Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a wedding photographer? I often get asked about what goes on behind the scenes during a wedding day. So, I thought it would be fun to take you along for the ride and share a glimpse into my world, capturing the most important moments of a couple’s big day.
The Early Morning Hustle
The day usually starts early—really early. My alarm goes off before the sun is up, and I have a quick mental run-through of the day ahead. I double-check my gear: camera bodies, lenses, batteries, memory cards, and backup equipment. I always like to be over-prepared because, let’s be honest, anything can happen during a wedding!
Once everything is packed, I head out the door, excitement building with each step. There’s something magical about knowing I’m about to be part of one of the most important days in a couple’s life.
The Calm Before the Storm
The first stop is usually the bride’s getting-ready location. This is one of my favorite parts of the day. There’s a quiet, almost sacred energy in the room as the bride and her closest friends and family prepare. I love capturing those candid moments—the laughter, the nervous smiles, the little details like the wedding dress hanging by the window or the delicate lace of the veil.
It’s a balance between being invisible and being everywhere at once. I want to capture everything without being intrusive, so I often find myself moving quietly, anticipating moments before they happen.
The First Look and Emotional Moments
Next up is the first look, if the couple has chosen to do one. This moment never gets old. The anticipation, the nervous excitement, and then—the pure, unfiltered joy when the couple sees each other for the first time. It’s an incredibly emotional moment, and I feel honored to be the one capturing it.
Throughout the day, there are countless moments like this. A father seeing his daughter in her wedding dress for the first time, the exchange of vows, the first kiss as a married couple—these are the moments that make me love what I do. I often find myself getting a bit teary-eyed behind the camera, especially during the vows. There’s something so raw and real about two people declaring their love in front of their closest friends and family.
The Fast-Paced Ceremony and Reception
After the ceremony, the day picks up speed. There’s family formals, bridal party photos, and then the reception—where the real fun begins. By this point, I’m usually running on pure adrenaline. I’m darting between tables, capturing candid moments, sneaking out with the couple for a few sunset shots, and making sure I don’t miss any of the important events like the first dance, speeches, and cake cutting.
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that flexibility is key. Weddings rarely go exactly according to schedule, so I’ve become pretty good at adapting on the fly. Whether it’s finding a new location for photos because of unexpected rain or capturing a spontaneous dance-off on the dance floor, I’m always ready for whatever the day throws at me.
The Quiet Drive Home
By the end of the night, after the last dance and the grand exit, I’m usually exhausted but in the best way possible. There’s a sense of accomplishment that comes with knowing I’ve captured memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.
As I drive home, I often reflect on the day—the laughs, the tears, the love that filled the air. It’s a reminder of why I love being a wedding photographer. Every wedding is different, every couple is unique, and I get to tell their story through my lens.
When I finally get home, I back up all the photos (because you can never be too careful!) and start looking through the images. Even though I’m tired, I can’t resist taking a quick peek at the day’s shots. There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing those moments frozen in time, knowing that I’ve helped create a lasting memory for the couple.
The Day After
The next day is all about editing and reliving the moments from the wedding. I carefully go through each photo, selecting the best ones and enhancing them to reflect the emotions of the day. It’s a meticulous process, but it’s one I genuinely enjoy. I love seeing the images come to life and imagining the couple’s reaction when they see them for the first time.
Final Thoughts
Being a wedding photographer is more than just a job for me—it’s a passion. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, a blend of creativity and technical skill, and a whole lot of heart. I feel incredibly lucky to do what I do, and I’m grateful for every couple that trusts me to capture their special day.
So, the next time you see a wedding photographer darting around at a wedding, know that behind that camera is someone who’s just as invested in your love story as you are. We’re there to capture the joy, the love, and the moments that make your wedding day truly unforgettable. And trust me, we wouldn’t have it any other way.
