What I Learned About Wedding Photography as a Bride
Planning a wedding as a photographer comes with unique insights and pressures. As both a bride and a professional wedding photographer, I learned lessons that reshaped my perspective on wedding photography, helping me better understand what truly matters to couples.
Whether you’re planning your wedding or looking for a photographer, here’s everything I wish I knew before my big day.
The Importance of Finding the Right WEDDING Photographer
Choosing a wedding photographer was one of the biggest decisions I made as a bride—especially because I’m a photographer myself. The first question people asked me during wedding planning was, “Who is going to be YOUR photographer?” That question carried so much weight. Not only would these photos be deeply personal, but they also felt like a reflection of the standards I set in my own work.
I knew I needed someone whose style aligned with mine—someone who could beautifully capture the smaller, non-traditional celebration we had planned. It wasn’t just about their portfolio; I wanted a photographer who could adapt to our vision, connect with us on a personal level, and deliver a meaningful experience from start to finish.
What to Look For:
- Experience in capturing weddings like yours, whether traditional or unique.
- A wedding photography style that aligns with your vision (editing and shooting style).
- A personality that complements yours—someone you enjoy spending time with.
Finding the right photographer is about more than just pretty pictures—it’s about finding someone who truly gets you and your day. It’s a decision I’m so glad I didn’t take lightly!
The Value of Pre-Wedding Consultations
As a wedding photographer, I’ve drawn inspiration from countless weddings. But when it came time to plan my own, I had so many ideas—from decor to timelines—that it was hard to visualize how it would all come together.
Pre-wedding consultations made all the difference, especially with our incredible planner, Bailey from Gathered Wedding Planning. She went above and beyond to guide us every step of the way, helping us refine our vision and ensure everything would flow seamlessly. Her expertise was a pillar of support that made the entire process feel effortless.
Benefits of Pre-Wedding Consultations:
- Communicate your priorities and concerns upfront.
- Share your vision to ensure everyone is aligned.
- Gain insights from your photographer’s experience to refine your plans.
Having those detailed conversations didn’t just help my vendors—it also gave me peace of mind that everything was in good hands. If you’re in the thick of wedding planning, don’t skip the pre-wedding consultations!
Why It’s Essential to Share a Timeline
I’m someone who loves staying on schedule, so creating a detailed wedding timeline was a must. My top priorities were making sure the timeline was realistic and had enough buffer time for any unexpected delays. As a wedding photographer, I’m super aware of how long events and photo groupings take, so I created my own timeline and made sure to run it by all my vendors to ensure it worked for everyone.
Having that clear plan gave me peace of mind. I probably had the timeline memorized, and all my vendors knew I’d be most at ease if we stuck to it as closely as possible.—especially when it came to wedding photography.
Tips for Creating a Wedding Day Timeline:
- Prioritize a realistic schedule with buffer time for delays.
- Share your timeline with your photographer and other vendors.
- Be clear about what’s most important to you—whether that’s cocktail hour mingling or sunset portraits.
Your timeline should reflect your priorities—whether structured or relaxed. Work with your vendors to create a schedule that balances plans with space for spontaneity.
Embrace the Moment
My favorite moments from my wedding day were the first look, cocktail hour, and sunset photos. Even though I’ve been to countless weddings and knew what to expect, I wasn’t prepared for how nervous I would feel. I cried multiple times throughout the day, and my stomach was in knots from all the anticipation. Our first look instantly made me feel so much better. When we saw each other and realized we were both crying, it helped ease the nerves knowing we were in it together.
We also made sure to attend our cocktail hour, which gave us the chance to mingle with our guests. It felt so special to connect with everyone and celebrate with all the love, laughter, and joy in the air.
Why Being Present is Key:
- Candid, unscripted moments often make for the most meaningful photos.
- Focus on the people and experiences that make your day special.
- Trusting your photographer to document these moments ensures you won’t miss a thing.
The best memories happen when you’re present. A skilled photographer knows when to guide and when to let moments unfold naturally.
