Wedding Welcome Guide
I photograph love, plain and simple. That’s the heart of what I do—nothing more, nothing less. Photography is my passion, and it still feels surreal that I get to call this my full-time job.
As your photographer, I hope we walk away not just with stunning images but as new friends. My goal is to capture the full scope of your story, from the big, unforgettable moments to the quiet, intimate ones. I want to reflect who you truly are—the laughter, the stories, the memories you'll treasure forever.
On your wedding day, my focus is on capturing your unique story while ensuring that the day feels like a true reflection of you as a couple. I'm here, fully committed to you.
I’M ANDREA! AND MY JOB IS SIMPLE
Andrea xx
what to expect - my style
Rather than directing or staging, I prefer to step back and observe, capturing your day as it naturally unfolds. Through my lens, I document genuine moments, creating a timeless record of your special day.
Building a personal connection with my couples is key to creating images that truly resonate—photos that become part of your family’s story.
By getting to know you and the unique bonds in your relationships, I aim to capture the real emotions and connections that make each wedding one-of-a-kind. For me, it’s not just about snapping pictures; it’s about telling a story—a story that will stay with you every time you revisit your photos.
From the laughter during preparations to the quiet glances exchanged during your vows, I strive to capture the essence of your love. Every spontaneous moment, every unnoticed detail, and all the joyful celebrations are woven together to tell a visual narrative.
Your day matters most
The must-have wedding photos are the ones that capture the moments and people who matter most, allowing you to relive the memories that mean the most to you. Rather than getting lost in a long checklist, focus on what truly matters for your day and let it reflect what’s important to you as a couple
I’m a firm believer in building connections. When we feel comfortable with each other, it opens the door to creating genuine, meaningful moments. Your guests will feel it too! When your wedding photographer feels like part of your inner circle, your loved ones trust them, and that leads to authentic, honest photos that capture the heart of your day.
photography trends
Documentary Style
The era of overly posed wedding photos is fading. I’ve found that the candid, in-between moments—where genuine joy and emotion come to life—often become my clients' favorites. It’s exciting to see couples moving away from staged Pinterest-worthy shots and embracing the beauty of candid, imperfect, and authentic images that truly reflect the essence of their day. While there are some times when direction will be necessary throughout your day, the idea is allowing your wedding to unfold organically, as imperfect as it may be.
Film Photography and Video
Though digital photography remains a go-to for most wedding photographers, there’s been a growing demand for film. This trend is making its way into wedding videography too, with grainy cinematography and even Super 8 mm film becoming more popular. The unfiltered storytelling brings me back to why I fell in love with documenting weddings in the first place—it’s raw, real, and timeless
Elevated Photo Sets
An increasing number of couples are seeking to enhance their wedding experience with stunning drapery and décor. I anticipate seeing more interactive photo booth setups that allow guests to engage and capture editorial-style photos in the upcoming year.
Wedding Tips
I understand precisely what you envision for your wedding day: an unforgettable celebration that is not only memorable but also stress-free. You want everything to come together seamlessly, allowing you and your loved ones to fully enjoy the day. And of course, you want stunning wedding photos that stand the test of time, enabling you to relive those incredible moments for years to come.
But is it really possible to combine breathtaking photography with a relaxed, enjoyable day—without feeling like you’re constantly in a photo shoot as a bride or groom? Absolutely!
I believe that capturing your wedding should feel natural and effortless. My approach focuses on documenting your day as it unfolds, allowing you to be present and enjoy every moment while still creating beautiful images that reflect the essence of your celebration. With the right balance, you can have the best of both worlds: fantastic photos and an authentic, fun-filled experience
A COUPLE NOTES
TRY TO STICK TO YOUR ORIGINAL TIMELINE
Crafting a timeline for your wedding day and sharing it with your photographer is essential for keeping everyone organized and prepared. Here are some tips to help you create an effective timeline:
Build in extra time between transitions or location changes, such as moving from the ceremony to the reception, to account for any potential delays.
