Crafting Wedding Photos That Tell Your Unique Story

Your wedding day is not only a celebration of love but also should be a beautiful reflection of your personalities. Your wedding photos should show all of your relationship, and the genuine emotions that define your love story. So, how can you work with your photographer (me!) to ensure that your wedding portraits are authentic and portray your beautiful personalities?

Communication: Start by having open conversations with your photographer about your relationship, interests, and the story of how you met. I love to hear the anecdotes, all the inside jokes, and the meaningful experiences that led you to where you are today.

Choose a photographer who aligns with your values: Browse through their portfolios and websites to find someone who you feel aligns with your vision. Additionally, seek out artists who capture both candid and posed images because you want ones that show your personality.

Try to use the same photographer for engagement and wedding photos: Using the same photographer for both ensures continuity and can give you a cohesive look for displaying images in your home. It also builds trust and rapport and gives you all a foundation for your wedding day.

Personalized locations and details: You can add personality to your session (engagement or wedding) by choosing a location that is specific to you. If you love hiking, choose the mountains! You can also choose locations that mean something to you, or are part of your story. I’m always happy to hear your ideas and dreams and figure out how we can make that happen.

Be yourselves: I cannot stress this enough; show up as your most authentic self, and your photos will reflect that! Relaxing, enjoying the day, and trusting your photographer will come out in images that look joyful, peaceful, and real.

Your wedding photos should do more than just document the day; they should encapsulate the depth of your emotions and the journey that has led you to this point. By communicating openly with your photographer, choosing meaningful locations, and embracing candid moments, you can ensure that your wedding photos authentically reflect your personalities and the beautiful love story you're creating together.

Tips for Brides on Embracing Their Wedding Day

Your wedding day is a momentous occasion filled with love, joy, and unforgettable memories. As a bride-to-be, you are about to embark on a magical journey, and your wedding day will undoubtedly be one of the most cherished moments of your life. To help you savor every second of this enchanting day, we've compiled some tips from my work as a wedding photographer that will ensure you shine with plenty of confidence and joy!

Take time to be present: Amidst the flurry of wedding preparations, remember that true beauty lies within you. Embrace your authentic self, and let your inner glow radiate through your smile. Take a moment to pause, breathe, and cherish the love that surrounds you. Allow yourself to feel the joy and excitement of this magical day, for it will reflect in your eyes and create a timeless charm that no veil or gown can match!

Cherish precious moments: In the whirlwind of celebrations, take time to cherish the precious moments with your loved ones. Embrace the hugs from family and friends, exchange tender glances with your partner, and laugh freely with your bridesmaids. These moments of love and connection will be the heart of your wedding day and will also be the moments that I work hard to capture.

Trust your dream team: You have carefully selected your dream team of vendors and wedding professionals…now it’s time to bring your vision to life. Trust in their expertise and allow them to work their magic while you focus on savoring each moment. Whether it's your talented hair and makeup artist or your skilled photographer (me!) capturing candid shots, let them work their magic!

Embrace the unexpected: As any bride knows, life is full of beautiful surprises, and your wedding day may have some unexpected moments. Embrace them with grace and laughter, knowing that these unplanned instances often become treasured memories in the tapestry of your love story! At one of my weddings, a flower girl dropped the floral ball and it rolled down the steps! These moments happen, and it often becomes a fun memory to laugh about later!

Emotion over perfection: Of course, every bride wants those magical Instagram shots (and I of course strive to deliver!), but I also capture the candid moments filled with feeling. As the day unfolds, focus on experiencing the emotions rather than chasing perfection. Your genuine happiness and heartfelt tears are what will make your wedding day truly extraordinary. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and open to the magic that surrounds you!

As you step into the spotlight on your wedding day, remember that it's not just about the grandeur of the event but the love that binds you and your partner together. Let the love and joy flow from your heart, and you will undoubtedly create a day filled with enchantment and everlasting memories. Congratulations, dear bride, on embarking on this wondrous journey of love and matrimony. May your wedding day be the beginning of a happily-ever-after that lasts a lifetime!

Andrea and Tanner's Wedding | Jacksonville, Oregon

I admit, when I met this sweet couple, their story blew me away. It was filled with hope, redemption, and so much joy…so, getting to photograph their beautiful day was a true privilege. It was truly a day to remember. The details were all carefully planned, from the stunning florals to the seamless schedule of the day, and everything in between. It was filled with laughter and love, and these two and their daughter were surrounded by a community of people who had prayed and cared about them for so long…it made for a sacred and touching wedding ceremony!

Tanner and Andrea had been a couple for almost two years at the time of their wedding. They met when they were going to school, together, and their daughter was born when they weren’t together. This was an unique challenge that today, they are thankful for because of the way God knit them together. “At the time, the situation was a huge struggle”, they shared, “but God was working away in each of us separately, until He had humbled us and called us back to Him. We started dating when our daughter Lyla was one year old, and it was a blessing in all three of our lives. He saw that we had needed work, and his plan was the most perfect one for our lives”. Some of the core values that this pair shares include communication, like-mindedness, and their faith. Their favorite things to do revolve around their family, and they say parenting together has fostered their best memories. About ten months after their wedding, they welcomed their second daughter! They are the sweetest and most beautiful family, and I feel so lucky to have been there to share their day.

Congratulations, sweet Parker family!

Planning and Styling: Becca - Events with Becca

Hair and Makeup: Janice Moon

Florals: Penny and Lulu

Venue: Schoolhaus, Jacksonville Oregon

DJ: DJ Veach