a guide to your wedding day magic

A gentle guide to your wedding day magic

Tips from your friendly neighborhood wedding photographer (hi, it me)

Let’s be honest, wedding days are a beautiful whirlwind. Between the lace and the lipstick, the tears and the tequila, the belly laughs and the quiet, it’s easy to get swept up in the schedule and forget the “feel” of a thing. And while I’ll be there to capture the magic, there are a few little things you can do to make sure your photos feel like you; wild, warm, honest, and raw realness.

Here’s my not so secret list of wedding day tips that will help bring your story to life
(Laid back, less production, mold free—edition)

1. I’ll Be a Fly on the Wall… Until I’m Not ** More of a warning than a tip **

Reminder that i’ll be there the whole time capturing moments of you. now i know what you’re thinking, “well jesse, thats what we’re paying you for” …Yes but you don’t understand lol… I will be in your bubble… with two cameras… in your face… prompting you… the whole day… and whether if you love getting your photos taken or not, at some point, you will feel overwhelmed and socially drained. (video representation)

all jokes aside, I try my best to blend in the background, quietly observing, capturing moments. My goal isn’t to be obtrusive but sometimes, it might feel like it. there will be moments where i’m buzzing around to guide a prompt, fix a veil, or nudge you toward the best light. (and i say this with grace) but at anytime if you feel you want camera space, I will always respect that. just shoo me away! (i won’t be offended at all) I’ll adapt and still capture the moments you want.

2. Intention Over Perfection

Mess is okay. Plastic bags, suitcases, garbage, and tangled wires? Not so much.
Your space tells part of your story, so let’s make sure it’s telling the right one. Toss what doesn’t belong. Keep the details that do. I’m talking handwritten vows, heirloom jewelry, lipstick-stained coffee mugs, and anything you treasure. That’s the good stuff. we’re not looking for perfection, we’re looking for imperfections—with intention.

3. Bring the Details You Want Remembered

Flat lays don’t happen by accident.
Have your dress, shoes, rings, vow books, watch, cuffs, perfume, jewelry, florals, anything special—ready for me as soon as I arrive. I’ll style it all with care and intention, like a mini love letter in still life form. (pro tip: assign someone to be in charge of these items so that we can avoid not having the rings missing for ceremony, I dream of this happening at least once a year)

4. Let the Light In

i’ll always be chasing the light for you. Natural light? DEFINITELY makes everything feel more alive.
If your getting ready space has a big window? Jackpot. If not, I may ask to move you to a light—filled space. trust me, it’ll feel more cinematic and timeless. I use flash sparingly and will occasionally bring it out for portraits, but it’s main use is on the dance floor.

5. The First Look Deserves Breathing Room

No rush. No audience. No pressure.
Just the two of you, soaking in the moment. Cry. Laugh. Stand in silence. Spin each other around. we can take a quiet walk or one with a burning flame for each other. It’s often the most emotionally honest part of the day and I want to capture it with all the reverence it deserves. We can spend as little or as long as you need (within the scheduled time of course). Enjoy your time together. It might be the only part of the day where it’s just you two.

6. Ceremony Recession = Main Character Energy

You did the thing! Now strut, skip, kiss, cheer, dip, whatever feels right.
This isn’t the time to walk like you’re heading to the DMV. Let your joy take up space. big energy is encouraged. The more unhinged and free you feel, the more your guests (and your photos) will reflect that same electric energy. Let them match you!

7. fuel yourselves

Hangry couples are not the vibe.
Hydrate. Snack. Keep a little fuel in the tank. You'll look better, feel better, and actually be able to enjoy the moments you’ve worked so hard to plan.

8. Let the Day Breathe

Timelines are great, but let’s not forget to live in the moment.
If the light is golden and your playlist is vibing, by all means, stay, dance, party! If a hug lasts longer than expected, good, cry a little while you’re at it! These are the in-between moments where the magic sneaks in. Key to good wedding photos is being okay with things not happening the way it’s written. true moments happen always, so let it.

9. Don’t Perform, Just Be

You don’t need to “act” like a couple in a wedding ad.
You already are the story. Let your shoulders drop. Laugh for real. Hold each other the way you always do. The best photos don’t look staged because they aren’t. I’ll be there to guide you through all of this, but I’ll need you to meet me halfway and be you. Theres a time and space for when i need to step in for poses, but you don’t need to worry about a thaaang when i don’t.

10. Weather Can Be Wild, and That’s Okay

Whether it’s misty air, gusts of wind, or golden sun, whatever shows up is part of your story.
Lean into it. Wild weather brings texture and emotion you can’t plan for. And spoiler: those shots often end up being everyone’s favorite. Rain on your wedding? put on your dirty boots, go barefoot, run in the mud, and kiss in the rain, i’ll be there to get down and dirty with ya!

11. “Dance Like No One’s watching”

Whether you’re barefoot or in designer heels, just feel it.
Be goofy. Be graceful. Be sweaty. Whatever your kind of fun looks like, it’s welcome here. Let go, and let joy move through you.

12. perfection? we don’t know her

If something runs behind or goes off-script, you’re still married.
You don’t need a flawless day to have unforgettable photos—you just need to show up as yourself, messy hair and muddy boots and all.

Final Thoughts: Trust the Process

These tips? They’re here to help, not to stress you out.They’re also just a guide; suggestions, not a rigid task.
This is your day, your rhythm, your story. I’ll be there documenting it all as it unfolds with a big heart, craft, and with a camera that doesn’t miss a thing.

And if you ever feel unsure? Just look at each other. That’s where the real magic begins.