Join Photo Insiders
The Joy Blog

Photograph a REAL Wedding Like a PRO!

english photography tips weddings
Real Wedding BTS

 

Today, we’re at the stunning Park Chateau Estate & Gardens. It’s a photographer’s dream location, and I’m here to capture every magical moment. Across the street, the bridal party is getting ready at the hotel, so I’ve grabbed my trusty Canon R5 paired with the versatile 28-70mm lens. Let's dive into the day, shall we?

Getting Ready: The Calm Before the Celebration

My first stop is the bridal suite, where the air buzzes with excitement and laughter. It’s the perfect time to capture those candid, heartfelt moments. I start by photographing the bride’s details—the dress, jewelry, shoes, and invitations. These shots set the tone for the wedding album, and I always try to be early to give these details the time they deserve.

As the bride and her bridal party prep, I sneak in a few fun, light-hearted shots. Candid photos of them laughing, fixing dresses, and even a quick toast make for a great storytelling series.

Capturing the Magic

Back to the shoot: the bride is glowing as she slips into her dress. I capture every detail, from her delicate lace veil to the sparkling embellishments on her gown. I guide her through poses that feel natural, emphasizing her best angles while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and joyful.

Next, we step outside for some dreamy couple portraits. The estate’s lush gardens provide a stunning backdrop. I love encouraging couples to interact naturally—walk hand in hand, share a laugh, or steal a kiss. These moments create timeless, heartfelt images.

Photo Insiders: Take Your Photography to the Next Level

For those of you passionate about photography, let me introduce Photo Insiders, my exclusive educational community. Here, I share behind-the-scenes insights from real shoots, like today’s wedding. Each month, we explore topics like posing, lighting techniques, and troubleshooting on the fly.

With in-depth tutorials and quick “Cliffs Notes” versions, Photo Insiders caters to all learning styles. Plus, our community is the perfect space to connect with other photographers, share experiences, and get your questions answered. Ready to level up your skills? Join us today and never feel stuck behind the lens again.

Wrapping Up a Beautiful Day

As the sun sets on this gorgeous day, I reflect on the joy and love I’ve captured. The magic of wedding photography lies in preserving these fleeting moments forever.

Thank you for following along, and remember—whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, there’s always something new to learn and share. See you next time, and happy shooting!

Ready to learn more?

Take the free Speed Posing 101 class

Learn how to pose individuals, couples, and groups with precision and speed. This free class will help you shoot with confidence no matter the situation and consistently wow your clients with a variety of stunning images.

Take the free class

Latest from the blog

My Photography Gear for an African Safari in Kenya

How to Hire Your FIRST Employee 👉 and how to know when you're ready

Photographers BEWARE | Top Creator Reveals the Ugly Side!


Meet Vanessa

Photography education that gives your art an edge

Vanessa has been photographing weddings, events, portraits and lifestyle for over 20 years.

She's a Canon Explorer of Light, an honor given to only 5 photographers in the United States, and her work has been published by Yahoo! News, Grace Ormonde, Style Me Pretty, Rangefinder and more.

With her practical and open-book style of teaching, she shares everything she knows with hundreds of thousands of photographers as an educator and influential sparker.

Work with Vanessa →

Join Vanessa Joy's Photo Insiders

Come sit at our “lunch table” and learn with top-notch video lessons released monthly, a private community and live photoshoots. Join our live group coaching calls, request videos, and get your individual questions answered.

Become a member

Free downloads

Don't leave without your goody bag
Free Preset

Steal my favorite preset

Save time editing with this preset that I personally use on my outdoor photos to brighten and warm up the scene.

i'm ready

Free guide

The Posing Inspiration Guide

Use my poses that your clients will love. Swipe ideas for posing individuals, couples, groups, and details.

yup, i need it

Free Class

Speed Posing 101

Struggling feeling confident shooting, delivering a variety of images, and posing with precision and speed? This is for you!

let's do this!

Get photography tips and resources

Join our email list to get it all directly in your inbox.