Planning your wedding is an exciting, whirlwind experience—but when it comes to your photos, there are a few key things that often get overlooked. As your photographer, I want to make sure you’re prepared and that we capture everything you’ve dreamed of—and then some. So, before your wedding day arrives, here are five things to keep in mind to ensure your photos turn out just as beautiful and memorable as the day itself.
1. Your Timeline Can Make or Break Your Photos
I know the wedding day schedule can seem like a huge puzzle, but making sure there’s enough time built in for your portraits and photos is essential. It’s easy to forget that the moments that can be between the ceremony and reception (like couple portraits, wedding party photos, and family shots) also need time. I always try to plan extra time *just in case* things run behind (which they do!), but even if you’re not planning on doing a first look I like to budget time into the afternoon for separate wedding party and family images. That way, once the ceremony is done, we only need to capture the wedding party and families together, leaving us more time for couple portraits. If you do plan on a first look, I always want to make sure that you’re not rushed through your portraits and that you can really soak in the quiet time before the chaos really starts!
2. Lighting Is Everything (Especially Outdoors)
Great photos are all about the light! If you’re having an outdoor ceremony or portraits, think about when the sun will be at its best for that magical glow. The “golden hour” (the last hour of light before sunset) is the best time for dreamy, soft portraits. If we can, I love to schedule your couple portraits during that time for photos that make you feel like you’re in a fairytale! No matter the time of day and quality of light, I promise to find a perfect spot for your images. Having photos taken throughout the day shows the flow of the wedding and the glorious way that the light changes. I also love golden hour portraits because it’s a nice little breather for you to sneak out of your reception and have a minute together.
3. Don’t Just Plan for Poses—Think About the Real Moments
Posed photos are important, but what truly makes your wedding day memorable are those raw, emotional moments. The laughter, the tears, the look you give each other during your vows—those are the moments that you’ll treasure forever. My job is to capture those in-between moments that show the true emotions of your day. So, don’t stress about making every shot “perfect”—the best moments are the ones you don’t plan. Some of my favorite images I’ve ever captured are unposed and unprompted, but show the unbridled emotion and freeze those perfect moments.
4. Think About Your Photos as a Whole—Not Just Your Portraits
While your wedding day is primarily about the two of you, there’s so much happening all around you that tells the story of the day. From the details of your wedding rings to the florals that took months to choose, to your guests’ reactions, every little thing adds up. When we’re planning your photo timeline, let’s chat about what’s important to you so I can capture everything that will make your wedding day feel complete. Some people want to focus heavily on cocktail hour candids and group shots, and some people lean more towards portraits. Each couple is different, but at the end of the day, I want to ensure that your gallery tells the story of the entire day.
5. Let Go of the Stress—And Trust Your Photographer
Weddings are full of surprises, and things may not always go as planned—but that’s okay! The real magic is in how you handle those moments and enjoy the day. Don’t worry if something doesn’t go exactly right. My job is to be there to document it all, whether it’s a perfectly planned moment or something beautifully unexpected. Trust me, we’ll roll with it and get stunning photos of all the real, raw, and beautiful moments!
Your wedding photos should tell the story of your day—not just the big moments, but the tiny details that make it uniquely yours. By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll set yourself up for a day filled with moments to cherish forever—and I’ll be there to capture them, so you can relive the magic over and over again.
Ready to talk more about how we can make your wedding photos everything you’ve imagined (and more)? Get in touch here and let’s start building your perfect photo plan!
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