Golden Hour, Candlelight, and Everything In Between

Choosing the Perfect Wedding Photo Lighting

Let’s have a heart-to-heart about something that’s often overlooked in wedding planning: lighting. Not the twinkle lights you found on Pinterest (though those are adorable), but the kind of lighting that actually impacts your wedding photos. You know: the ones you’ll treasure forever.

As a wedding photographer, I’ve spent more hours chasing light than a toddler chases bubbles. And trust me when I say: the right light makes all the difference between a pretty photo and one that makes your heart skip a beat.

🌅 Golden Hour: The Beyoncé of Natural Light

Ah, golden hour. That dreamy slice of time just after sunrise or just before sunset, when the sun hits everything with a warm, magical glow. It’s the VIP of wedding photography. Think soft, flattering, romantic vibes--basically, nature’s built-in filter.

If you're planning outdoor portraits (especially couple photos), golden hour is your best friend. I’ll help you work your timeline so we can sneak away for 15 minutes of golden-hour magic (yes, even if that means pausing the reception for a bit). It’s worth it. Always.

🕯 Candlelight & Evening Romance: Moody and Magical

Maybe your wedding leans toward “moody elegance” rather than “sunshine and daisies.” Candlelit receptions and twilight ceremonies? Gorgeous. But they do come with challenges, photography-wise.

The good news? I know exactly how to work with low light without turning your reception into a high school gym with a flash. I use professional lighting techniques that preserve the vibe while still making sure you look stunning (read: no creepy shadows or grainy chaos).

🌞 Midday Light: Bright but Tricky

High noon might be great for a picnic but not so much for photos. Direct sun creates harsh shadows and squinting—not exactly the look we’re going for. That said, if your ceremony is mid-afternoon, I scout the venue for shady spots or use off-camera lighting to make sure you’re still glowing (even if the sun is trying to turn you into a human disco ball).

☁️ Cloudy Skies & Rainy Days: Still Gorgeous

Let’s not forget that God’s in control of the weather! And sometimes He gives us clouds or rain. That’s okay! Cloudy skies offer beautifully diffused light (think soft and romantic), and a little rain can be gorgeous in photos if you’re game for a few umbrella shots.

How I Help

When we build your timeline, I help figure out when and where to get the best light. Because I want your photos to be as joyful and gorgeous as your love story. Whether you're planning for golden hour portraits, a candlelit dance floor, or a backup plan for cloudy skies, I’ve got you.

You don’t have to know anything about light (that's my job!). You just have to show up, be in love, and trust me to make the light work for you.

📸 Ready to glow in every photo?

📞 Let’s chat about your wedding timeline and get that perfect lighting locked in.