ASK FOR A FULL GALLERY

Welcome to HOW TO WEDDING: Advice from a photographer who has seen some stuff.

Ask to See a Full Wedding Gallery Before Hiring Your Photographer

When you're searching for a wedding photographer, one of the first things you'll do is check out their portfolio. And that's great—those images are their highlight reel. But let me let you in on a little secret: a portfolio is just the tip of the iceberg.

I’ve been photographing weddings for over a decade. At each wedding, I take around 5,000 to 7,000 images, carefully selecting and delivering about 700 to 900 final shots to my couples. How many of those make it into my portfolio? Maybe three to seven images a year. That’s less than... wait, let me do the math... okay, a fraction of a percent. (See? I take great pictures. Math, not so much.) If he took that many photos even your goofy uncle Jerry would get a few good ones.

My portfolio showcases the best of the best, but what you really want to know is, “What does the whole wedding day look like?” That’s why you should always ask to see a complete gallery before hiring a photographer.

What a Full Gallery Tells You

Consistency is Key
A portfolio can show you stunning portraits, but a full gallery gives you the full story—from the chaos of getting ready to the emotional ceremony, to the wild dance floor moves at the reception. It shows whether the photographer can consistently deliver high-quality images throughout the day.

How They Handle Lighting
A wedding day has it all: bright sunshine, dim reception halls, candlelit dinners, and DJ light shows. A full gallery reveals how a photographer adapts to all those tricky lighting situations.

The Candids
Some of the best moments at a wedding are unposed. A full gallery lets you see how well your photographer captures those spontaneous smiles, heartfelt tears, and questionable dance moves.

The Details
Your flowers, cake, and décor deserve their moment in the spotlight, too. A full gallery shows how much attention a photographer gives to the little things that make your day unique.

what you should look for:

  • Are the photos sharp and well-composed, even in low light?

  • Do they capture a mix of emotions, moments, and details?

  • Is there variety, or do all the photos look the same?

  • Does the editing style match the vibe you’re going for?

Here are a few complete galleries from recent weddings I have shot:

Michelle and William

Abby and Jack

Rochelle and Josh

Earl and Zoe

Hire A Photographer You Like As A Person

Welcome to HOW TO WEDDING: Advice from a photographer who has seen some stuff

When you’re choosing your wedding photographer, there’s one question that matters almost as much as “Do they take amazing photos?” It’s this: “Do I actually like this person?”

Here’s the thing: you’re going to spend more time with your photographer on your wedding day than almost anyone else. More than your parents. More than your wedding party. Possibly even more than your new spouse (because I’ll be there before your partner even sees you). If you don’t vibe with your photographer, it’s going to be one looooong, awkward day.

The Importance of Getting Along

Think about it. Your photographer will be with you during:

  • The chaos of getting ready.

  • The emotional ceremony.

  • The private, intimate moments when you sneak away for sunset portraits.

  • The wild dance floor party.

If you’re not comfortable with your photographer, it’s going to show in your photos. Stiff smiles, awkward poses, and the overall feeling that you’re just counting down the minutes until you’re free from the camera’s gaze.

The Engagement Shoot: Your Vibe Check

This is why I always recommend doing an engagement session with your photographer before the big day. It’s not just about getting cute photos for your Save the Dates—it’s your chance to do a “vibes check.”

During the engagement session, you’ll see how your photographer works, how they make you feel, and whether or not you click. It’s like a first date, but with less pressure and more posing.

If the engagement session feels weird, don’t be afraid to pump the brakes. It’s okay to look for someone else who’s a better fit. You want your wedding day to be fun, stress-free, and full of joy—not awkward, uncomfortable, and filled with forced smiles.

Finding the Right Fit

When you’re interviewing photographers, don’t just look at their work. Pay attention to how they make you feel. Are they someone you’d actually want to hang out with? Do they listen to your ideas and concerns? Do they make you laugh?

