How to Get the Best Wedding Photos
May 17, 2025
There’s so much excitement that comes with planning a wedding—the dress, the flowers, the venue, the playlist, the food… the list goes on. And if you’re anything like the couples I work with, you’ve likely dreamed about your wedding photos too. You want images that make you feel something. Images that take you right back to the joy, the pride, the nerves, the laughter, the quiet moments, and the chaos. You want to remember it all.
As a wedding photographer based in Knoxville, Tennessee, with a heart for real, raw emotion and a deep love for family-centered storytelling, I’ve learned that getting wedding photos you’ll cherish forever isn’t just about hiring someone with a fancy camera. It’s about planning for the experience of being photographed—intentionally.
Let’s walk through some of the biggest factors that impact your wedding photos—and what you can do to make sure your gallery is everything you’ve imagined (and more).
1. Lighting Matters — A Lot
This might not be the first thing you think about when choosing a venue or planning your ceremony time, but lighting has a huge impact on your photos. Natural light is every photographer’s best friend, and golden hour (the hour before sunset) creates that dreamy, soft glow you see in so many romantic portraits.
If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, I’ll help you time things perfectly to take advantage of the best light. If you’re indoors, I’ll work with the light available and may bring in tools to enhance it — but knowing what your venue’s lighting looks like ahead of time helps me prepare to make the most of every moment.
Tip: Ask your photographer (hey, that could be me!) to walk through your venue with you or review photos ahead of time so we can plan for the best light possible.
2. Your Timeline Makes a Big Difference
I can’t stress this enough: a well-planned timeline is key to a relaxed, smooth, and beautifully photographed wedding day. Rushing through portraits or skipping time for candids because things are running behind can make your day feel more stressful — and your photos will reflect that.
When you book with me, I’ll help you build a photography-friendly timeline so we leave room for all the moments that matter: getting ready, first looks, group photos, sunset portraits, and all the little in-betweens.
Tip: Pad your timeline with extra 10–15 minute blocks between events. Things always take a bit longer than expected (and that’s okay!).
3. Details Tell the Story
Your rings, shoes, invitation suite, florals, heirlooms—these small details are part of your story, and they deserve to be documented, too. Having all your important items in one place (and ready when I arrive) ensures we capture them without scrambling.
Tip: Create a “details box” with all the items you’d like photographed and hand it off to your coordinator or a trusted friend to have ready.
4. Your People Matter (and I Want to Know Them!)
One of the biggest joys of my job is capturing the relationships you treasure most. I’m a very family-focused photographer, so I’m constantly watching for emotional connections—your mom holding your hand, your best friend fixing your dress, your grandpa wiping away a tear during the ceremony.
But I also want to know ahead of time who matters most to you. If there’s a family member you want extra photos with, or if there are any sensitive dynamics I should be aware of (divorced parents, recent losses, etc.), please share that with me. It helps me move with care, empathy, and intention.
5. Trusting Your Photographer Makes All the Difference
This might be the most important one: trust the person behind the camera and hire a quality, experienced wedding photographer. When you feel safe, seen, and supported, you’ll look and feel more like you — and that shows in your photos.
My background in social work has given me a unique ability to tune into people’s emotional energy, help them feel calm and confident, and create a space where genuine moments can unfold. I don’t just show up and take pretty pictures. I guide you when needed, step back when appropriate, and always work to make sure your experience feels good — not just the end result.
Tip: Get to know your photographer before the big day. Schedule a call, do an engagement session, and make sure you click. This is one of the most important vendor relationships you’ll have!
6. It’s Okay to Feel All the Things
You’re allowed to cry, laugh, be overwhelmed, need a break, or forget your vows. Weddings are emotional and imperfect—and honestly, that’s what makes them so beautiful.
My style is a blend of editorial and documentary photography, which means I’ll help you get those timeless, stunning portraits and the unfiltered, unscripted moments that make your day one-of-a-kind. There’s no pressure to perform. You just show up, and I’ll take care of the rest.
So, How Do You Make Sure You Get the Photos You Want?
- Start with the right photographer. (Hey, friend — that’s where I come in!)
- Plan your timeline with intention. I’ll help you every step of the way.
- Communicate your vision. Let me know what’s most important to you.
- Be present. Truly. Soak it in, trust the process, and enjoy the moment.
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who will show up with heart, intention, empathy, and experience — who will notice the tiny, powerful moments that others miss — I would love to talk with you. Your love story deserves to be told with care, and it would be an honor to capture it.
You can explore more of what working with me looks like on my experience page, and if you’re ready to start the conversation, head over to my contact form and say hello.
Let’s create something beautiful together.
