My Approach to Authentic, Timeless, Documentary Wedding Photography

This handbook offers insight into what it’s really like to have me as your photographer on your wedding day. You’ve probably heard the term “documentary wedding photography” and may be wondering what it truly means.

To me, it doesn’t mean being completely hands-off or a fly on the wall. It means capturing real moments as they unfold—like the buttoning your dress or the straightening your tie because it’s actually crooked—not because we staged it. I’m present and ready for authentic moments, which is always my priority, over recreating them later. I also aim to evoke genuine emotion and natural movement in portraits rather than directing every pose or hand placement.

Why This Matters

Whenever possible, I capture your day as it actually happens. But without communication and a bit of prep, some moments get missed—and sometimes we end up staging them after the fact, which just doesn’t feel the same. This guide is here to help you think ahead and prepare for natural, beautiful photo opportunities.Staged vs. Directed

I’ll never forget the first big wedding I attended where every moment was created by the photo/video team. The images were stunning, but the experience felt… off. Over the years, I’ve experienced everything from highly orchestrated to completely hands-off. I now aim for a middle ground: prepare for what will happen naturally and be ready to capture it in real time.

Yes, there will be moments when I guide you. But my goal is always to create space for candid, unobtrusive, documentary-style storytelling.

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know

Chances are, this is your first time planning a wedding—and you may not know how to “set the stage” for meaningful photo moments. That’s where this guide comes in. It breaks down each part of the wedding day and how to make the most of it.

The Details

Details tell a story. While flat lays of your invitation suite, jewelry, and dress are beautiful, I’m just as interested in you interacting with these items. Great photo ops include:

• Taking the dress off the hanger
• Steaming your veil, spraying perfume, or putting on earrings
• Smelling your bouquet or tucking in a handkerchief
• Putting on cufflinks, lacing shoes, sipping from a gifted flask

Trend alert: Late-night flat lays! Think half-eaten cake, kicked-off heels, and evidence of a great party. It’s the anti-Pinterest bridal flat lay—and I love it.

Getting Ready

If you’re exchanging gifts or reading notes, make sure I or the second photographer know in advance. Assign someone to help you with dress buttons, heels, and veil—these are beautiful moments to capture. I’ll also document candid scenes like adjusting ties, applying lip gloss, and figuring out how to pin a boutonnière (yep, we’ve all been there).

Helpful tips:

• Make sure your parents and wedding party are dressed before these moments.
• Clean up the background for less distracting images.
• Have the photographer in the room before the action starts.

Boutonnière time-saver: Have your florist or a boutonnière-savvy guest pre-pin them!
Toast it up: Coffee, tea, or bubbly—raise a glass with your crew.

Consider Getting Ready Together

Many couples are skipping old traditions and getting ready in the same space. It’s practical and calming, and can lead to more natural photos. You can still save the dress or suit reveal for later if you’d like a surprise moment.

First Look or No First Look

If you opt in: I’ll position you in great light and let the moment unfold. Many couples read private vows here, and we often get amazing, natural portraits in that 5-10 minute window.

If you opt out: That’s totally fine! We’ll work with your timeline to capture post-ceremony portraits. We may also take some individual photos pre-ceremony to save time later.

Wedding Party

Wedding parties today are wonderfully diverse—friends, siblings, any mix of genders and roles. I’ll photograph everyone as one cohesive group, then capture each partner with their people.

I love using transitions for natural moments: walking together, toasting, popping champagne, waving sparklers or tossing confetti. But if you prefer a simple approach, that’s great too.

No official wedding party? No problem. Grab your close friends during cocktail hour and we’ll take a few fun group shots.

Selfie Moments

When someone pulls out their phone, it’s a cue that something sweet is happening. I’ll quietly step in to capture a professional version too, without interrupting the moment.

The Ceremony

Your ceremony is one big authentic moment. I don’t interfere, but here are a few things to consider:

• Ask your officiant to step aside during the first kiss
• Make sure you’re centered under your arch
• Stand close to each other—grab hands, make eye contact
• Spin, dip, cheer, or kiss on your way back down the aisle
• Turn to your guests a few times and smile
• Surprise serenades or gifts? I love them. Let me know ahead of time!

Cocktail Hour

If you’re doing portraits pre-ceremony, you’ll enjoy this time with guests. It’s great for candid photos, group shots, and fun extras like:

• Food trucks, performers, caricaturists, photo booths—you name it!
• Champagne towers
• Lawn games (Giant Jenga, anyone?)
• Disposable cameras

Photographing Your Guests

Guest photos are mostly candid, but I love it when someone taps me for a portrait! I’ll be mingling to capture moments naturally—and you can always share these with guests once you get your gallery.

The Portraits

Yes, I’ll take a few classic “smile at the camera” shots. But most of your portraits will be more relaxed and natural. Some couples are silly, others are more reserved—I adapt to your vibe.

Examples of what we may do:

• Walk together, hold hands, look at each other
• The “almost kiss”
• Sit, lean, or spin
• Laugh, nuzzle, or wrap your arms around one another
• Toss the veil, adjust your boutonnière, swirl your dress

Think of these moments as suggestions—not scripts. Your comfort matters most.

The Intros and Reception

Whether you go big or keep it chill, I’ll capture the joy of your grand entrance. The reception is all about celebration, and I document everything from speeches and dancing to spontaneous hugs and surprise outfit changes.

We pause photos during dinner (no one loves eating pics), but I’ll be nearby for candids and table shots once plates are cleared.

Golden Hour and Creative Portraits

If the weather’s right and the light is dreamy, we can sneak out for golden hour portraits—or later, for creative nighttime shots. It’s totally optional, but can be a magical, quiet moment during a busy day.

The Exit

Sparkler exits, bubble send-offs, fireworks, and wild last dances—these are unforgettable moments to end your wedding day. We’ll plan the logistics ahead of time and capture the excitement. You can run through more than once if you want multiple takes—just don’t forget a big kiss at the end!

Celebrate Your Love, Your Way

This is such an amazing time to get married—with fewer social rules, more creativity, and so many ways to preserve the real essence of your day. My hope is that this guide offers clarity, inspiration, and practical ideas. Most of all, I want your photography experience to feel comfortable, personal, and true to you. Let’s keep the communication flowing so we can tell your story in the most meaningful way.