The best wedding photos come from moments where you’re relaxed, happy, and 100% yourself. And that only happens when you vibe with your photographer.

So, take your time. Find someone who gets you. Because when you’re comfortable, your photos will reflect it—and you’ll have memories you’ll treasure forever.

A Unity Ceremony With Some Personality

Welcome to HOW TO WEDDING: Advice from a photographer who has seen some stuff

When it comes to weddings, there’s nothing wrong with tradition. Unity candles and sand ceremonies are beautiful ways to symbolize two lives becoming one. But let’s be honest—after attending 150+ weddings, I’ve seen enough candles and sand to light up a small city and start a beach resort. If you’re looking to add a little extra flavor to your ceremony, let’s talk about unique unity ceremonies that really stand out.

The Case for Creativity

Unity ceremonies are a symbolic way to represent your partnership. It’s a chance to show your guests who you are as a couple, and maybe even make them laugh, cry, or go, “Wow, that was cool!” The key is to choose something meaningful to you both, even if it’s something no one has ever done before.

Unique Unity Ideas to Inspire You

Here are some of the most memorable unity ceremonies I’ve seen:

1. The Whiskey Blend:
This one is for the whiskey lovers. One couple brought two different types of whiskey, each representing their personalities, and mixed them into a custom barrel engraved with their names and wedding date. Not only was it symbolic of blending their lives, but they also got to drink the results on their anniversary. Talk about a spirit-filled ceremony!

2. The PB&J Love Story:
One couple took a deliciously creative route with a PB&J unity ceremony. One set of parents provided the peanut butter, the other the jelly, and the couple made the bread. During the ceremony, they assembled a tiny sandwich and fed each other a bite. Sweet, savory, and sentimental—what’s not to love?

3. Planting Roots Together:
For nature lovers, planting a tree is a beautiful way to symbolize growth and stability. One couple used soil from each of their childhood homes to plant a sapling during their ceremony. Over time, that tree will grow alongside their marriage, which is both poetic and environmentally friendly.

4. The DIY Touch:
Some couples opt for hands-on projects like painting a canvas together, braiding ropes, or building a birdhouse. These ceremonies don’t just symbolize unity; they leave you with a keepsake to cherish forever.

Your Wedding Is Not A Photoshoot

WelCome to “How To Wedding: advice from a Photographer who Has seen Some Stuff.”

“Your Wedding Is Not a Photoshoot (But It Will Be Beautiful)"

As a wedding photographer who’s shot over 150 weddings, let me let you in on a little secret: your wedding is not a photoshoot. It’s a day where two people make life-changing promises, surrounded by their loved ones. My job? To document that day beautifully—without ever losing sight of why we’re all there.

The WHY of Your Wedding Day

At its core, a wedding isn’t about the flowers, the cake, or even the photos (gasp!). It’s about creating a new family, bound by promises that are heartfelt, emotional, and deeply personal. That’s the real reason everyone has shown up in fancy clothes. As your photographer, I honor that.

Yes, I’ll capture gorgeous portraits. Yes, I’ll make sure you look amazing. But your schedule and your sanity are always going to be more important than squeezing in “just one more pose.”

Professionalism Matters

Here’s something I take very seriously: I show up to every wedding prepared and professional, ready to nail the essential shots on the first try. I’ve done my homework. I know how to handle lighting, timing, and all the curveballs that weddings like to throw at us. I start with safe, classic shots—those “in the bag” photos that you’re going to love forever.

After that? Sure, I might get creative and try something a little bold. But I won’t waste your time fussing with my camera settings or trying to reinvent the wheel when you should be enjoying your day.

Bride pulling the groom across the street. They are both wearing big work boots instead of typical wedding shoes.

The 30-Minute Rule

One rule I never break: no posed photos of the couple in the 30 minutes leading up to the ceremony. Why? Because you deserve that time to breathe, relax, and mentally prepare for the vows you’re about to take. Weddings are emotional, and I want you walking down the aisle feeling grounded—not like you just ran a marathon through a magazine photoshoot.

