A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Wedding Photographer for Your Big Day

Hey there, lovebirds! So, you’re getting married—so exciting! And now, it’s time to choose the person who will capture all those magical, once-in-a-lifetime moments on your wedding day. Trust me, I know how important this decision is. Your wedding photos will be memories that last a lifetime, so you want to choose a photographer who truly gets you, your vibe, and all the emotions of your big day.

Let’s go into how you can pick the perfect photographer to tell your love story with laughter, creativity, and tons of candid moments!

1. Find Someone Who Feels Like a Friend
Your wedding day is going to be one of the best days of your life, and you want to feel totally at ease with the person capturing it. Imagine someone who’s not just there to take your pictures but to also help you relax, laugh, and genuinely enjoy your day. That’s exactly how it should feel with your photographer—like hanging out with a close friend who’s also an expert behind the camera.

I believe in making the experience stress-free, fun, and full of those candid, real moments. So, when you're looking for the right photographer, make sure they have a vibe that clicks with yours. You want to feel comfortable enough to be yourselves, whether you're laughing with your partner or shedding a few happy tears.

2. Look at Their Portfolio and Style
One of the first things you’ll do when you start browsing wedding photographers is look through their portfolios. This is where their style really shines. Photographers each have their unique approach, and it’s important to find one whose work resonates with you. Some may specialize in posed, classic portraits, while others, like me, focus on capturing natural, candid moments. If you want dreamy, warm, earthy tones that make your wedding day look like it’s straight out of a fairytale, then definitely look for that in their portfolio.

As a wedding photographer, I love capturing the candid, fleeting moments that show the real emotions of your day—whether that’s a spontaneous dance move, a quiet moment with your partner, or that epic laugh from your bridesmaids. Take time to browse through their work and ask yourself: Does this reflect the vibe I want for my day?

3. Read Reviews from Real Couples
Reviews are one of the best ways to get a sense of how a photographer works with clients, beyond just the photos. Yes, the images matter, but what about the experience? Did the photographer make couples feel comfortable in front of the camera? Were they helpful with planning the timeline? Did they bring a calming energy to the day? These are just some of the things you’ll want to consider when reading through reviews.

A good resource for understanding why wedding photographer reviews are so important is this article from Fatchett Photography: Do Wedding Photographer Reviews Matter?. It explains why reading reviews from real couples can help ensure you're choosing the right person for your big day. Look for testimonials that mention how the photographer helped them relax, gave them clear directions without being too controlling, or made them feel confident and excited during the photos. A great photographer isn’t just someone who captures beautiful images—they’re a part of your wedding team, helping your day go smoothly. If the reviews consistently mention how amazing the photographer is to work with, that’s a solid sign!

4. Make Sure They Fit Your Wedding Day Vision
Your wedding is all about you and your partner. You have your unique style and vision for how you want the day to unfold, and your photographer should be able to capture that essence. Do you want a laid-back, intimate ceremony with a relaxed vibe, or a glamorous, high-energy celebration? Are you having a rustic barn wedding or a sleek, modern affair?

A good photographer will be able to understand your wedding day vision and bring it to life through their photos. If your vibe is super fun and relaxed, they should have a portfolio that showcases those types of images. If you're having a grand celebration, they should know how to handle large groups and dramatic moments. The key is making sure they understand what’s important to you—whether that’s candid shots of your guests, breathtaking couple portraits, or even those tiny, in-between moments that you don’t even realize are happening.

5. Check for Experience (But Don’t Worry About Perfect Poses)
Experience is important, no question about it. A photographer who’s worked at many weddings will know how to handle different lighting conditions, tricky moments (like a flower girl who doesn't want to walk down the aisle), and will have the expertise to capture the big moments with ease. But while you’re looking at experience, don’t get caught up in finding someone who’s “perfect” at posing. The real magic happens when you’re enjoying the moment and not worrying about how you’re positioned.

The best wedding photos often come from those unplanned, in-between moments—the first look, a spontaneous laugh, a joyful kiss during the ceremony. So while experience matters, look for a photographer who can blend professionalism with authenticity. If you can trust them to guide you through the more formal shots while also letting you be yourselves in those quieter moments, that’s a good sign!

6. Trust Your Gut
Choosing a wedding photographer is more than just looking at their work—it’s about how you feel when you talk to them. Do they make you feel comfortable? Are they excited about your vision? Do they seem genuinely interested in your story? Trust your gut when it comes to this decision. The photographer you choose will be with you all day, so it’s important that they make you feel relaxed and supported.

If after talking with a photographer you feel like they’re the right fit for you and your partner, then go with it! This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your wedding day. After all, the photos will be what you treasure most once the day has passed, so it’s vital to choose someone who makes you feel excited, comfortable, and heard.

Choosing the right photographer isn’t just about hiring someone with a fancy camera—it’s about choosing a person who will help you capture one of the most important days of your life. You want someone who’ll make you feel comfortable, who aligns with your vision, and who will be there to support you in every moment of the day. So take your time, trust your gut, and choose someone who gets you. And hey, if you think we’d be a perfect match, I’d love to help you create some unforgettable memories together!

And hey, if you think we’d be a perfect match, I’d love to help you create some unforgettable memories together!

Contact me today, and let’s make sure your wedding day is captured just the way you’ve always dreamed.