In the whirlwind of wedding planning, it’s easy to get caught up in the details and schedules. However, one of the most magical aspects of any wedding day comes from the unscripted moments—those genuine laughs, tears of joy, and spontaneous dances that make your special day uniquely yours. As a wedding photographer with a passion for capturing these candid moments, I’m here to guide you on how to plan your wedding day to nurture an environment ripe for authentic, heartfelt memories.

Embrace the Unplanned

While it’s important to have a timeline, leaving room for spontaneity can lead to the most memorable and meaningful photographs. Schedule downtime between major events, like the ceremony and reception. This not only gives you and your guests a chance to breathe but also allows unexpected and beautiful moments to unfold naturally, which are a delight to capture.

Choose a Venue That Feels Like You

Select a venue that resonates with your personality and comfort. Whether it’s a cozy backyard, a bustling city space, or a quiet beachfront, environments where you feel at ease will naturally encourage relaxed and authentic interactions. When you’re comfortable, you’re more likely to let your guard down and allow those genuine emotions to flow—perfect for documentary-style photography.

Inform Your Guests

Let your guests know that your wedding will focus on capturing candid moments. Encourage them to be themselves and enjoy the day. When guests are aware that the photography will be more spontaneous, they’re less inclined to stiffen up and pose whenever a camera is in sight, which allows for more natural and engaging photos.

Prioritize Connections Over Perfection

Communicate to your photographer about the relationships and guests that mean the most to you. Maybe you have a grandmother who tells the best stories, or a group of friends from college who are always up to mischief. Knowing who these key players are helps your photographer anticipate where the most heartfelt interactions might occur.

Keep Formalities Flexible

While traditional elements like first dances and cake cutting are important, consider approaching them with flexibility. For example, rather than staging a cake cutting, do it when it feels right to you during the evening. This reduces the pressure of the event and can lead to more genuine expressions and reactions.

Emphasize Moments Over Details

While details like shoes, decorations, and place settings are lovely, encourage your photographer to focus on the moments happening around these details. The laughter shared over a beautifully set table is more impactful than the table itself.

Encourage Movement and Fun

Incorporate elements that invite action and interaction, such as a dance-off, a photo booth without a curtain, or spontaneous games. Movement and play naturally elicit unguarded, candid shots that show the joy of your wedding day.

By planning with a focus on authenticity and emotion, your wedding album will not just be a series of events, but a rich story filled with true laughter, tears, and joy—capturing the essence of your day in the most memorable way. So, let the day unfold naturally, embrace the little imperfections, and cherish the candid moments that will soon become cherished memories.

Upstate New York Photographer | Courtney Stannard Photography 

Celebrating your uniquely beautiful life with moody and artistic documentation in Upstate New York. I love documenting life, love, and everything in between in the rawest and most intentional way. My goal in this journey is to allow people to be 100% themselves and feel comfortable doing so. I want the world to see you for the amazing and unique person that you are. Let’s make some damn art together. Inquire about your wedding here!