When most people look for a wedding photographer, they’re thinking about the wedding day itself. The portraits. The ceremony. The dance floor. And of course, those are important. But what often gets overlooked is how deeply connected a photographer can become to your life - not just in one moment, but for years to come.
Over the years, I’ve photographed secret proposals, engagement shoots, rehearsal dinners, weddings, and then, years later, newborn sessions. It’s something I don’t take for granted. When I get invited back into someone’s life to capture those next chapters, that means the world to me. It tells me the connection we built wasn’t just about business. It was about trust, shared energy, and consistently meaningful work.
And that connection doesn’t end with just the couple. I’ve had the honor of building real relationships with parents, siblings, extended family -people who are just as emotionally invested in the day as the couple. When you have a photographer who knows how to connect with the people closest to you, the photos aren’t just technically good. They’re emotionally rich. They reflect the reality of your relationships.
Getting along with the couple’s parents is something I’ve always valued. I don’t treat them like background characters in the day. I talk to them. I check in. I respect the emotions they’re carrying and the support they’re offering. That level of connection has led to something I never expected when I first started out: being invited to photograph their own anniversaries, milestone birthdays, even work events. That’s a relationship that goes way beyond wedding photos. That’s trust. That’s family.
Word of mouth is powerful - and when the people at your wedding see the photos and remember the experience of having me there, the connections ripple out. I’ve gotten messages from guests, cousins, old friends, all saying, “Hey, I saw what you did at so-and-so’s wedding. We want that energy too.” That kind of referral only happens when the presence behind the camera is just as memorable as the work it produces.
This job has never just been about showing up, taking photos, and leaving. It’s about showing up with intention, making people feel seen, and becoming a trusted part of the story. Whether it’s a look shared between the couple, a proud moment from a parent, or the way a guest tears up during the vows - those are moments that come from real connection, not just observation.
So when you’re choosing your photographer, look beyond the portfolio. Ask yourself if this is someone who’s going to connect with your people. Someone your family will feel comfortable with. Someone who’s not just taking pictures, but quietly becoming part of the day in the best way possible.
Because the right photographer won’t just deliver a gallery.
They’ll leave an impression - and maybe even become part of your story for years to come.
