Bride's Guide to Wedding Photography: What You Need to Know

Your wedding day is one of the most magical moments of your life, and capturing it perfectly is everything. While the groom is getting his moment to shine, let's talk about YOU, because yes, queen, you deserve to have every gorgeous, emotional, and unforgettable moment documented beautifully. Here is what you need to know about wedding photography and how to absolutely nail it.

Pick the Right Photographer, Like Choosing Your Maid of Honor

Your photographer is basically your visual storyteller and hype person rolled into one. You need to vibe with them! Are you dreaming of romantic, editorial shots that look straight out of a bridal magazine? Or do you want something more candid, documentary-style where every laugh and tear is captured naturally? Stalk their Instagram (respectfully), look through their portfolio, have a coffee date, and make sure they totally get your vision.

Bonus tip: If they make you feel like the main character in your own love story during the consultation, you have found your person.

Getting Ready Photos Are Your Moment to Shine

This is YOUR time, babe! Getting-ready photos are some of the most intimate and beautiful shots of the day. Picture this: your bridesmaids popping champagne in matching robes, your mom helping you into your dress with tears in her eyes, that stunning shot of your dress hanging in perfect window light, or the close-up of you putting on your grandmother's earrings. These photos tell the story of your transformation into a bride—soak it all in and let your photographer capture every gorgeous detail!

The 'Be Yourself, But Make It Fashion' Rule

Not comfortable being the center of attention? Girl, I get it. But here's the secret: movement is your best friend. Adjust your veil, play with your bouquet, look down and smile, or share a genuine moment with your bridesmaids. The more you focus on the moment and less on the camera, the more stunning and authentic your photos will be. And trust me, your photographer is a pro at making you look like an absolute goddess, just let them work their magic!

Your Dress (and Details!) Need to Be Camera-Ready

A perfectly fitted, steamed dress = instant confidence and breathtaking photos. Make sure you schedule that final fitting, have a steamer on hand for any last-minute wrinkles (they show up like crazy in photos), and don't forget about the details: your jewelry, those gorgeous heels you picked out, your bouquet, and even your perfume bottle can make for stunning flat-lay shots. Every little detail tells your unique story, and trust me, they absolutely pop in photos!

The Candid Moments Are Pure Magic

The most breathtaking wedding photos? They're not the posed ones. It's that moment when you first see yourself in the full bridal look and get emotional. It's the happy tears when your dad sees you for the first time. It's the belly laugh when your bridesmaid tells that embarrassing story during speeches. It's the pure joy on your face during your first dance. These raw, unfiltered moments are the ones that'll make you cry happy tears for years to come. Just be present, feel everything deeply, and let the magic unfold naturally.

Create a Shot List, But Don't Overthink It

If there are specific must-have photos, like a first-look with your dad, a special shot with your grandmother, or that iconic veil photo you have been dreaming about, definitely share those with your photographer ahead of time. But here's the thing: don't turn your wedding into a full-blown photoshoot with a million poses. The most beautiful moments happen when you are living in the moment, not checking off a list. Give your photographer the highlights, then trust them to capture the story as it unfolds.

Own Your Day & Soak in Every Single Second

Here's the most important thing: Don't get so caught up in looking perfect that you forget to feel everything. You are marrying your person, surrounded by everyone who loves you most in this world. Laugh until your face hurts. Cry those happy tears. Dance like nobody's watching (even though everyone definitely is). Hug your people tight. A talented photographer will capture the most beautiful, radiant, authentic version of you, the version that's glowing with pure joy and love.

Now go forth and be the absolutely stunning, effortlessly radiant, joy-filled bride you were always meant to be.