Photograph a REAL Wedding Like a PRO!

Vanessa Joy is a wedding photographer and educator helping photographers grow profitable businesses.

If you’re a wedding photographer who sometimes struggles with what to shoot, how to direct couples, or how to capture wedding-day details under pressure—this blog is for you. I’ll take you behind the scenes of a real wedding at the stunning Park Chateau Estate & Gardens and show you how I approach everything from bridal details to portraits.

Getting Ready: Capturing Details That Matter

The bridal suite is always buzzing with excitement, and it’s one of the best times to tell the story of the day. I start with the details—dress, jewelry, shoes, invitations. These aren’t just pretty shots; they set the tone for the album and give context to the love story.

💡 Pro Tip: Arrive early so you have enough time to photograph details without feeling rushed.

While the bridal party gets ready, I look for candid moments—laughter, toasts, or quick behind-the-scenes interactions. These images help couples remember not just how things looked, but how they felt.

Portraits That Feel Natural

When the bride slips into her gown, I focus on every detail, from lace veils to sparkling embellishments. My goal is to make her look her best while keeping the atmosphere calm and joyful.

Outdoors, the lush gardens at Park Chateau make the perfect backdrop for couple portraits. Instead of stiff poses, I encourage couples to interact—walking hand in hand, sharing a laugh, or sneaking a kiss. Those authentic moments translate into timeless images.

Struggling to Grow as a Photographer?

If you’ve ever felt stuck—unsure how to pose, light, or manage wedding-day chaos—you’re not alone. That’s why I created Photo Insiders, my educational community for photographers.

Inside, you’ll get:

• Behind-the-scenes lessons from real weddings (like this one).

• Tutorials on posing, lighting, and problem-solving.

• Quick “Cliffs Notes” versions if you’re short on time.

• A supportive community where your questions actually get answered.

👉 Join Photo Insiders today and take the guesswork out of wedding photography.

Wrapping Up the Park Chateau Wedding

At the end of the day, it’s about preserving fleeting moments—the laughter, the tears, the love—that couples will treasure for a lifetime.

Whether you’re just starting your photography career or you’ve been shooting for years, there’s always something new to learn. Thanks for coming along with me behind the scenes at Park Chateau, and I’ll see you in the next blog.