Have a conversation with your photographer about your shot list and include scheduled photo sessions in your timeline. Be sure to allocate time for couple’s portraits, wedding party photos, family pictures, and any other special requests you may have.
CREATE A SHOT LIST WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
You’ve hired your dream photographer (that’s me!), and capturing every moment of your special day is my expertise. However, it’s a great idea to create a shot list to ensure we don’t miss any essentials.
From the intricate details and the venue setup to couple portraits, these shots will help narrate the story of your day from beginning to end. Let’s work together to make sure we capture all the moments that matter most!
Be sure to provide your photographer with a list of family members’ names at least a week before your wedding. This list should include the first names of everyone needed for family portraits.
Additionally, communicate with all close family members that you’d like them to remain at the ceremony site for these photos. Sometimes, even immediate family members like grandparents may forget or may not realize they need to stick around for the portraits. It can take time to track down those who wander off, so giving everyone a heads-up beforehand will make the process smoother and more efficient on your wedding day.
CREATE YUUR FAMILY PHOTO LIST
ALLOW YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER TO GUIDE YOU
Allow me to gently guide you toward natural light and angles that will make you look and feel your best. While I always welcome creative suggestions from my couples, I might also offer alternatives if I notice that certain elements, like shadows from a nearby tree, might not enhance the scene as intended. Remember, I’ve been to dozens of weddings; this is your first. So trust me and my guidance; I would never steer you in the wrong direction.
The rings, bouquets, wedding invitations, jewelry, boutonnieres, shoes, and cufflinks are all beautiful details that deserve to be captured! It can be helpful to designate a member of your wedding party or another helper to organize these items, so be sure to keep them nearby.
However, don’t feel restricted to this list! If you have any items that hold special meaning in your relationship—such as love letters, keepsakes, or souvenirs—consider incorporating them into your detail shots. Feel free to think outside the box and add personal touches that reflect your unique love story!
GATHER ITEMS FOR DETAIL SHOTS
ENJOY YOUR WEDDING DAY TO THE FULLEST
Breathe, relax, and stay focused on one another. Remember to prioritize what feels right for both of you. Tailor your wedding to reflect your unique love story and your wishes. Take a moment to appreciate all the hard work you—and your supportive family and friends—have put into creating this special day. Embrace every moment. The best is yet to come!
YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION
Take Your Engagement Photos in a Place that You Love
I encourage couples to choose locations that hold special meaning for them. Whether it’s the spot where you first met, your favorite café or brewery, or even the comfort of your own home, these places can beautifully reflect your unique story. Your photos should capture the essence of who you are together
This is undoubtedly one of the most crucial tips we can offer: choose outfits that make you feel incredible. If you decide to buy something new, make sure to give it a test run before the shoot and consider how it will photograph during the session.
Above all, prioritize comfort. If wearing a suit feels out of character for you, just skip it and rock that favorite band tee you love instead. These photos should reflect your true selves, so it’s important to dress in a way that represents your personalities.
Additionally, selecting outfits that complement each other can enhance the overall cohesion of your photos. To help you prepare for our session, I provide every couple with a detailed engagement guide to ensure you feel ready and confident!
Schedule The Session Around The Sun
You might be familiar with the term “golden hour,” which refers to that beautiful time just before sunset when the light is warm and flattering. If you're aiming for that stunning glow in your photos, this is the ideal time to shoot. To make the most of it, check your weather app to determine when sunset occurs, giving you plenty of time to capture those perfect moments before the light fades.
While early afternoon may seem like a convenient time for photos, keep in mind that the light can be quite harsh since the sun is directly overhead. Alternatively, early morning light can be just as magical. If you're a morning person, consider arriving at your first location just as the sun begins to rise for some breathtaking shots.
“Andrea was amazing not only as a photographer but also as a selfless human being She was very professional and made sure that everything went well for us. She has been great from start to finish!”