timeline includes the moments that matter most to you!
- We coordinate with your planner/DJ/band about key moments throughout the night
Why I Include Two Photographers in Every Package
Having two photographers allows me to tell the complete story of your wedding day and physically be in 2 places at once:
- Capturing simultaneous moments (your reactions during first look from different angles)
- Documenting both partners getting ready when in separate locations
- Capturing guest reactions during key ceremony moments
- Creating efficiency during family and wedding party photos
- Ensuring no special moment is missed throughout your day
Those in-between moments and reactions you didn’t get to see? They become some of the most cherished images from your gallery.
My Promise to You as Your Wedding Photographer: Service, Joy & Beautiful Images
When you choose me as your photographer, I promise to:
- Protect what matters most to you above all else
- Never rush you through meaningful moments for the sake of a timeline
- Provide clear, confidence-building guidance (especially about what to do with your hands and where to look!)
- Help you and your loved ones feel comfortable, natural, and ENJOY being in front of the camera
- Be meticulously detail-oriented so you don’t have to worry about managing a thing
- Create an atmosphere of joy and celebration throughout our time together
- Be present and available without being intrusive
- Adapt my approach to match your vision and comfort level
- Treat your loved ones with the same care and attention I give to you
- Seek out those special in-between moments you might otherwise miss
- Create images that feel true to who you are as a couple
I take the responsibility of documenting your wedding day incredibly seriously while ensuring the process itself is fun and stress-free. Your wedding photography experience should add joy to your celebration, not stress!
How We’ll Prepare Together For Your Wedding Photography
I believe exceptional wedding photography starts with thoughtful preparation. To ensure I understand exactly what matters most to you (and that you feel completely comfortable in front of my camera!), we’ll:
- Create a detailed wedding day photo timeline together that prioritizes your values and joy
- Develop shot lists for formal photos to ensure no important combinations are missed
- Build a collaborative mood board to understand your style preferences and vision
- Discuss any special relationships or emotional moments you want highlighted
- Talk through any concerns or questions about being photographed
- Plan key photo opportunities around the best natural light for gorgeous portraits
- Coordinate with your other wedding vendors to ensure seamless collaboration
- Ensure you feel fully prepared and excited (not stressed!) about your wedding photography
My couples often tell me that this preparation process not only resulted in better photos but also helped them feel more relaxed and present on their wedding day. When you know your photographer has all the details handled, you can fully immerse yourself in the joy of the celebration!
Beyond Traditional Wedding Photography: Options to Consider
Pre-Wedding Portrait Session
If maximizing your time with guests is a priority, consider:
- A dedicated portrait session on a separate day (before or after the wedding)
- A bridal session during your hair and makeup trial
- A “day-after” session when you’re relaxed and pressure-free
These options allow us to create stunning portraits without taking you away from your celebration for extended periods.
Custom Coverage Options
Every couple’s priorities are different. That’s why I offer:
- Customized collections based on what matters most to you
- Full day coverage beginning at 8 hours with the option to add additional time by the hour
- Add-on options for rehearsal dinner, post-wedding brunch, etc.
- Planning assistance to maximize photography within your timeline
Final Thoughts: Your Joy-Filled Wedding Photography Experience
Your wedding photography should enhance your day, not dictate it. I believe you can have both stunning, frame-worthy images AND an authentic, joy-filled experience where you’re actually having fun. You shouldn’t have to choose.
The most beautiful wedding photos happen when you’re fully immersed in the celebration—feeling your emotions, connecting with one another and your guests, and celebrating this once-in-a-lifetime milestone without worrying about “looking perfect” or wondering what to do with your hands.
My job is to document your day as it naturally unfolds, providing clear, confidence-boosting guidance when helpful, but always prioritizing your experience and joy over rigid perfection. I’ll be detail-oriented so you don’t have to be. When you look back at your wedding photos years from now, I want you to remember how it felt to be surrounded by love and celebration—not just how everything looked.
So many of my couples tell me after their wedding, “That was so much easier and more fun than we expected!” That’s exactly how wedding photography should feel—like a natural, enjoyable part of your celebration, not a stressful obligation.
Ready to chat about your wedding photography vision? I’d love to hear what matters most to you and how I can help bring your perfect day to life through images you’ll treasure forever!
