As an intimate wedding photographer, there are few things I am more passionate about than adding sentimentality and intentionality into your wedding day. And while there are a million and one reasons to do this, the one we’re touching on today is your wedding photos. 

You know the photos we’re talking about. Those sweet, nostalgic moments in time caught in a photograph that make you fill with love every time you see them. Or the detailed images of all of the sentimental pieces of your day. And yes, even the hilariously candid photos of you ugly crying as you listen to a toast. The photos that will fill the walls of your home and will live happily under a refrigerator magnet in the homes of your loved ones. The captures that will be passed down for generations, telling your love story over and over again. 
So how do you get those photos? Well, friend, I’m here to help ya out! But if we’re going to chat about it, we’ll have to start at the beginning…

One of my favorite parts of being an intimate wedding photographer…engagement photos!

Yes yes I do love wedding days, too! But hear me out. Engagement sessions are an incredible way to celebrate this incredible phase. You just said yes to forever with the LOVE OF YOUR LIFE! I mean, can we talk about how stinkin’ cool that is? You don’t have to wait until your wedding photos start creating sentimental memories. You can start with your engagement photos! 

• Turn your session into a date day and do an activity you love together
• Choose your engagement session location intentionally – somewhere you met, your favorite happy hour, the park where you walk your pup every morning! 

And I’ll be sure to do my part, too, don’t you worry! I’ll bring along some music and we’ll forget there is even a photoshoot going on. Here’s a bit of what you can expect when working with me!

• Gentle posing – no stiff or awkward poses here! We’ll keep you moving with easy prompts that are fail proof, even if it’s your first time at a photoshoot! 

• Get silly – Don’t be afraid to loosen up and just be yourselves! Choose a photographer who you feel is on your same level and that you actually like. This will make it feel more fun and less professional. 

• Focus on each other – Being photographed can be weird at first, I know! But focusing on each other and trusting your photographer will go a long way. That’s why I emphasize getting to know your photographer especially before your wedding day. Engagement sessions are great practice! 

Engagement photos are a perfect chance to add another layer of nostalgia to your wedding experience. Looking back, you won’t just remember the day of, but the entire exciting phase leading up to your happiest day! 

During wedding planning, gather all of the sentimental details and important parts of your story. Sprinkle them throughout your day!

How will this help you get those dreamy wedding photos? I’m so glad you asked! 

Detail photos – Everything from invitations to your grandmother’s jewelry to the decor can be captured thoughtfully in detail photos. You tell me the bits and pieces of your day that mean the most to you and I’ll make sure they’re documented in your wedding gallery. 

Raw emotion – Adding sentimental details or important moments to your gives the chance for pure freakin’ love to be captured. The song you danced with your dad growing up playing over the loudspeakers? You reading personal, heartfelt vows to your partner in private? A location that holds so many memories? Tell me I won’t capture a tear, smile, or two! When you factor in things that actually matter to you instead of decor no one cares about or food that will go uneaten, you will infuse your day with more joy. 

This is why it’s so important to reflect on your story and create a day that feels unequivocally you. Forget what you think a wedding day has to look like or include. What do you want to do on your day? I’ll always encourage you to do just that.

Find yourself an intimate wedding photographer who believes in true candids. 

True candids? “Are there fake candids, Maura?” Why yes there are! How bizarre, right?! So many of those Pinterest worthy getting ready shots or celebratory sparkler exits are in fact staged. 

Often getting ready photos are taken in a completely different room or space, while sparkler exits are placed in the middle of the reception dancing, so the photos can be taken before other guests and the photographer leave. And that’s kind of no fun in my opinion? Here are three ways to combat not-so-candid candids on your wedding day and get unforgettable, natural images.

• Getting ready photos – These are so fun and a great chance for candids! If you have chosen a space that is good for photography. Plenty of natural light is key to a getting ready location so we can capture all of the pre-wedding fun! 

• Send offs – We all know those big group photos from post-wedding parties and yes we all love ‘em, too! But choose a send off or group photo option that is actually fun to take! You could plan a group photo on the dance floor or out on the lawn after cocktail hour! If you want that beautiful sparkler exit that is so popular, then you might want to consider…

• Booking your intimate wedding photographer for the entire day – If you want coverage of an exit, then have them stay for the exit! Not all packages for wedding day coverage will include this, so make sure you talk it out with your photographer! Inviting them to be a part of the day, from getting ready to send offs, will ensure capturing of all candids (the real kind)!

Don’t forget to live it up!

From this very moment to well…the rest of forever, soak in all of this love and joy surrounding you! The secret to getting sentimental, nostalgic wedding photos is to truly have the time of your life. No filter or editing can recreate a glow like that!! 

As your intimate wedding photographer, I’ll always take the time to understand what is important to you and make sure it’s documented in wedding photos you’ll cherish forever. It’s kinda my thing! So are you ready to start planning those sweet little details of your big day? I’d love to hear all about them! Head over to my contact form and say hey!