Taylor & Eric
As a wedding photographer, I have the incredible privilege of witnessing and capturing one of the most beautiful days in Taylor and Eric's life. Each wedding is unique, filled with personal touches, emotions, and unforgettable moments. In this blog post, I’ll take you behind the scenes of a typical wedding day from a photographer’s perspective and share some tips for couples on how to make the most of their wedding photography experience.
The day usually starts with the preparations. I love capturing those intimate moments—the bride and her friends laughing as they get ready, the groom putting on his tie, and the details of the wedding dress and rings. It’s all about the little things!
Tip for Couples: Consider setting aside time for getting ready shots. These moments can set the tone for the day and are often filled with genuine emotion.
The ceremony is where the magic truly happens. I focus on capturing the expressions of the couple, the joy of the guests, and the details that make the ceremony special. From the vows to the first kiss, these moments are priceless and deserve to be documented beautifully. Taylor and Eric had a moment where they lite a memorial candle for their loved ones who had unfortunately passed before being able to celebrate with them. This was a touching moment and I recommend many couples consider it. The tears were flowing and everyone was taking a few seconds to remember them. It just adds that special moment to every wedding.
Tip for Couples: Consider an unplugged ceremony, where guests are asked to put away their phones and cameras. This allows for a more intimate experience and ensures that your photographer can capture the moment without distractions.
After the ceremony, the celebrations begin! Family and group portraits are a must, and I always try to keep this fun and relaxed. I encourage couples to share a laugh, and enjoy the moment with their loved ones. We had a great time during this until the rain came. Luckily we were shooting at The Maxwell in Raleigh so we had an alternative plan. We could go inside with the wonderful brick fire place as the back drop and finish off the pictures for the bridal party.
Tip for Couples: Make a list of must-have family shots beforehand to ensure you get all the important combinations without missing anyone.
As the night unfolds, I capture the energy of the reception—from the couple’s first dance to the lively interactions on the dance floor. I love capturing candid moments of guests enjoying themselves, which truly reflects the spirit of the day. Not only did they have a wonderful reception but the speeches truly made me laugh. Eric's mother brough out baby pictures and passed around icon moments from his childhood. Taylor's long distance friends, who was unfortunately unable to make it due to being pregnant. Sent a wonderful speech for the DJ to play but was on Facetime to see the couples reactions. Moments like this make the day much more special.
Tip for Couples: Consider having a designated “dance-off” or fun activity that can encourage guests to let loose. These moments make for fantastic candid shots!
If time allows, I love to sneak the couple away for a few minutes during golden hour—the period just before sunset when the light is soft and dreamy. This can yield some of the most romantic and breathtaking photos of the day. The sky cleared up shortly after the rain came and we were able to capture the gorgeous backgrounds at The Maxwell in Raleigh. The golden background, the luscious greenery and the beautiful couple just made for the most epic photo op.
Tip for Couples: Plan your timeline with your photographer to ensure you have time for these magical golden hour shots.
Every wedding is a unique story, and I feel honored to help tell it through my lens. As a photographer, my goal is to capture not just the events of the day, but the emotions, connections, and little moments that make your wedding uniquely yours.
If you’re planning your big day, I’d love to connect and discuss how we can work together to create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime!
