Wedding Day Inspiration: Pro Tips from a Wedding Photographer
Your wedding day is one of the most special, joy-filled days of your life. It’s a day of love, celebration, and all the little in-between moments that make your story unique. As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless weddings, and I’ve learned a thing or two about how to make the most of your big day. Here are some tips to ensure your wedding is not only picture-perfect but also stress-free and full of magic.
1. Embrace Natural Light
Lighting is everything in photography, and natural light is a game-changer. If possible, schedule your ceremony during golden hour (the hour before sunset) for the most dreamy, flattering light. If you’re getting ready in a hotel or venue, choose a room with big windows and soft, natural light—it makes a world of difference in capturing those intimate, getting-ready moments.
2. Plan a First Look (Or Not—Do What Feels Right!)
A first look—a private moment between you and your partner before the ceremony—can be an emotional, intimate way to connect before the day’s whirlwind begins. It also allows for extra portrait time, which means you can enjoy cocktail hour with your guests. But if you love the tradition of seeing each other at the aisle for the first time, go with your heart! Either way, make sure your timeline includes time for beautiful portraits of just the two of you.
3. Create a Relaxed Timeline
Nothing kills the magic like feeling rushed. Build buffer time into your schedule so you’re not stressed if something runs late. Allocate extra minutes for getting ready, portraits, and even those sweet, spontaneous moments—trust me, they often become the best photos!
4. Trust Your Photographer (That’s Me!)
You’ve hired a professional for a reason! I love when couples trust me to guide them into the best light, suggest natural poses, and capture all the little in-between moments. The best photos come when you’re relaxed, in the moment, and just being yourselves.
5. Consider an Unplugged Ceremony
Picture this: you’re walking down the aisle, and instead of seeing your loved ones’ smiling faces, you see a sea of phones. An unplugged ceremony encourages your guests to be fully present, and it ensures your photos aren’t filled with screens and arms blocking the view. Plus, that’s what I’m there for—to capture every beautiful moment!
6. Take Time for Just the Two of You
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement, but carve out 10–15 minutes to step away with your partner. Whether it’s a sunset walk, a quiet toast, or a moment to soak it all in, these brief pauses help you stay present and create some of the most meaningful, candid images.
7. Golden Hour Magic for Portraits
If you can, sneak away during golden hour for some breathtaking portraits. The soft, warm glow adds a touch of romance that’s impossible to recreate at any other time of day. Even just 10 minutes of golden-hour photos will give you some of the most stunning images from your wedding.
8. Enjoy the Moment—Perfection is Overrated
The best wedding days aren’t about perfection; they’re about feeling every moment, laughing when things don’t go as planned, and embracing the beautiful chaos. The more you relax and soak in the experience, the more your joy will shine through in your photos.
At the end of the day, your wedding is about love, connection, and celebrating the start of a new chapter. The details will fade, but the emotions, the joy, and the memories will last forever. My job is to capture those moments so you can relive them for a lifetime.
So take a deep breath, be present, and let your love story unfold. I’ll be there, camera in hand, ready to capture the magic.