How to Find the Right Photographer for Your Wedding

Your wedding day is one of the biggest, most fabulous milestones of your life—cue the confetti, pop the champagne, and let’s get this party started! These photos? They’re the ultimate receipts that you were absolutely serving looks, love, and legendary vibes. One day, you’ll whip out your wedding album and dramatically declare, “Can you believe how ridiculously gorgeous we were?” So, finding the right photographer isn’t just important—it’s non-negotiable. Let’s get into it, shall we?

Choosing Your Wedding Photography Style—Like Picking Your Favorite Ice Cream

Before you start scrolling through hundreds of portfolios, you need to know what flavor of photography makes your heart flutter. Here are some top contenders:

Traditional/Classic: Think royal wedding vibes—perfectly posed, elegant, and timeless. You’ll get all the essential shots, from the first kiss to the dramatic bouquet toss.
Documentary/Candid: This one’s for the lovers of raw, unscripted magic. Your photographer will be a fly on the wall, capturing stolen glances, belly laughs, and teary-eyed vows without you even noticing.
Fine Art: These photos belong in Vogue. Expect dramatic lighting, artsy angles, and an editorial finish that makes you feel like a celebrity on the cover of a magazine.
Dark and Moody: If you’re into rich colors, high contrast, and a cinematic feel, this aesthetic brings all the drama (in a good way!). Picture your wedding looking straight out of a romantic indie film.
Light and Airy: Dreamy, soft, and romantic—like your wedding day was bathed in golden-hour magic and sprinkled with fairy dust.

Film vs. Digital—The Ultimate Showdown

Another big decision: Do you want your wedding memories served up on crisp digital files or bathed in the nostalgic glow of film?

Digital Photography: The go-to choice for its clarity, speed, and ability to snap thousands of photos without a worry. Plus, editing is a breeze, so you’ll get your pics faster—because patience is overrated.
Film Photography: Hello, vintage romance! Film captures dreamy, nostalgic tones that digital just can’t replicate. Bonus: you get to feel like a classic Hollywood couple in every frame.
Hybrid Photography: Can’t decide? Some photographers offer both, giving you the best of both worlds. It’s like getting both cake and ice cream—why choose when you can have it all?

What Makes a Wedding Photographer an MVP?

Beyond their skills with a camera, here’s what really makes a photographer shine:

A Killer Portfolio: If their past work makes your heart race and your Pinterest board explode, you’re on the right track.
Timeline Wizardry: Weddings move fast—an organized photographer keeps everything on track while making sure you’re having the time of your life. Because no one wants to miss golden hour portraits thanks to a rogue best man speech.
Personality & Vibes: You’ll be spending all day with this person, so they better be someone you’d want to grab coffee (or cocktails) with! Bonus points if they make you feel like an absolute rockstar in front of the camera.
Rave Reviews: Past couples don’t lie—if people are gushing about their experience, that’s a solid sign that this photographer knows their stuff.
The Right Package: Do they offer engagement sessions? A second shooter? An album that will make your coffee table look effortlessly chic? Get the full scoop before signing on the dotted line.

Why Your Photographer Matters (Like, A Lot)

These aren’t just pictures. They’re the proof that your wedding day was a dream come true. I was lucky enough to have a photographer who absolutely crushed it—on top of the timeline, flawlessly organized, and snapping every heartfelt moment like a pro. If you find the right photographer, you’ll barely notice the camera, and the result? Pure magic, darling.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Settle!

Finding the right wedding photographer is kind of like finding the right partner—when you know, you know. Do your research, trust your gut, and choose someone who makes you feel like a million bucks. Because at the end of the day, these photos are the forever kind—so make sure they’re nothing short of spectacular!