Congratulations, lovebirds! You’ve booked your dream venue and have your Pinterest and Instagram boards overflowing with inspiration. Now, it’s time for one of the most exciting steps in your wedding planning journey: finding the perfect photographer to capture every precious moment. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with tips to help you make the best choice for your big day.
In this blog, we'll cover:
Understanding Styles: Documentary and Editorial
Wedding photography is as diverse as love itself. Words like "authentic," "artistic," "modern," and "vintage" can feel overwhelming when you’re figuring out what works for you. Let’s start by breaking down two popular approaches: documentary and editorial photography.
Documentary Wedding Photography
This style is perfect for couples who want a natural, candid feel. Documentary photographers are like quiet storytellers, blending into the background to capture genuine moments as they unfold. They won’t ask you to pose too often, so you can focus on being present with your partner and guests. This is a great fit if you’re camera-shy or just want a laid-back vibe.
Editorial Wedding Photography
Editorial photographers, on the other hand, take a more hands-on approach. Think of them as your creative director—they’ll guide you into poses, arrange details, and craft each shot like a work of art. If you love the idea of striking, curated images (or secretly dream of seeing your wedding featured in a magazine), this style is for you. Editorial wedding photographers are more likely to include and prioritize details like flatlays.
How to decide:
Are you drawn to raw, emotional moments that feel like snapshots from a heartfelt documentary? Go documentary.
Love Pinterest-worthy perfection and bold, dramatic compositions? Editorial might be your match.
Choosing a Photographer Based on the Experience
Your wedding photographer isn’t just snapping pictures all day—they’re with you through intimate, emotional moments. It’s essential to choose someone whose energy aligns with yours.
Do you prefer calming vibes? A photographer with a soothing demeanor can help ease pre-ceremony jitters.
Need someone to rally the crew? Go for a photographer with high-energy charisma who can wrangle a bridal party and get everyone smiling on cue.
When meeting potential photographers, don’t be afraid to ask about their approach to wedding days. Are they more of a fly-on-the-wall observer or a take-charge type? Think about what will help you feel most comfortable and stress-free.
Choosing a Photographer Based on Editing Style
Your wedding photos should feel like you. Here’s how to pinpoint what resonates with your personal style:
Check your social media favorites.Scroll through your Instagram or Pinterest boards—what’s catching your eye? Are you drawn to bright and airy images, moody tones, or timeless black-and-white photos?
Audit your surroundings.Take a look around your home or dream home Pinterest board. Do you lean towards clean, modern lines or warm, rustic textures? Your aesthetic preferences can guide you toward a photographer whose style fits seamlessly into your life.
Envision the final product.* Do you want an album filled with dreamy, romantic shots or bold, editorial-style portraits? Imagine flipping through your wedding album in 10 years—what kind of story do you want it to tell?
Ideas for Showcasing Your Photos
Once you’ve chosen your photographer and your wedding is beautifully documented, it’s time to showcase those amazing shots. Here are some creative ways to make your photos part of your everyday life:
Engagement Photo Guest Book: A personalized guest book filled with your engagement photos is a unique keepsake. (We love Mixbook for this!)
Save the Dates & Invitations: Use your photos to personalize stationery (We love Minted - use code WEDPLLAVENDERCROWN for 35% off Save the Dates and 25% off all wedding)
Canva Prints: Design and print custom artwork featuring your wedding memories for your walls. In our experience, we've found order by mail results in the best quality.
Coffee Table Books
Ornaments: put them on your houseplants for year-round decoration!
Final Thoughts
Choosing your wedding photographer is more than just ticking a box—it’s about finding someone who truly gets you and your vision. Take your time, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to ask questions during consultations. After all, these photos will be a tangible reminder of one of the most magical days of your life.
Here’s to finding your perfect match—behind the lens and at the altar! 🥂✨
Want us to help brainstorm some more? Contact us!
*Hair and makeup artists often teach you about undertones and how they may be different from person to person. Similarly, people tend to disagree about color. This can be why some may opt for warmer or cooler tones, just as may lean towards higher or lower vibrancy in their photos.
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