Being a wedding photographer isn’t just about showing up and taking photos; it’s about capturing the raw, real moments and emotions that make the day unforgettable. From dawn until the last dance, every part of the day is filled with moments that deserve to be documented and cherished. Here’s a look at what goes into a day in the life of a wedding photographer—everything from the behind-the-scenes work to being the ultimate hype person for the couple.

Early Morning Prep & Timeline Coordination

A wedding photographer’s day often starts well before the ceremony. We’re usually up at the crack of dawn, double-checking our gear and reviewing the timeline for the day. The timeline is everything. We work closely with the couple, wedding planners, and other vendors to ensure everything flows smoothly. We’ll be coordinating everything from the pre-ceremony prep photos to the grand exit at the end of the night. A well-organized timeline helps avoid rushing and allows us to capture all the important moments, from the couple’s first look to the couple’s last dance.

On top of keeping track of the schedule, we also need to manage any last-minute changes. Weddings don’t always go according to plan, and a photographer needs to be flexible and ready to adapt at a moment’s notice. Whether it’s pushing back a first look due to weather or shifting the timing for family portraits, we stay on top of things to keep everything on track.

Getting Ready & Dress Fixing

Once we arrive at the venue, the fun begins. We typically start by capturing the getting-ready moments, photographing the details like rings, shoes, jewelry, and dresses. It’s in these quiet moments where the day’s emotions begin to build. But we’re not just photographers—we also often step into the role of a problem-solver. If a dress zipper gets stuck, we’re the first ones to step in and help. Need a button sewn on in a hurry? We’ve got a needle and thread. We’re there to make sure nothing stands in the way of the day running smoothly. And it’s not just about the dress; we help with hair, makeup, and ensuring the bride (and groom) have everything they need as they prepare for the biggest moment of their lives.

Being the Ultimate Hype Person

Weddings are high-energy, emotional, and sometimes stressful, and as the photographer, we’re not just there to document; we’re there to support. If the bride is feeling nervous, we’re there to remind her how stunning she looks and that everything will be perfect. When the groom needs a little pep talk, we step in with a calm word or a funny joke to keep things light. We’re there to remind them that this day is about celebrating love, and it’s our job to capture those raw, candid moments that reflect the joy, tears, and laughter they’ll remember for a lifetime.

This extends to the entire bridal party. From helping to bustle a dress to hyping up the groomsmen for the big group photo, we’re the ones keeping the energy up and ensuring everyone looks their best. Our job is to make people feel at ease, knowing they can trust us to capture every candid laugh, every joyful tear, and every “I can’t believe we’re getting married” moment.

Capturing the Ceremony & Reception

Once the ceremony begins, we shift into full-documentary mode, staying as unobtrusive as possible while capturing every meaningful moment—the tearful vows, the exchanged rings, the first kiss. From there, we’re constantly adjusting our positions to get the best angles, making sure we don’t miss a single moment. The reception is a whirlwind of dances, speeches, and candid moments, and we’re there for all of it, from the first dance to the last song.

We’re also there to anticipate moments. While others are dancing or socializing, we’re often scanning the room, waiting for the laughter, joy, and tender moments that make the reception feel special. Whether it’s a grandparent sharing a slow dance or the best man delivering a heartfelt toast, our eyes are always on the lookout for those fleeting moments that make weddings unforgettable.

Wrapping Up & Final Shots

The day doesn’t end when the couple leaves the reception. There’s still plenty of work to do. We wrap up the evening by taking a few final shots—whether that’s the couple leaving in a vintage car or capturing the aftermath of a confetti-filled send-off. We always make sure we get that last shot that encapsulates the energy and emotions of the day, so the couple can look back and relive the day from start to finish.

Being a wedding photographer is about much more than just taking pictures. It’s about supporting the couple, coordinating timelines, fixing dresses, and being the hype person that everyone needs. And at the end of the day, a day in the life of a wedding photographer is about capturing the moments and emotions that will help the couple remember this special day for the rest of their lives.

A day in the life of a wedding photographer isn’t just about taking beautiful photos; it’s about being part of the couple’s big day in ways they may not even realize. From managing the timeline to fixing a stray hair, we’re there every step of the way, ensuring everything runs smoothly and all the moments are captured perfectly.

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Kind Words

11/10 would recommend Mariah!!! seriously.. no one can beat 11 out of 10 BUT her. We had our wedding in northern Wisconsin at the summer camp we met at and let’s just say i’m obsessed. Mariah wanted to know all the details of our story, what we wanted in pictures, and she captured our story through beautiful photos. She was flexible, communicative through the process, and made sure we had everything we needed.