How I Capture Emotion & Storytelling in Every Wedding
Wedding photography is more than just beautiful images—it’s about preserving the fleeting, unscripted moments that tell the real story of your day. My approach is deeply rooted in emotion and storytelling, blending film and digital to create images that feel timeless, cinematic, and full of heart.
The Power of Candid Moments
Some of the most meaningful wedding photos aren’t posed—they’re the quiet glances, joyful tears, and spontaneous laughter that happen in between. Instead of forcing moments, I take an immersive and unobtrusive approach, allowing emotions to unfold naturally. From the way your partner looks at you during the vows to the tearful hug with a grandparent, these are the moments that make your wedding story uniquely yours.
One of the best ways to create space for these moments is by working with a wedding planner who understands the importance of a well-paced timeline. When your schedule includes intentional downtime—like doing a first look before the ceremony so you can join cocktail hour, sharing a relaxed family-style dinner, or stealing a quiet moment together at sunset—it allows for organic, unplanned interactions that make for the most heartfelt images. A thoughtful timeline ensures you can be fully present, soaking in the day without feeling rushed, which naturally leads to more emotional and storytelling-driven photos.
A Film-Inspired Approach for Nostalgic, Genuine Imagery
There’s something magical about film photography—the way it captures light, movement, and depth with an organic, timeless feel. I shoot with a mix of 120mm film, 35mm film, Super 8, Polaroids, and digital to create a layered, artful representation of your wedding day. Film has a way of slowing things down, encouraging intentionality, and preserving each moment with a softness and warmth that digital often can’t replicate.
Thoughtful Direction Without Over-Posing
While my style leans heavily on documentary storytelling, I also offer subtle guidance when needed to create images that feel both effortless and cinematic. Instead of rigid poses, I’ll direct you in ways that feel natural—like walking hand-in-hand through your venue, dancing under the twinkle lights, or simply soaking in a quiet moment together. These small prompts help bring out movement, emotion, and authenticity while keeping you fully present in your day.
The reason I include a complimentary engagement session with all of my wedding photography is that it’s a chance to ease your nerves, and to give you a feeling of how natural and fun it can feel to be in front of the camera with me.
The Little Details That Hold Big Meaning
Storytelling isn’t just about people—it’s also about the meaningful details that shape your wedding. I pay close attention to the elements that reflect your love story, from heirloom jewelry and handwritten vows to the way your bouquet moves in the wind. These details, captured on both film and digital, weave together to create a gallery that feels deeply personal and reflective of your day.
Sometimes these images are captured throughout the day, and sometimes they’re captured in the morning all at one time, usually before even taking getting ready photos. If you have a lot of small details, it’s probably a good idea to separate dedicated time in the morning for me to capture them.
Why Emotion Matters More Than Perfection
Years from now, the photos that will mean the most to you won’t be the perfectly posed portraits—they’ll be the ones that make you feel something. A tear rolling down your cheek during vows, your best friend’s infectious laughter during the toasts, the way your dress moves as you twirl on the dance floor—these are the moments that bring your wedding back to life every time you look at them.
If you’re drawn to photography that feels real, heartfelt, and cinematic, I’d love to capture your story in a way that’s authentically you, and create something timeless together.
