Tips to help you love your photos (and enjoy the process, too!)
As a St. Louis wedding photographer, I know how much love, time, and energy goes into planning your big day. You’ve dreamed about it, Pinterest-ed it, and now it’s almost here! And when it’s all said and done, your photos are what you’ll hold onto to relive every little moment.
So, how do you get the most out of your wedding photography experience? Here are a few of my favorite tips to help you feel confident, relaxed, and fully present—and to make sure your photos reflect just how magical your day truly was.
1. Trust Your Photographer
You hired your photographer for a reason—you love their style, their vibe, and the way they capture emotion and beauty. Let that trust carry into the wedding day. Just as important, when you give your photographer creative freedom, it opens the door for authentic, joyful, and stunning images you’ll cherish forever.
(Bonus: the more relaxed you are, the more natural your photos will feel!)
2. Communicate What Matters Most
Are you planning a surprise dance with your dad? Wearing your grandma’s necklace? Having a private prayer before the ceremony? Let us know! While we’re always looking for meaningful moments, it’s so helpful to know in advance what’s most important to you, so nothing gets missed.
3. Build a Realistic Timeline (With Lighting in Mind)
One of the biggest game-changers for dreamy wedding photos? Good light. I always help my couples plan their timeline around the best lighting—especially for portraits and golden hour glow. Having a well-paced timeline not only helps with beautiful photos, but also makes the whole day feel more peaceful and fun.
4. Have All Your Details Ready in One Spot
Want those gorgeous flat lay photos of your rings, stationery, and perfume? The week of your wedding, gather your details in a box or bag to be ready before I arrive. It saves time and helps me dive right into styling them beautifully.
Here’s a quick checklist:
• Invitation suite
• Rings (all three!)
• Vow books
• Perfume or cologne
• Jewelry
• Heirlooms
• Shoes
5. Be Present & Soak It All In
The most powerful photos come when you’re truly in the moment. Laugh. Cry. Dance like no one’s watching. Forget about the camera, and let yourself fully experience the day. My job is to freeze those moments for you—so you can relive them for decades to come.
At the end of the day, photography is more than pretty pictures—it’s storytelling. It’s preserving your legacy. And it’s one of the greatest honors of my life to do that for each couple I serve.
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who will not only capture the big moments but also the tiny in-between ones that make your love story unique, I’d love to chat! Reach out here to inquire about your wedding date and tell me all about your vision—I can’t wait to hear from you!
xoxo, Adara
filed under
