Choosing your wedding photographer is about so much more than just pretty photos.


You’ll spend a large portion of your day with your photographer, so connection, comfort, and energy truly matter. The way they show up, guide you, and interact with you, your family, your guests, and the other vendors will shape how your day feels—not just how it looks.


Take the time to do your research.


While Instagram and Facebook are great starting points, they only show highlights.


One of the best things you can do is spend time looking through full galleries.


Seeing how a full day is captured—from the quiet moments to the big celebrations—gives you a true sense of a photographer’s approach, consistency, and storytelling.


If you’d like to take a look, I’ve linked one of my favorite galleries below from Erin and Melissa’s wedding at Woodwinds in Branford in 2024


This day was especially meaningful to me—not only because of my connection with the couple, but because it marked a turning point in my approach to photographing weddings. It was one of those experiences that challenged me in the best way and pushed me to adapt, trust my instincts, and lean fully into the flow of the day.


It’s a beautiful example of what it looks like to document a wedding with intention, flexibility, and trust in the moments as they naturally unfold. View the full gallery here


Consistency is everything, and viewing a full wedding day will give you a much clearer understanding of how a photographer captures real moments from beginning to end.


Experience also plays a huge role.


Newer photographers may offer lower pricing, but with experience comes the ability to handle timelines, navigate unexpected challenges, and intuitively read a moment—knowing when to step in and guide, and when to step back and let something naturally unfold.


Because as I've mentioned in my previous blog posts; at the end of the day, the most meaningful images are often the unplanned ones.


Real moments will always feel more powerful than perfectly posed ones, and a photographer’s experience is what allows those moments to be seen and captured.


It’s also important to know exactly who you’re working with.


If you’re hiring through a larger or out of state company, be sure to ask who your photographer will be and request to see their work specifically. Not all portfolios reflect every photographer on a team, and your connection with the person behind the camera matters.


I always recommend scheduling a call—whether it’s FaceTime or Zoom—so you can get a feel for their personality and presence. You don’t need to meet in person for it to feel personal, but having that conversation makes a difference.


And of course—read your contract.


It’s not the most exciting part of planning, but it’s essential. Understanding what’s included, how your day will be covered, and what to expect afterward helps everything feel clear and supported.


At the heart of it all, choosing your wedding photographer comes down to trust.


Trust their work.

Trust their process.

Trust the way they make you feel.


Because when you have that, you can let go, be present, and fully experience your day.


And that’s when the moments that matter most begin to unfold—captured with intention, care, and a touch of magic.