How I Photograph a Wedding Day: Documentary Wedding Photographer

A Documentary Approach with Warm, Nostalgic Storytelling

Mostly Documentary, with Gentle Direction When It Matters

One of the questions I get asked most often is how I’d describe my photography style. After almost ten years of photographing weddings, the answer feels pretty clear: I’m mostly documentary, with a thoughtful mix of guided and editorial moments when it matters.

Observing Light and Letting Moments Unfold

On a wedding day, I’m paying close attention to what’s actually happening — the emotions, the in-between moments, the way light moves through a space. A lot of the time, I’m quietly observing, anticipating, and waiting for moments to unfold naturally. I’ll often find beautiful light or a strong composition and let real moments step into it rather than forcing anything to happen.

Photos That Feel Like a Friend Took Them

If you love the feeling of photos that look like they could have been taken by a close friend — warm, honest, and a little nostalgic — that’s exactly what I’m always chasing. I want your images to feel like memories, not just pictures.

When Posing Becomes Helpful

That said, I don’t believe in being hands-off to the point where couples feel unsupported. There are parts of the day where gentle direction is not only helpful, but important — your portraits, family photos, getting ready, and those moments where you want to look your best and feel confident in front of the camera. I’ll step in when needed, offer guidance, and help create images that feel polished and intentional, without ever making the day feel more like a staged photo shoot than your wedding day.

A Balance of Real Moments and Timeless Portraits

My goal is always to let your wedding feel like your wedding, not a production. The documentary side of my approach allows you to be present and enjoy your day, while I capture it as it truly felt. The editorial side ensures you also walk away with beautiful, timeless portraits and thoughtfully composed images of the people you love most.

It’s a balance of real moments and gentle direction — honest, emotional storytelling paired with the kind of portraits you’ll want to frame and pass down.

Natural Editing with a Timeless, Filmy Feel

When it comes to editing, my goal is always for your photos to feel true to life. I focus on natural color, realistic skin tones, and rich, true-to-life tones with a soft, timeless look that leans documentary and slightly film-inspired. Nothing overly trendy, heavy, or artificial — just warm, honest color and depth that will still feel beautiful and relevant decades from now. I want your images to look the way the day actually felt, with a subtle nostalgic quality that makes them feel like memories the moment you look back at them.