In this blog, I will explain my process and philosophy for “getting ready” photos for couples who hire a documentary wedding photographer, and who therefore value intention, authenticity, and presence, and want these values reflected in their wedding photos.

In the whirlwind of a wedding day, moments of genuine connection and candid emotion often happen during the quieter times. One such crucial period is the cocktail hour—a time often overlooked but invaluable for capturing authentic moments in documentary wedding photography.

Emmy + Joe are two of my favorite humans. From the moment I met them I could tell that their love was so grounding and special. They care for each other so deeply, it’s like their souls are connected. Photographing them in an art museum only seemed to highlight this feeling. Together we were able to tell their story using the light and art around us.