Having captured so many weddings over the years, I wanted to create a page dedicated to the biggest moments of a wedding day, along with my top tips for capturing them.
Bride & Groom Portraits
Bride and groom portraits are one of my favorite parts of a wedding day. It’s such an intimate time to capture a beautiful mix of romantic, fun, and editorial-style shots. I recommend setting aside at least 30 minutes for these photos. Ideally, we’d schedule them during golden hour (around sunset) for that dreamy lighting, but I understand this isn’t always possible with the busy pace of a wedding day. I also try and sneak in solo portraits whenever I can throughout the day.
The Bridal Party
Bridesmaids and groomsmen portraits can be A LOT of fun. Sometimes we’re on a tight schedule and don’t have time to experiment with creative poses, but if you can, I highly recommend setting aside at least 30 minutes for these. I LOVE mixing vogue, magazine-style poses with goofy, candid shots—it’s the best of both worlds.
Typically, I’ll start with the groomsmen while the bridesmaids are finishing getting ready (because, let’s be honest, men do get ready faster). Then I’ll move on to the bridesmaids. Full bridal party shots usually happen right after the ceremony, alongside family portraits. I’ve photographed bridal parties as small as 2 people and as large as 20—we will make it work no matter what the size :)
First Look
The First Look is a private, intimate moment between the bride and groom before the ceremony. Not every couple chooses to do a First Look, and that’s more than okay.
When setting it up, I always make sure we choose a spot with minimal distractions. I start by setting the groom in place and asking him to close his eyes, then I position the bride right behind him. This is the only time I’ll ask you to pause for a second so I can capture some photos like the ones above. After that, I step aside and have the bride tap the groom on the shoulder. From there, I let the moment unfold naturally.
When you both give me that “uh, now what?” look, I’ll step in to grab a couple of quick portraits. Keep in mind, First Looks don’t have to be just for the bride and groom—they can happen multiple times, like with parents, bridesmaids, or other special people in your life.
The Ceremony
The ceremony is the heart of a wedding day—there’s only one chance to capture these moments perfectly. That’s where your photographer’s experience and expertise come in. Typically, I position myself at the top of the aisle to capture both the bride’s walk and the groom’s reaction. While having a second photographer can make this process a bit easier, I’ve managed plenty of ceremonies solo. Ceremonies usually last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the wedding.
Pro Tip #1: I always let the officiant know to step to the side once they announce you as husband and wife. Most officiants are aware of this, but it doesn’t hurt to remind them in advance.
Pro Tip #2: After the cheering begins and you’re walking back down the aisle as newlyweds, don’t forget to pause for another kiss (and maybe even a dip) right in the middle of the aisle. These moments make for beautiful photos—sometimes even better than the ones at the altar.
First Dance
First dances are sooooo special—not just for the bride and groom, but also for those shared with a father, mother, or anyone who holds a special place in your heart. These moments always get me emotional! During this time, I focus on capturing both the ambiance and intimate close-ups, preserving the raw beauty of the moment. I don’t have any tips for this part because it should simply be what it is: special. I’ll stand back and document the beauty as it unfolds.
The Reception
