snap happy

Unlike the work that your other wedding vendors produce (music, flower arrangements, the cake), photos aren’t things you can hear, smell, taste or even see at first—you don’t really know what you’re getting until after the fact. That makes it extra-important to train a critical eye on any pro you’re considering, taking into account their experience, artistic style, even their personality. Knowing what to look out for, and which questions to ask, will ensure the memories of your wedding are just as beautiful as the day itself.

settle on a style

First on your to-do list: deciding what style of photography you want. All photographers specialize in a format and style, and knowing up front whether you prefer film to digital, or candid shots to posed ones will go a long way in determining the right person for the job. Before you send that initial introductory email, familiarize yourself with the most common methods.

documentary: Expect spontaneous, in-the-moment pictures of people and décor. Typical shots might include a close-up of your bouquet, your fiancé’s motley crew of cousins tearing up the dance floor or your bridesmaids laughing, champagne in hand. When you hire someone schooled in photojournalism, you’ll rarely see people looking straight at the camera—the photos capture the moments exactly as they happened, and together they tell a story.

real talk

“Brides: Put away your phones when getting ready. The