When the last song plays, the cake is cut, and the sparkler send-off fades, the only thing left from your wedding day—besides the memories—is your photos. Choosing the right wedding photographer is more than just picking someone with a nice camera. It’s about finding someone who can tell your story. And that choice? It matters. That’s why knowing what to look for when choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most important planning steps you’ll take, and one you’ll be grateful for long after the big day is over.

style is everything—know what you love

Before you dive into searching for a photographer, take a moment to really think about the kind of photos you love. Are you drawn to candid, documentary-style images that capture emotion in real time? Do you prefer traditional, posed portraits that feel timeless? Or maybe you love a fine art approach with dreamy, editorial vibes.

Also, consider which aesthetic that speaks to you most: is it bright and luminous, or rich with moody, cinematic depth? Understanding your visual preferences is the first step in finding a photographer whose work feels like home to you. When you come across a portfolio that stirs something in you—that makes your heart skip a beat—you’ll know you’ve found someone whose vision aligns with yours.

connection is key!

This might sound obvious, but it’s so important: you need to actually like your photographer as a person. You’re going to spend a huge part of your wedding day with them. After all, you’ll be spending some of the most intimate and emotional moments of your wedding day with them by your side. That means you should feel comfortable, relaxed, and truly yourself around them. If possible, connect over a video call or meet in person. Pay attention to how you feel—do they listen with care? Do they understand your vision? Do they put you at ease, or even better, make you feel excited and inspired? A photographer who makes you feel seen and at ease is going to capture the most authentic version of your love story.

experience, experience, experience

Weddings can be unpredictable. Timelines shift, light changes quickly, and sometimes the weather has its own plans. In those moments, you want a photographer who brings not just artistry, but calm, collected confidence. You want someone who has seen it all and knows how to pivot without missing a beat. Ask your photographer how many weddings they’ve shot and what kind of scenarios they’ve worked in. It’s also worth asking if they usually work alone or with a second shooter and whether they’ve photographed at your venue before. A seasoned photographer won’t just deliver beautiful images—they’ll bring a quiet assurance that lets you relax knowing everything is in expert hands.

review the full galleries—not just the highlights

It’s easy to fall in love with a few beautiful Instagram posts or a website’s homepage, but those are the highlight reels. What really matters is how the photographer captures the entire day. Ask to see a few full wedding galleries so you can get a true feel for their work & storytelling style. Pay attention to how they tell the story from start to finish. Are the ceremony shots as compelling as the getting-ready moments? Do the reception photos feel lively and full of emotion? You want someone who delivers excellence throughout & brings intention and artistry to every frame. If you’d like to see any of my full galleries, reach out here!

check reviews & read between the lines

Online reviews are helpful, but it’s not just about how many five-star ratings someone has—it’s about what people actually say. Look for feedback that speaks to the experience behind the camera: how the photographer made people feel, how they handled the pace and pressure of the day, and whether they captured the quiet, meaningful moments others may have missed. Words like professional, calming, intuitive, and fun are all good signs. You’re looking for more than talent—you’re looking for trust.

budget honestly

Wedding photography is an investment, and yes, it can be a big one. But of all the things you spend money on for your wedding day, your photos are one of the few that last forever. Set a budget that feels right for you, and seek out a photographer whose work genuinely moves you within that range. If you come across pricing that seems too good to be true—especially for full-day coverage—it’s worth pausing to ask why. You’re not just investing in someone’s time on the day itself; you’re investing in their experience, their artistry, their equipment, and their ability to capture once-in-a-lifetime moments with care and intention.

ask the right questions

When you do meet with potential photographers, have a few meaningful questions ready. Ask how they challenging lighting situations or what their backup plan is if they can’t make it. Find out how long it typically takes to receive your gallery and how many edited photos you can expect. If albums and prints are important to you, ask about those too. You don’t need to treat it like a formal interview—instead, think of it as a conversation. The goal is to get a sense of how they think and how they handle the unpredictable nature of weddings. To view any of my full galleries, reach out here!

trust your gut (it knows more than you think)

At the end of the day, this decision often comes down to a feeling. Sometimes you just know. Maybe their work gives you goosebumps, or maybe you felt totally comfortable during your consultation. That gut feeling? It matters. Your photographer is going to capture the look in your partner’s eyes as you walk down the aisle, your grandma laughing during speeches, your friends losing it on the dance floor. That kind of trust is worth listening to.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime day, and the person behind the lens shapes how it will be remembered forever. So take your time. Ask the thoughtful questions. Explore your options. But most of all, trust your intuition. Because when you find the right photographer, it won’t just be about beautiful images—it will be about feeling truly seen, understood, and cared for.

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