Don’t let the responsibility of capturing a wedding day keep you stuck in your head. Our job isn’t just about getting the most dynamic poses; it’s about telling an authentic story of the couple.

Every wedding is a unique story of moments, not a checklist to be rigidly followed. While capturing essential moments is important, I don't rely on a strict shot list to dictate the day. I’ve found that following a list too closely can pull you out of the present moment, making it harder to immerse yourself in the experience and genuinely tell the story.

Remember, the couple has countless things on their minds, and as photographers, we can either add to their stress with a rigid shot list or put them at ease by creating a peaceful environment where they can simply be present with each other. By shifting our mindset to focus on serving them best, we can create a more relaxed, comfortable experience for our couples and tell their stories in a more genuine and natural way.

Here’s how I plan ahead and stay fully present on wedding days:

GETTING READY

Use this time to personally introduce yourself to the wedding party, family, and other vendors. The first few moments after you arrive can set the tone for the entire day, so use these initial interactions to build rapport and make everyone feel comfortable. Instead of overly directing, focus on capturing the friendships within the wedding party, the unique details of the wedding, and the natural moments as they unfold.

FIRST LOOK

Brief the couple beforehand with simple instructions, such as where to stand and when to turn around. After that, step back and let the moment unfold naturally without any direction. Allow them time to interact without interjecting until they look to you for guidance. Then, offer some brief and simple prompts for portraits. If possible, give them a moment alone afterward to spend time together before the whirlwind of the wedding day begins.

WEDDING PARTY & FAMILY

This can often be the most stressful part of the wedding day, as you’re organizing a large number of people. During this time, you may need to rely more on a shot list to keep things organized, ensure a smooth flow, and capture every group that’s important to the couple. Plan which photos matter most to the couple in advance, and when you arrive, clearly communicate who is needed and when. Be sure to give clear and confident instructions to help everyone know what to do and keep things moving smoothly. While there are many specific shots required during this time, I also love capturing the in-between moments and candid photos of the wedding party and family to incorporate a more documentary-style approach.

CEREMONY

COCKTAIL HOUR & RECEPTION

Don’t miss the immediate interactions after the ceremony. Prioritize your couple’s needs during this time by grabbing them a drink, giving them a moment alone, or taking any final portraits away from the guests. During cocktail hour, step back and document the interactions between guests and the details of the event. At the reception, in addition to capturing the main events like dancing and toasts, focus on the interactions between the couple, guests' reactions, and other meaningful moments and details that tell the full story of the celebration.

A wedding day can feel like a blur for the couple, with so many moments that are easy to miss. By being active observers, we can capture the little details that would otherwise go unnoticed.

When you approach a wedding day calm and prepared, your peace and confidence will be contagious for the couple and everyone involved.

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