Your decision to keep things intimate just means everything carries more weight.
Small weddings have a magical quality about them that larger celebrations simply can’t match. No spending hours greeting guests and making your rounds for small talk. More time for what matters most, at a more relaxed pace.
Not only do you get more time to focus on those you hold close to your heart, but the smaller
guest list also lets your budget go a little further, allowing you to invest in the details that are most important to you.
Photography should be at the top of that list, because a great photographer is one who can preserve your moments within the flow of the day and give them back to you, presented beautifully, to transport you back to how the day felt.
These 11 must-have moments aren’t just pretty pictures—they’re the emotional anchors that will do just that.
Getting Ready with Your People
Those tender moments as you prepare for your new life together are filled with quiet anticipation, the nerves, and overflowing love. Whether it’s sipping coffee in natural light while your hair is half-done, your maid of honor zipping your dress, the joyful squeals and hugs from your bridesmaids. The best man helping with the groom’s cufflinks, a reassuring pat on the back. Your parents with proud tears and embraces, when did their baby grow up? These moments of pure joy and connection set the perfect tone for everything that follows.
The Details That Tell Your Story
A close up of your rings, pristine and shining, so you can remember how they looked before years of wear. That dress that you FINALLY found after trying on what seemed like hundreds. The flowers that you requested specifically to symbolize the journey of your relationship together. A little flat lay vignette of your wedding invitation suite that you painstakingly chose, the perfume you wore (no need to remember what it was when you have an image on it), your accessories, little touches that add that much more depth into the day. That part of the venue that made you absolutely fall in love with it. These are all things you will want to remember exactly how they were.
The First Look
This is the part where it all feels real. It can either happen in a private moment before the ceremony or as you walk down the aisle. It’s a reaction you will never forget, and what better way to remember it forever than to have a photograph of it. This is the heartbeat of your entire day, and they are your heart.
The Procession
Who is walking with you down this path? These are usually the people closest in your circle. Are you being presented by both your parents? Is your dog running up the aisle with the rings? Perhaps your grandmother is your flower girl. Small weddings let you break tradition and do things your way, and include the people (and pets) who matter the most to you.
The Ceremony
The sacred space where you exchange vows, surrounded by your most cherished people. Every face is visible, every emotion is felt. This is another aspect that can be tailored to you, your culture, and your story. No matter how you tailor this moment, your reaction to each other’s vows, and the first kiss are usually at the top of everyone’s must have shot list.
Walking Back Up the Aisle
You did the thing! Now comes that triumphant walk back up the aisle as a married couple. How do you want this moment to look? Bubbles floating around you, flower petals raining down, maybe you’re dancing your way back, or perhaps a romantic dip kiss right there in front of everyone? This is your victory lap, and it deserves just as much thought as your entrance. After all, this is the moment that kicks off your celebration.
The Decompression Moment
Before the congratulations, hugs, and handshakes begin. There’s this precious pocket of time where it’s just you two, processing what just happened. These quiet, intimate seconds are pure magic and often become couples’ favorite images, unposed and totally authentic.
Bridal Portraits
Regardless of how comfortable you are in front of the camera, you WILL want to remember how you looked and felt on this day. A great photographer will meet you at your comfort level, clearly set your expectations for what their process looks like, and will give you as much guidance or as little as you want or need. They should have ideas for posing if you haven’t given them anything specific ahead of time. I personally always encourage my clients to send me their Pinterest boards or even just past pictures of them as a couple that they love, this gives me insight into what angles, photographic style, and posing they are drawn to. These portraits can happen in one block of time or be broken up into several smaller segments throughout the day, and your photographer can help you decide when the best timing is for these to happen. When you know what to expect, the more comfortable and at ease you will be, and the better your pictures will turn out.
Reception Key Moments
The best part about small weddings is that you can customize and break from tradition as much as you want. No judgement from Aunt Nancy who you just met from across the country, who is wondering why she bought an expensive plane ticket for THIS. Every decision you decide to include is something that is to be remembered. Are you all seated around one table like one fancy dinner party? Or did you bring in a small fleet of food trucks? Karaoke instead of dancing? Maybe you have a table and activities set out for the kiddos within your circle. Genius ideas – and they are all getting photographed.
Candid Documentary of Your Guests
Your focus is often pulled during this portion of the day, whether it’s by family and friends, each other, or
another activity of your choosing. A good photographer is orbiting the reception space, looking for potential moments worth remembering. Maybe it’s kids playing, Maybe it’s your best friend telling embarrassing stories at the bar, your grandpa showing off his dance moves. Every guest has a relationship with you, and those connections shine through in the candid moments being quietly documented while you’re busy enjoying your day.
The Perfect Ending
When you look at your gallery or wedding album, you want it to tell the complete story of your day. How do you want that story to end? A quiet moment together watching the sunset? A sparkler exit with your guests cheering? A sweet kiss captured through the back window of your getaway car? Or maybe a triumphant fist-inthe-air moment in celebration of this new forever? This final image becomes the closing chapter of your wedding story.
If thinking through these details got you excited about what your small wedding could look like, imagine what we could create together on your actual day.
My approach goes far beyond just showing up with a camera. From our first conversation, I’m learning about your story, your style, and your vision. I help you think through timing, suggest the perfect spots for portraits, and work seamlessly within your day so you can be fully present while I capture it all.
This is exactly the kind of thoughtful and personalized attention that every couple in my client experience
receives. If this resonates with you and you want a photographer that truly understands the magic of intimate celebrations, I’d love to hear about your wedding.
