FAQs: Photographing Your Wedding Ceremony

Q: What time of day is best for ceremony photography?
A: The ideal time depends on lighting conditions at your venue. For indoor ceremonies, large windows and soft natural light work best. For outdoor ceremonies, early afternoon or late afternoon (golden hour) provides warm, flattering light. Starting with enough time before sunset gives us plenty of time for post-ceremony portraits before you head to your reception. We can help you plan your day to capture your ceremony beautifully.

Q: How should we choose a ceremony location for the best storytelling photos?
A: Look for spaces with good natural light, minimal clutter, and a clean backdrop. Historic chapels, gardens, or venues with outdoor spaces in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill all provide beautiful backdrops that enhance the real, unscripted moments we capture.

Q: How can we ensure our ceremony photos are uncluttered and visually appealing?
A: Keeping the ceremony space tidy and removing distracting items from the altar or surrounding area allows the focus to remain on you, your partner, and your guests.

Q: What is an unplugged ceremony, and why is it important?
A: Although it is your decision, we believe an unplugged ceremony encourages guests to put away phones and cameras letting us capture authentic moments without interference. Guests also stay fully present, creating more intimate and authentic memories for everyone involved.

Q: How do you handle indoor versus outdoor lighting challenges?
A: We adapt to each venue. Indoors, we use natural window light and soft ambient light to highlight emotions and details. Outdoors, we use natural light strategically, adjusting angles to avoid harsh sunlight and keep the focus on you. Whenever necessary, we are also well-versed in manufacturing light.

Q: Should we plan a first look before the ceremony?
A: It is your day, so a first look is completely up to you. It can help with timing for couples who wish to complete all portraits prior to the ceremony so they can head directly to the reception. It also allows us to capture intimate moments with just the two of you in a private, relaxed setting before the ceremony begins.

Q: Will you move around during the ceremony?
A: Yes, but subtly. Our goal is to blend in, moving quietly to capture multiple angles without drawing attention. You’ll hardly notice we’re there, but you’ll see the results in images that tell the full story of your ceremony.

Q: Can you photograph cultural or religious traditions?
A: Yes. We love documenting the depth and beauty of cultural and faith-based ceremonies. Whether it’s a Christian church service in Raleigh, a Hindu wedding in Chapel Hill, or a traditional handfasting in Durham, we approach each with respect, curiosity, and a documentary mindset

Q: How do you capture moments without staging them?
A: We anticipate and read the flow of the ceremony—watching body language, listening for laughter or pauses, and being ready before the moment happens. This allows us to photograph your vows, veil lifts, and first kiss authentically, without asking you to repeat anything.

Q: What if someone blocks the aisle with their phone or camera?
A: This is where an unplugged ceremony makes a huge difference. You can ask the officiant to politely request that guests keep devices away until after the ceremony so we can capture clear, distraction-free images.