52 Weddings Photographed in 2022
I am a crazy person and willfully agreed to photograph 52 weddings in 2022. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love this passion that I have made a career out of – but when I typically take on 30 weddings a year, jumping to 52 is a huge difference. Photographing weddings – you see A LOT.
Here’s What I Learned:
1. If you only take a piece of this advice to heart – let it be this. HIRE A PLANNER.
No, I am not talking about your super “type A” friend or your aunt who “is the most organized person you know”. I am talking about a professional wedding planner. At the very least, a month of coordinator. I could give you an entire blog post on the reasons why but I will spare you the details. Wedding planners of the world make a living by coordinating weddings, they have seen it all and know how to deal with every single situation you could think of. They know when to cue the DJ, when to send your bridal party down the aisle, and they help making sure everything behind the scenes is running on time so that you can enjoy your day. If that doesn’t convince you, then hire them for the fact that they set up and break down at the end of the evening (make sure their coverage actually includes this) because you don’t want to be that friend relying on drunk groomsmen to help clean up a venue. I promise you, it won’t work. You spend a lot of time, energy, and money on your day – you deserve to enjoy it and know it is in good hands.
Hope + Seth | September 2022
2. When you’re looking at photographers – there are 3 key factors you need to consider. Style, personality, and trust.
Check out their editing style on social medias, their website, and request a couple of sample galleries and make sure you love it. Just know that if their style is centered around being outdoors with a ton of golden light, it will look vastly different than in a hotel or church so when you are discussing these with your potential photographer – see if they have a gallery to send that matches what your day would look like. Now, personality – this is a big one. You will spend more time with your photographer than you will anyone else that day, even your soon to be spouse. Make sure that you like them because if not, the vibes will be off because you’re uncomfortable. And if you’re uncomfortable, it will absolutely show in all of your pictures and no one wants that. Lastly, trust – and I cannot stress this enough. You have to trust your photographer and know that you have done your research and seen their work enough to know that they have you in good hands. Sending a shot list downloaded off of Pinterest sends the message of you not trusting them to take in their surroundings and be inspired by the magic of your day. Your photographer will be too focused on trying to take all of the photos on your list that they will miss the truly candid and magical moments. Imagine your photographer is taking a picture of your dresses hanging up and totally misses your grandmother seeing you in your dress for the first time. I can promise you that you will treasure that image with grandma far more than you will of that of your dress and your bridesmaids dresses hanging up.
Sara + Jeffrey | April 2022
3. Just because you like em’ doesn’t mean they have to be in your wedding party.
I have photographed weddings where there were 15 bridesmaids and I have photographed weddings where there were 0 bridesmaids but a small group of girls getting ready with the bride – and let me tell you, the vibe and energy when walking into that bridal suite are vastly different. With a large bridal party, there are a lot of moving parts. Coordinating, dresses, shoes, accessories, hair and makeup lineup, schedules, etc. is a lot of work and that’s all happening before the big day. On your actual wedding day, there’s going to be someone missing some piece of their ensemble and hair and makeup may or may not be running behind. Days with larger wedding parties are a blur. There is so much going on and the energy level is high. It’s a dang good time! But, I had a couple of brides this year that opted to not have bridesmaids but still wanted their closest friends in the room getting ready with them and it was like a breath of fresh air. The environment was so relaxed and excited. Everyone is dancing to music and hanging out. I am not here to tell you that you should do one or the other but I am here to say, that if you’re not confident that this person will be in your lives for the long haul – then feel empowered to invite them as a guest and not part of your bridal party.
Reagan + Austin | July 2022
4. Let me tell ya, out of all of the weddings I have ever photographed – I have yet to hear a guest be disappointed (or excited) over the favors. Unless it’s something you want to do specifically, don’t stress about having wedding favors. Them being invited to celebrate this huge milestone and providing them a meal and/or alcohol IS the wedding favor.
Tara + Joe | January 2022
5. Moments > Fluff.
Unfortunately I have seen it a lot where brides get lost in the rabbit hole of expectations and forget that there are a lot of little special moments that happen all throughout the day. Rather than be so consumed with what is happening next – try your best to be present in the moment. Your mom will only get in you in your wedding dress on your wedding day once, so soak that in. Your dad, grandparents, brothers seeing you as a bride on that day will mean far more to you looking back than a first look with your bridesmaids. I am not saying to not plan any photo op moments but when push comes to shove and we are behind schedule (because it almost always is) – prioritize which moments mean the most to you. For example, I once had a bride whose hair and makeup team was running behind and we were running out of time before the ceremony was scheduled to start. She immediately wanted to forego the first touch with her fiancé where they would say private vows and a prayer so that she could take photos with her bridesmaids. I reminded her that we can always take photos with her and her bridesmaids after the ceremony but we can’t do a first touch with her fiancé again. She ended up opting for the special moment.
Kaitlyn + Lee | October 2022
6. Traditions are only important if they mean something to you. Don’t just do something to do something.
If it’s special to you, then by all means – do it. But just because mom, bridesmaids, or a wedding blog tells you to do it doesn’t mean you have to. Does the idea of the garter toss weird you out? Don’t do it. Not a fan of cake? Don’t have one. I hear it almost at every wedding from the bride and groom on how fast the day goes. Funny thing is, I am sure that’s the number one thing you hear when you’re wedding planning. Everyone will tell you that the day will fly by. It’s a popular piece of advice because it is TRUE. Listen to that and only do the things that matter to y’all.
Kyra + Andrew | February 2022
7. Bigger doesn’t always mean better.
I have photographed 500+ person weddings and I have photographed elopements. It really is personal preference and I enjoy both to be honest. But if budget is stressing you out, the biggest way to cut the budget is to cut the headcount. That will impact 3 of your biggest expenses; venue (if capacity is an issue), catering, and alcohol. To some people, 500 is an overwhelming number and they would prefer to have a smaller celebration so that they can be surrounded by close friends and family members. While others opt for a larger celebration, which is great too. A high guest count doesn’t necessarily equate to a better party – and vice versa. Come to an agreement with your fiancé on a headcount number based off of budget and family/friend dynamics and stick to it. Don’t allow anyone to pressure you for an invite if you don’t have one to give. It’s not a house party, it’s your wedding.
Shelby + Wade | October 2022
Planning your wedding doesn’t have to be stressful – just be sure to hire key vendors that are aligned with your vision and prioritize what you and your fiancé want throughout the day. At the end of it all, you will be married and that is what truly matters.