The Power of Planning the “Must-Have” Shots
After being a bride, my perspective on “must-have” shots has shifted. I didn’t share much with my photographer about the specific images I wanted, and while I loved the photos, I wish I had been more intentional about communicating the little things that mattered to me. My husband and I spent so much time curating and hand-painting details like our invitations, menus, welcome sign, and place settings. Those small touches were such a labor of love, and in hindsight, I wish I had emphasized how important they were to capture.
Now, as both a photographer and a bride, I have a deeper appreciation for the countless decisions couples make leading up to their wedding. From the smallest details to the big moments, all of it deserves to be documented.
How to Create a Meaningful Wedding Photography Shot List:
- Share the personal touches you’ve worked hard on, like DIY projects or heirlooms.
- Include specific family groupings or portraits that are important to you.
- Keep it simple—focus on what truly matters to you.
By planning ahead and sharing what matters most, you’ll have a collection of photos that feels personal, emotional, and true to your wedding day.
Trust Your Photographer
One of the best decisions I made on my wedding day was fully trusting my photographer. It allowed me to be completely present without worrying about capturing moments myself. I didn’t feel the need to have my phone or personal camera on hand because I knew they had everything covered.
This trust extended to all of my vendors—I had full confidence that they would handle every detail. Letting go of control meant I could truly enjoy the day without stress, knowing that my carefully chosen team had my back.
Building Trust with Your Photographer:
- Choose someone whose work and personality you admire.
- Communicate your expectations but allow creative freedom.
- Let go of control on the day—your vendor team has your back.
When you trust your photographer and vendor team, it creates a ripple effect of calm and confidence, letting you fully enjoy your day while they handle the details.
Comfort Creates Magic
Feeling comfortable with my photographer made all the difference on our wedding day. It allowed me to relax and almost forget they were there, which helped them capture truly candid moments. Wedding days are so intimate and emotional—I cried a lot, and our photographer documented those tears in such a beautiful way.
During our portraits, we felt completely at ease following her guidance, knowing she was creating images we’d treasure forever. That trust and comfort gave her the freedom to work her magic, and it made the experience so much more enjoyable for us.
Why Comfort is Key:
- It allows your photographer to capture authentic moments.
- Feeling relaxed helps you look natural and confident in photos.
- A good relationship leads to better collaboration and results.
Feeling comfortable with your photographer creates natural, authentic photos and makes the experience more enjoyable.
The Role of Venue and Lighting
We chose to celebrate our intimate wedding at my childhood home, nestled in the valley beneath the Sierra Nevada mountains. Growing up in such a beautiful part of the world, it felt only natural to host our wedding in a place so close to my heart. The familiar setting brought comfort and added so much sentimental value to our day.
Having unlimited access to the “venue” meant we could plan every detail with ease, and that familiarity made our photos feel even more personal. The natural beauty of the mountains and the light pouring into the valley created a backdrop that reflected our story in the most meaningful way.
How Venue and Lighting Shape Your Photos:
- A sentimental venue adds emotional value.
- Consider how natural light interacts with your setting.
- Choose a venue that reflects your style, story, and connection to the space.
Your venue and lighting shape the look and feel of your wedding photos, so choose a space that reflects your vision and works with natural light.
Final Thoughts
Being a bride changed how I approach wedding photography—not just as a professional but as someone who understands the deeply personal nature of this art. Whether you’re planning your own wedding or looking for inspiration, my biggest takeaway is this: Find vendors you trust, stay present in the moment, and let your wedding photos tell the story of your day, authentically and beautifully.
| MY VENDORS |
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| Photography: Abi Harte Photography (Edited by Sarah Woods Photography) | Venue: Lake Tahoe Family Property | Coordinator: Gathered Wedding Planning | Rentals: Celebration Party Rentals | Linens: Creative Coverings | Caterer: Cucina Lupo | Hair Stylist: Rosa Mercedes Beauty | Wedding Dress & Veil: Swoon Bridal |
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