Why Wedding Photos Matter More Than You Think
When most couples book a wedding photographer, what photos do they envision? I’m willing to bet they imagine themselves in stunning portraits, showing off the dress, the bouquet, and all the effort it took to look that incredible. They think about the staged poses. The sunset shots on the beach. The giggles as they cut into their wedding cake together.
But here’s the thing: wedding photos aren’t just about the couple. They have a life that stretches far beyond the day itself, with value that increases as the wedding date goes further into the past. It’s about the friends, the family, their dynamics, and about showing a small, but significant, snippet in time.
That’s why choosing a photographer who truly understands this is so important.
Wedding Photos as a Legacy
Some of my favorite moments as a photographer aren’t the ones that make my portfolio, they’re the ones that make me pause and feel the weight of time.
I’ve seen my photos used in obituaries, honoring people who are gone but never forgotten. I’ve seen them shared in celebrations of life, and in heartfelt posts on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and birthdays. Sometimes a friend has passed away, and some of the couple’s favorite photos of that person are from the wedding party goofing off.
I’ve photographed weddings where someone got really sick shortly after the big day, and the images I captured were the last ones of them dancing. I’ve even documented the very first moments two total strangers met at a wedding and danced together…the seeds that later grew into a real relationship.
Maybe these aren’t these are the kinds of photos that you find in mall windows. But they carry stories, connections, and memories that last for generations. They are history itself.
Why Most Photographers Miss the Point
A lot of photographers approach weddings with a reluctance to let go of their own interests. The “wow shot” for their portfolio. The perfectly lit, perfectly posed photo that will impress everyone.
The problem is, this approach forgets the real reason we take these photos: preservation of a specific moment in time. It’s not about the photographer, and honestly…it’s not even fully about the couple.
The moments that matter most are the ones that bring the people in them to life for years to come: a parent laughing on the dance floor, long-lost college friends hugging, someone proudly watching on during the first dance…the extent of human emotion and interaction is truly endless.
A photographer who prioritizes their own agenda risks missing these.
What Couples Should Look For
So how do you make sure your photos capture the memories that truly matter? Look for a photographer who understands legacy. Someone who:
- Prioritizes moments over poses
- Values relationships over aesthetics
- Places as much value on guests as they do the couple
These are the photographers who don’t just document your wedding day, they preserve the memories that will matter years from now.
The Big Idea
Wedding photos aren’t just for today. They aren’t just for social media. They’re for everyone who was there to witness a couple’s love.
Invest in a photographer who gets it. Someone who sees your wedding as a story unfolding, full of people, laughter, tears, and connection. Someone who understands that the photos you take today will be looked at decades into the future.
I imagine in the future, someone looking at those photos and saying “wow, this was 100 years ago but I know exactly what that moment felt like…because I feel that too”
In the end, that’s what wedding photography is really about.
If you’re looking for a photographer who gets it, hi! My name is Andrea and I’ve been photographing weddings for 12 years. I know exactly how to anticipate moments, chase after emotion, and who tries to get at least one photo of every guest at your wedding. Let’s get in touch!
