Wedding Planning: 5 Expert Tips from a Photographer

Planning a wedding for 2025 or 2026? As a wedding photographer with over 15 years of experience, I’ve seen trends come and go, but the most important thing is creating a celebration that truly reflects you as a couple. Whether you’re envisioning a grand event or an intimate gathering, here are some tips and inspirations to help you craft the perfect wedding.

1. Prioritize the Moments That Matter

Think about the moments you’ll want to remember most—your first look, the heartfelt vows, the dance floor fun. Build your timeline around these key moments so you can be fully present and enjoy them without feeling rushed.

One way I encourage my couples to do this is to include in the schedule time to pause and get outside for what I like to call a “sunset break”. You already know what that means. Golden Hour photo op! And yes, that does mean photos.

But here’s the catch… It’s the one time during the entire day where you both get to step away from the hustle and bustle of your day and enjoy a moment to reflect on the excitement while taking in the sunset. Honestly, these are some of my most favourite photos I take of just the two of you. The energy hits differently. And it’s so lovely. You won’t regret it!

2. 2025/2026 Wedding Trends to Watch

Bold Colour Palettes – Say goodbye to neutrals; vibrant hues and unique colour pairings are making a statement.

Documentary-Style Photography – Candid, storytelling photography is taking centre stage over stiff, posed shots.

Eco-Friendly Weddings – Sustainability is a growing priority, from locally sourced florals to second-hand wedding dresses.

Unplugged Ceremonies – Encouraging guests to put away their phones allows everyone to be in the moment (and ensures no one blocks your professional photos!).

Multi-Day Experiences – Weddings are expanding beyond a single day, with welcome parties, post-wedding brunches, and adventure-filled weekends.

3. Make Photography a Priority

Your wedding photos will be one of the few things that last beyond the day itself. Here’s how to ensure you get the best results:

Golden Hour Magic – Plan for portraits during the golden hour (just before sunset) for that dreamy, romantic glow.

Relax and Have Fun – My approach is all about making you feel comfortable so we can capture genuine, joyful moments.

Trust Your Photographer – Choose someone whose style you love and let them guide you through the process. The style of photography you want is key, but also I strongly encourage you to take the time to meet with different photographers to see who you click with. Trust me, it matters! You’re stuck with us for sometimes over 12 hours depending on your itinerary. You need a good vibing photographer.

4. Personalization is Key

Forget cookie-cutter weddings—your day should reflect you! Think about ways to incorporate meaningful details, such as:

Writing personalized vows. And who says you have to say them in front of everyone? I’ve had couples who chose to say them to each other during their first look. It was soo intimate!

Choosing a unique venue that speaks to your love story. Restaurants with incredible moody vibes can be a great alternative to halls. And minimal decorating is needed.

Creating signature cocktails inspired by your relationship.

Incorporating cultural or family traditions in a modern way can add that extra touch.

5. Booking Vendors Early is Essential

With wedding dates filling up fast, booking your key vendors (photographer, venue, planner, etc.) as soon as possible ensures you get your dream team. Many couples are planning further in advance than ever, so don’t wait too long! We’ve got an incredible lineup here of photographers who combined have hundreds of years of experience. Experience is valuable and dare I say in this day and age of AI and quick cheap options, it’s priceless.

Booking early guarantees not only you’re being able to choose exactly the vendors you want with the style you dream of but also, a good team behind you can really make magic of your day.

Let’s Capture Your Love Story

If you’re looking for a photographer who makes you feel relaxed, has a great time with you, and captures authentic moments, I’d love to chat about your wedding! Let’s make 2025/2026 a year to remember.