What My Own Wedding Taught Me About Photographing Weddings | Georgia Wedding Photographer
My wedding day is my favorite day to date. I got to marry my best friend in the whole world, my friends and family were there to support us, and I put a lot of work into how I wanted things to look and feel! So at the end of that day that feels like a blur, what am I left with? Little items and details from that day that are stored in a trunk in my closet, my dress, video coverage, camcorder footage, and of course… my Photos!
As I hold onto the memories from that day, my mind only held so much. As I look back on my photos, I have a feeling of “Oh right! I loved this moment!” and am able to take the time to slow down and relive my wedding day. As a wedding photographer, naturally I want my couples to have those same feelings for years to come as their marriage grows stronger, as the anniversaries come and go, and when you look back just to remember that young love! Here are a few ways my wedding day changed how I capture a wedding day today.
No Moment Is Too Small
First, I feel the no moment is too small. I will not look at your timeline as a checklist to get all the big moments. If I did that, I’d miss the hug your mom gave you when she is remembering her little girl is grown up, the way you laugh when playing poker with your groomsmen before walking down the isle, the way your grandparents catch up with each other after not spending time together since your younger year birthday parties or graduation. This opens up a whole new perspective of your wedding day that you might not have even seen first hand.
Finding the Balance Between Documentary and Direction
Second, I have learned the balance between fly on the wall energy and get in there to direct the shot energy. This is an important balance to have as I am in the middle of every part of your day. Some moments are best left untouched, let the emotions happen, let the joy come naturally. Other times direction is needed to get just the right shot that compliments you with lighting and posing.
The Moments After the Ceremony Matter, Too
Lastly, I learned something specific about shooting a recessional walk (your walk back up the isle following the ceremony). Looking back, I didn’t need to remember the photos of the bridal party walking in a straight line. I make it a point to follow my couple (and instruct my second shooter to do the same) to take the photos of you and your now husband or wife in the newlywed bliss and excitement. I also capture the moment you get to hug your bridal party, your parents, your grandparents, and anyone else recessing to greet you. Those hugs are one thing I wish I could remember through photos after our ceremony and do not want any of my couples to miss those.
Why My Wedding Experience Changed the Way I Photograph Weddings
All this to say that experience speaks volumes. I am emotionally tied to my photography in a way that guides me to capture the moments that matter, and I would have it no other way.
My own wedding completely changed the way I approach wedding photography. It reminded me how quickly a wedding day passes and how many meaningful moments happen outside of the traditional timeline.
As a Georgia wedding photographer, my goal is to create photographs that allow you to relive not only how your wedding day looked, but also how it felt years later. I want you to remember the people who surrounded you, the small interactions you didn’t realize anyone else noticed, and the moments that become even more meaningful as time passes.
Looking for More Wedding Inspiration?
If you’re planning a Georgia wedding and want to see more real wedding stories, take a look through my recent wedding galleries and journal posts for inspiration.