Any posed photos we miss before the ceremony can absolutely happen during the reception. Trust me, everyone’s more relaxed by then, and we’ll still get those frame-worthy shots.

Bride and groom kissing while her dress blows in the wind.

Balancing Beauty and Meaning

At the end of the day, I’m here to document your wedding authentically and beautifully while keeping the focus on what truly matters: the start of your marriage. It’s not about capturing every single Pinterest pose or staging elaborate shots that eat into your time with your loved ones. It’s about making sure your wedding feels like your wedding.

So, let’s create something stunning together—but let’s also remember why we’re here. Spoiler alert: it’s not for the Instagram likes.

Bride and groom backlit during their first dance as husband and wife.

However you do it is the right way to do it.

Welcome to How to Wedding: Advice from a photographer who has seen some stuff.

"However You Do It Is the Right Way"

When it comes to planning a wedding, there’s one thing I tell every couple: however you do it is the right way. You’ve probably been bombarded with advice from well-meaning relatives, Pinterest boards overflowing with ideas, and TikTok influencers who seem to know exactly what your wedding should look like. But let’s be real—your wedding is about you. And the only right way to do it is the way that feels authentic to your story.

Lesbian couple snuggling in the trees on their wedding day.

Personalization Is Key

Whether your vibe is “classic and elegant” or “backyard BBQ with a bounce house,” your wedding should reflect your personality as a couple. Love pizza? Skip the filet mignon and serve pies. Not a fan of cake? Go for donuts, ice cream sandwiches, or heck, even a giant cheese wheel. Want your dog to be the ring bearer? Do it. I promise, no one will ever complain about a cute dog in a bow tie.

Remember, you’re not planning this wedding for anyone else—not your grandma, not your nosy coworker, and definitely not for Instagram. The more personal your wedding is, the more memorable it’ll be—not just for you, but for your guests too.

Bride and groom lifted on chairs while dancing the hora. Notice the brides amazing floral dress instead of a traditional white wedding dress.

Throw Tradition Out the Window (If You Want To)

The great thing about weddings today is that there are no rules. Want to walk down the aisle to a Metallica song? Do it. Don’t feel like wearing white? Rock that colorful jumpsuit. Not into bouquet tosses, garter removals, or choreographed first dances? Skip them. Traditions are only meaningful if they’re meaningful to you.

Groom spraying Champagne while bride is ducking from the spray. They are both standing in a fountain with water spraying everywhere.

The Perfect Wedding Is the One That Feels Right

Let me say it again for the people in the back: however you do it is the right way. The goal isn’t to throw the “perfect” wedding. It’s to celebrate your love in a way that feels true to who you are as a couple. So, whether you’re writing your own vows, exchanging them silently, or communicating them via interpretive dance (hey, no judgment), just know that the best wedding is the one where you feel at home in your own celebration.

This was a Hallowedding and the bride wore an AWESOME black dress.

A Wonderful Family Tradition - Copying Album Covers

Over the last six years I have been part of an amazing family tradition and it's not even my family! The Robinson clan hire me ever so often to recreate album covers with their kids as band members. I have posted a few of these albums before but today I am going to post all of them in reverse chronological order starting with the one we just did last week.

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Family Engagement Shoot

Jon, Lauren and Tucker have already been a family for a while.  So for their engagement session we decided that it would be fun to do a documentary session of a typical weekend morning just so we could get to know each other before their big day.   Tucker took a little while to warm up to me but soon we were all having a great time playing peek-a-boo, reading books and having a tickle.  It was such a pleasure to spend time with such a loving family.  I can't wait to document their big day.

Family Photographer: Snow Day

Minnesota can be beautiful when it behaves.  Last night we received a foot of snow.  Today school was cancelled the temperature was in the 20's and the sun was out.  A perfect day for sledding.  Here are my photos from our afternoon on the hill.