Choosing the Right Photographer

Detail Shot from Stillwater, MN

Your wedding day is one of the most meaningful and joy-filled days of your life — and when it’s over, your photos will be what carry those memories forward for years to come. Choosing the right wedding photographer isn’t just about finding someone with a camera; it’s about finding someone who understands your story, your values, and the sacred weight of the day you say “I do.”

Whether your ceremony is inside a grand cathedral or a quiet chapel, here are some key things to consider when choosing the right wedding photographer — from someone who’s been both behind the camera and in the bride’s shoes.

1. Look for a photographer who understands the sacredness of marriage
   A Catholic (or faith-sensitive) wedding isn’t just an event — it’s a sacrament. Your photographer should know how to approach the ceremony with reverence and discretion, capturing every sacred moment without disrupting the liturgy. From the solemnity of the Eucharist to the quiet stillness of prayer, these are moments that deserve to be handled with respect.

   When you meet potential photographers, ask how they approach photographing religious ceremonies. Look for someone who understands when to move quietly, when to step back, and when to capture the expressions that reflect grace itself.

2. Find someone who blends candid photography with traditional photography
   The best wedding galleries are a balance of both spontaneous moments and thoughtfully posed portraits. You want someone who can capture the real — the laughter, the tears, the quiet prayers — but also guide you gently through the parts that need direction.

   As a photographer, I believe in giving couples the freedom to be themselves. I’ll help you feel comfortable in front of the camera, but I also let the day unfold naturally, catching those fleeting, grace-filled moments you didn’t even realize were happening.

3. Vibe Check: you must get along
   Your photographer will be with you through every part of the day — from the nervous anticipation before you walk down the aisle to the joy of the final dance. It’s so important that you feel at ease around them.

   When you meet with a photographer, pay attention not just to their portfolio, but to how they make you feel. Do they bring calm energy? Do they make you laugh? Do they genuinely care about your story? A photographer who puts you at peace will help you look and feel your best on camera — and that joy always shines through in your photos.

4. Consider Their Experience - both in weddings and catholic settings
   Every wedding has its unique flow, but Catholic weddings have specific traditions and timing that a photographer should be familiar with: the Liturgy of the Word, the Eucharist, the Nuptial Blessing, the Marian devotion. An experienced photographer knows when to move, when to pause, and what not to interrupt.

   Having photographed weddings since 2020, I’ve learned to anticipate those sacred pauses — the way a bride clutches her rosary, or how the light falls across the altar as vows are spoken. Those are the moments that tell the real story.

5. Ask to see their full galleries - Not just their Highlights
   Instagram grids and portfolios show the best of the best — but you’ll want to see a full wedding gallery to understand a photographer’s consistency and storytelling style. Notice how they handle different lighting conditions, church interiors, and candid moments.

   A great wedding photographer captures the beauty of both the grand and the simple: the sweeping cathedral shot and the quiet hand-hold in the pew.

6. Ask about communication and delivery timelines
   Ask your photographer how they handle communication before and after the wedding. You’ll want someone who’s clear about expectations, delivery timelines, and your photo preferences.

   For example, my galleries are typically delivered within 6–8 weeks, with sneak peeks along the way so couples can relive their day sooner. Having a photographer who communicates clearly helps you relax and enjoy the experience, knowing your memories are in good hands.

7. Trust your gut and your prayer
   Ultimately, choosing a wedding photographer is about connection and trust. When you feel peace with your choice, that’s usually the right one. You’re inviting this person into one of the holiest, most emotional days of your life — so it’s worth choosing someone whose presence feels grounded, joyful, and genuine.

Your wedding day is sacred — a reflection of God’s love made visible. The right photographer won’t just capture how your day looked, but how it felt: the reverence of your vows, the light spilling through stained glass, the laughter echoing after your recessional.

As both a photographer and a former bride, I understand the sacred and emotional balance of a wedding day — the desire to keep it holy, yet joyfully human. If you’re searching for a photographer who will preserve both the beauty and the soul of your celebration, I’d be honored to walk that journey with you.