Your wedding day will be filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments — but it will also fly by in a blur. That’s where your photographer comes in. Your photos will be the lasting memory of your day, a record of every tear, laugh, and stolen glance.

As your wedding photographer, I'm dedicated to capturing the essence of your love story through imagery. But here's the thing — when we work together to plan and communicate in advance, we can create magic. Below, I’ve outlined my top tips to ensure you get the most out of your wedding photographer, leaving you with photos you'll cherish forever.

01. Communicate your vision

This day is all about you, and your vision matters. Whether you’re dreaming of candid moments, sweeping sunset portraits, or intricate shots of the vintage lace on your dress, don’t be afraid to share every single detail with your photographer ahead of time.

Ask yourself:

Are there must-have shots that hold significant meaning for you? For example, your grandmother’s heirloom ring, or your partner’s reaction at the altar.
Do you prefer posed portraits, candid storytelling, or a blend of both?
Are there specific lighting preferences or details of the venue you'd like captured?

The more I know about your style, story, and priorities, the better I can align my approach with your dreams. For example, if you don’t care about getting every guest table photographed but absolutely want a full creative shoot with your dog as the ring bearer, I need to know that in advance — so I can focus exactly where you want me to.

Takeaway tip: Share your Pinterest boards, favorite Instagram shots, and even past family wedding photos to help me understand what excites and resonates with you.

02. Build a photography-friendly timeline

A timeline might not sound glamorous, but it’s an absolute lifesaver on a wedding day. The last thing you want is to feel rushed or stressed because we ran out of time for photos. Trust me; it happens more often than it should.

Work with your photographer (and planner, if you have one) to build a schedule that allows room for creativity and spontaneity. Here are some key moments to consider blocking out:

Getting-ready photos: These candids of hair, makeup, and heartfelt moments with loved ones create beautiful storytelling images.
First look (if you choose to have one): A quiet and emotional moment away from the guests.
Golden hour portraits: Trust me — this is when the lighting is at its peak, creating stunning, romantic photos.
Family formals: Carve out time for group shots post-ceremony to ensure all key players are present.

Pro tip: Always leave buffer time! Wedding days rarely run exactly on schedule, so extra wiggle room ensures we can adapt without stress.

03. Trust the process — and your photographer

Here’s an important mindset shift for brides-to-be: Once your big day arrives, it’s time to relinquish control (just a little!). Stressing about perfecting every tiny photo detail can take you out of the moment. Believe me, the best photos happen when you’re fully present and enjoying the day.

Trust that as your photographer, I’ve got your back.

I’m here to guide and pose you in ways that highlight the best version of you.
I’ll also act as a fly on the wall for those raw, unscripted moments that can’t be planned.

Some of my absolute favorite shots have been the "imperfect" ones — a gust of wind lifting the veil, spontaneous laughter, or a couple crying from joy when they see each other.

Tip of the day: Flexibility leads to magic. It’s these natural, unscripted moments that make your photos uniquely “you.”

04. Be present with each other

Photos aren’t just about poses — they’re about capturing the real, emotional connection between you and your partner. On your wedding day, it’s easy to get caught up in the schedule and logistics. My advice? Forget the camera and focus on each other.

When you laugh, cry, or simply exchange loving glances, your photographer will capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments. The more joyful and authentic your connection, the more impactful your photos will be.

Pro tip: Make a quick mental note to pause at various points throughout the day to take it all in together, just the two of you.

05. Make time for couple portraits

While the day will be full of fun and action, carve out a moment for just the two of you. Whether it’s during cocktail hour, golden hour, or even a late-night session beneath the stars, these intimate portraits away from the chaos allow you to connect as a couple.

Why it matters:

It’s a moment to breathe and reflect in each other’s arms.
The resulting photos exude romance, intimacy, and undivided attention on one another.

Takeaway tip: Trust me on this one, these will become some of your most cherished photos.

06. Plan ahead for family formals

Family photos are an important tradition, but they can also be a logistical challenge. The secret here is organization:

Create a list of must-have group combinations. (Both parents? Siblings only? Couples with kids?)
Assign a close friend or family member to help locate and organize these groups. My assistant and I are great at wrangling people, but it always goes more quickly if we have someone on our side who knows what these people look like.

Pro tip: We'll go over this list during our pre-wedding planning session so I can streamline the process for you and get you back to celebrating faster.

07. Add personal touches to your day

The details of your wedding day are what tell your story, and those details make for some of the most memorable photos. Whether it’s personalized vows, a custom cake topper, or a quirky first dance, these meaningful elements add depth and character to your wedding album.

Remember, this is your day. Incorporate touches that make it uniquely yours and reflect who you are as a couple. When you do, the photos will always bring you back to the love and joy you felt that day.

08. Focus on the joy, not the perfection

Spoiler alert: Your wedding day won’t go exactly as planned. And that’s okay! Windblown hair? Rain? A boutonnière out of place? These little imperfections often make your photos more genuine and heartfelt.

At the end of the day, what matters is the love and emotion shining through. Everything else is secondary.

Pro tip from experience: The happiest brides are the ones who roll with the day and soak up every single moment — warts and all.

Your day, your story

Your wedding day is a celebration of love, connection, and joy. By focusing on preparation and trust, you’ll not only make the most of your photographer’s skills, but you’ll also enjoy the process every step of the way. Together, we’ll create a gallery of magical photos that perfectly tell your love story.

Got questions or need help organizing your timeline? Schedule a chat with me! I’m here to ensure your wedding day is as stress-free (and photo-perfect) as can be.

Ready to capture your love story?

I’d love to learn more about your wedding plans and discuss how we can create timeless memories together. Let’s make your big day unforgettable.

Contact me

How to get the most out of your wedding photographer on your big day