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.