Let’s face it, wedding planning can be stressful, but capturing your day? That should be the fun part! Wedding photography is about freezing time on one of the most important days of your life, and it doesn’t have to be something you stress over. So how do you make sure your photography experience is smooth, easy, and stress-free? I got you covered with this ultimate guide to wedding photography zen.

"The photos left me speechless!” — Tatiana W.

1. Choose a Photographer You Vibe With

First things first: pick someone you feel comfortable with. This might be the most important tip of the whole guide! Your photographer will be with you from morning prep to your big exit, so make sure they’re someone you vibe with. Look at portfolios, follow their social media, have chats, and ask questions. You want someone whose work you love and who makes you feel relaxed—like you’re just hanging out with a friend who happens to have a camera. Pro tip: you’ll know they’re the one if you can joke around and laugh during the first meeting!

2. Get an Engagement Session Under Your Belt

Feeling a bit nervous in front of the camera? Totally normal. That’s where an engagement session comes in handy. It’s like a rehearsal for your wedding day. You get a feel for how your photographer works, and you get comfortable being photographed together. Plus, you’ll have some stunning photos to show off before the big day! By the time your wedding rolls around, you’ll feel like a total pro in front of the lens.

3. Plan for Enough Time—Seriously

The timeline of your wedding day is crucial. If you want to feel relaxed and not rushed, make sure you plan for enough photography time. Discuss the timeline with your photographer and coordinator ahead of time. This allows everyone to stay on the same page, and you can enjoy those beautiful moments instead of panicking about being late to the reception.

Tip: If you’re unsure how long things will take, ask your photographer! They've seen it all and can help you figure out how much time is needed for family portraits, couple’s shots, and those fun candids of you busting a move on the dance floor.

4. Let Your Photographer Handle the Stress

This is your day, so let your photographer be the one keeping things moving when it comes to the shots. You don’t need to worry about whether “Aunt Kathy” made it into the family photo. That’s what we’re here for! Your only job is to enjoy the day, while we make sure the memories are captured.

Bonus: Two photographers? Even better. That means one person can cover the wedding party while the other is capturing those emotional, candid moments. That’s twice the coverage and half the stress. I wrote a whole blog about the benefits of having two photographers. Click here to read all about it!

5. Embrace the Unexpected

Worried about rain? Or that your hair won’t stay perfect in the wind? Relax. The magic of wedding photography often lies in the unexpected. A little rain might give you that dreamy, romantic shot under an umbrella. Wind? Well, that’s just nature’s way of giving you a Beyoncé moment. Embrace it, roll with it, and trust that your photographer will capture the beauty in every moment—planned or unplanned.

Life's too serious... let's do a goofy pose! All rights reserved © www.stefanlanecreative.com

6. Have Fun!

Your wedding day is about love, laughter, and good vibes. If you’re relaxed and having fun, it will show in your photos. Don’t be afraid to let loose, laugh big, and enjoy every second. The best wedding photos come from genuine moments of joy, and the less you worry, the more those moments will shine through.

7. Trust the Process

At the end of the day, you’ve hired a pro who knows what they’re doing. Trust them. By letting go and allowing your photographer to do their thing, you’ll get photos that truly capture the spirit of your day without the extra stress.

So, are you ready to have the most chill, fun, and memorable wedding day ever?

The Ultimate Guide to Stress-Free Wedding Photography