Why Your Photographer Needs To Know The Tiny Details

You may not think telling your wedding photographer all the tiny details of your wedding day is important to us but it is. If you read this entire blog, I’ll show you HUGE details of the day I almost missed. No one told me what the meaning was behind these photos or that anyone was about to do anything special. Had I not been ready and watching everyone, like a hawk, I would’ve missed these shots. What a bummer that would’ve been because some of these are still being talked about, several months after the wedding. None of what you’re about to see was told to me in advance and I could’ve missed these emotional, heartwarming and funny moments of the day. Having these kind of images in your wedding album adds to the memories of the day and helps you remember exactly how you felt during that moment. These are some of the most important reasons why your wedding photographer needs to know the tiniest details of your wedding day.

This image was brought to my attention when I made my way to the end of the aisle. It was right before the Bride and Groom’s first kiss and I was getting ready for my shot. I believe this was the Groom’s Aunt holding the phone. She got my attention and asked me to take a picture of his sister on facetime. I was happy to do so and found out later that his sister was unable to attend the wedding because she had given birth a day or so before the wedding date. So obviously, she was unable to travel. I’m sure this picture means the world to her because it shows in a simple but huge way she made an effort to do the best she could to be apart of her brother’s special day. Right below this picture is the Groom, her brother, seeing the effort she put in and they had an emotional greeting as they ended the ceremony together.

Here, we have the Bride’s dad and the Groom’s dad rising up to high five each other, as the Bride and Groom made their way out of the ceremony. This was the perfect ending to an emotional event and went along perfectly with the Bride and Groom’s personality. It’s, by far, one of the funniest things I’ve ever witnessed at a wedding and every single guest laughed. The Bride’s mom was tearing up throughout the whole ceremony so this was a great example of knowing when to read the room. This was her last baby, leaving her. And how appropriate that the men see marriage of a daughter not as abandonment but as financial freedom. At least in this case.

This photo wouldn’t have happened if his Nana used the correct door to get inside the venue. She was suppose to enter the side door, through the kitchen to a private room for this ring bearer to get dressed. Instead, she entered through the front and this little boy, who happens to be the Groom’s son, took in his first glimpse at his new Step mom’s wedding dress. He was so quiet. When he ran his fingers along the lace and fanned out the bottom of the dress, it was all I could do to keep quiet and keep taking pictures. He made the sweetest comments and was so excited for what was to come, later that day. Since I’m now a mom of a blended family, this photo would mean the world to me, if I had something like this from my wedding day. I hope this boy’s parents feel the same. It is an honor to have been able to capture this. Moments like this is why I love being a wedding photographer.

On the heels of the first round of Covid, I was able to photograph an emotional conversation between the Bride and her Dad. He was unable to attend because he had Covid. This is the only time he was able to see her in her dress. His son, her brother (tan shirt) had him on facetime during the whole ceremony. Luckily, he was able to witness this union and still be a small part of her day. This is the main reason I follow the Bride, right after the ceremony. So many things happen when the guests approach the newly married couple. There’s a lot of high fives, hugs and in this case tears.

I’m saving the best for last! I don’t think anything will ever top this image. This was taken right after the officiant asked the guests if anyone objects to these two becoming one. She said, “if there are any objections, speak now or forever hold your peace.” At that very moment, the Groom pulled his suit back to display the gun stuffed in his slacks and shyly smiled at everyone. I remember everyone laughing but didn’t realize until the reception that Groom and Groomsmen each had their own gun and did this. I thought I had missed it. It can be so dark staring only through my camera lens, all day, I didn’t realize I captured this until I got home and went through my photos. I was bummed no one told me this was going to happen. Just imagine my excitement when I saw this.

For this wedding, I was approached halfway through the reception and told these two never dance. This is the Bride’s parents. I was told this was “an exception” so I knew I had to focus on them. For two people who never dance, they could’ve fooled me. They held each other and moved to the beat and forgot that anyone was around. Except for the time the dad looked my way.

I love getting close, intimate shots like these. The way he holds her back. The way she holds his hand. They way this couple spoke without speaking. It’s everything. Is this what defines a couple? Is this what bounds two people together? The love language and silent language that can break barriers without a word? Who knows. But I captured it. These images will live in the Bride’s wedding album forever. I’m so glad I can give her a lifetime of happiness, knowing I captured a little bit of her parent’s love language.

So, in summary and with many examples, I can’t stress to you enough how important the small details are to us photographers. Please don’t feel like you’re bothering us. You’re not. Every little detail of who everyone is during the day makes our jobs easier. Every little secret of what’s taking place during the night can mean a lifetime of happiness to the Bride and Groom, if only you share it with us.

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer, I hope I’ve shown here what I can do during the night for you and your memories. As I’ve mentioned, these are only the memories I unlocked on my own. Only one of these were shared with me. I have a good eye and most importantly, I work for you. I aim to serve you to the best of my ability. Let me do what I do. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Love you, mean it,

Christy