Why a "Moment-Driven" Wedding Day Means Better Photos (and Zero Photo Fatigue)
Let’s be honest: you want incredible wedding photos, but you don't want to spend your entire wedding day feeling like a prop in an eight-hour photoshoot. "Photo fatigue" is incredibly real. When your timeline is driven by long, stiffly posed portrait sessions, you run the risk of burning out before the reception even begins—and worse, you miss out on actually experiencing your own celebration.
That is why I always advocate for a moment-driven approach to your wedding day.
But let me clarify what "moment-driven" actually means, because it doesn't mean chaotic, and it doesn't mean I'm just standing in the corner hoping something good happens. My philosophy is simple: I control the location and the light, and then I let the moments unfold naturally within that space. I will find the perfect, soft window light in your bridal suite, or the most stunning, quiet backdrop on your venue's grounds. I bring you into that beautifully curated space, and then... I step back. I let you live in the moment, completely unbothered.
Eventually, as that genuine experience naturally wraps up, there is almost always a split second where you will look over at me with a happy, "what do we do now?" expression.
That is the magic window. It’s the perfect, seamless pivot. I step in with my Canon, give a tiny bit of direction, and we grab a few quick, relaxed portraits in that gorgeous light while your energy is high and your smiles are 100% genuine.
By prioritizing moments first and following them with shorter, bite-sized posed photos, we keep your energy up and capture the true story of your day. Here are some of the best moments you can incorporate into your timeline to make this happen.
Pre-Ceremony Moments
Setting the tone early in the day is crucial. Instead of just posing for the camera, build in time for these genuine interactions with your favorite people:
Getting Ready & The Final Details: Instead of getting dressed in a cluttered room, I'll position you right in the best natural light. Having Mom help zip up your dress or clasp your jewelry, or having Dad help adjust a tie in that perfect light, creates beautiful, action-oriented moments. It yields intimate, focused expressions before we seamlessly shift to a quick, classic posed photo together.
First Look with the Bridesmaids: Keep your bridal party out of the room once you get into your dress. Doing a "reveal" for your closest friends guarantees an amazing, high-energy reaction shot that naturally transitions into fun group photos.
First Look with a Parent: A private reveal with Mom or Dad is often one of the most emotional moments of the day. I'll set you up in a quiet, beautifully lit spot, let the tears happen, and once you share that hug, we transition right into a beautiful parent portrait.
The First Look (With Each Other): If you choose to see each other before the ceremony, I find the absolute best backdrop for it. Then, it's all about your pure, unfiltered reaction. I let you hug, cry, and talk about how you are feeling without any interruption before we take a few portraits.
Private Vows: Many couples are choosing to read private vows to one another, often during their First Look. By stepping back and letting you share these promises privately, without the eyes of all your guests, it creates an incredibly intimate and emotional space. Once the tears are wiped away, it’s a natural pivot into a few romantic portraits.
The First Touch: If you decide not to do a first look and want to save that moment for the aisle, a "first touch" is the perfect alternative. I'll find a gorgeous corner or doorway where you can hold hands, exchange a few words, and calm your nerves without breaking tradition. (This is also a great time to do private vows if you aren't seeing each other!)
Preventing Photo Fatigue: "Micro" Portrait Sessions
Instead of a grueling two-hour portrait block that leaves your cheeks hurting, I highly recommend breaking your couple's photos into short, moment-driven sessions throughout the day.
The Post-Moment High: Whether it's right after your first look or the adrenaline rush immediately following the ceremony, we take that natural high and use it for 10 to 15 minutes of relaxed portraits. Keeping it short means you don't get burned out before the party starts.
The Private Room Reveal: Before the reception doors open to your guests, take a moment to walk into the space together. Seeing the floral arrangements, the design, and months of planning come to life in an untouched room is an incredible experience. After you’ve taken it all in, we use the empty space for a quick, stress-free 5-minute portrait session right on the dance floor.
The Golden Hour Sneak-Away: Right after dinner, we pull you outside for just 10 to 15 minutes. By this point in the day, your entire demeanor has usually changed. The ceremony is over, the formalities are done, you’ve eaten a great meal, and you've probably had a glass of champagne. The pressure is completely off. This is a chance for you to get some fresh air and just chat with each other as the sun goes down. We capture you walking and being together in the absolute best light of the day, followed by a few quick sunset portraits. Because you are so relaxed, these almost always end up being the favorite photos of the day.
The Creative Nightcap: Later in the evening, while your guests are busy dancing, we can step outside for one final 5-to-10-minute micro-session. This is when I love to set up some creative, off-camera lighting for an epic, dramatic night portrait. Alternatively, instead of doing a chaotic and rushed sparkler exit at the very end of the night, we can just grab your bridal party for a few minutes of fun, relaxed sparkler photos in the dark. You get those stunning nighttime shots, and then you get to head right back inside to finish out the party.
Your wedding day is a celebration, not a production. By letting me control the light, letting the moments happen naturally, and weaving in short portrait sessions, you’ll look back on a day that felt effortless—and you’ll have the gorgeous, authentic photos to prove it.
