How to Get the Wedding Photos You’ve Always Dreamed Of

Tips from an Austin Wedding Photographer

Great wedding photos don’t just happen. They’re the result of thoughtful planning, beautiful light, and a photographer you trust to capture every in-between moment with intention. As Austin wedding photographers, we plan every timeline and creative choice around helping you feel calm, confident, and fully present — so your photos feel like you.

Here are a few things we think about on your wedding day (and how you can help set the stage for the photos you’ll want to look at forever).

Jeremiah and Marilyn at the Wilder Mansion.

Golden Hour Is the Real MVP

Golden hour — roughly an hour before sunset — is hands-down the best time for romantic, glowing portraits. That soft, dreamy light gives everything a natural warmth and dimension that can’t be replicated later in the day.

If you can, schedule your couple’s portraits during this window. We’ll guide you to make the most of the light while you simply enjoy being together. That quiet glow right before sunset? It’s not a filter — it’s timing and trust.

First Look vs. Aisle Reveal

We love both options, and there’s truly no wrong choice. But a first look gives us more flexibility with portraits, helps ease nerves, and allows for those private, emotional moments before the ceremony. It also frees up more of your cocktail hour later — meaning you’ll get to celebrate instead of rush through photos.

If you prefer the traditional aisle reveal, we’ll plan accordingly to make sure your timeline still flows naturally.

Location, Location… (and Natural Light)

Whether you’re getting ready in a suite downtown or a cozy Airbnb in Hill Country, consider how much natural light the space gets. We always bring professional lighting, but soft window light will always be the most flattering.

Think of light as part of your décor — it shapes the mood and emotion of your photos as much as the flowers or the venue itself.

The Big Picture

On your wedding day, we’re constantly reading the room — adjusting based on light, weather, and emotion. The more we understand your priorities before the day, the more we can shape the photography around what truly matters to you.

If connection and storytelling are your focus, we’ll plan for quiet moments in between the big ones — where the real magic often happens.

A Note on Timing

We completely understand that not every wedding timeline allows for endless flexibility. That said, carving out even 15 extra minutes to slow down together makes an incredible difference. Those short, unscripted pauses — a deep breath before sunset, a quick walk together after dinner — often become the most emotionally charged photos in your gallery.

When couples trust us with a bit of extra time and creative freedom, the results always show.

Final Thoughts

These are the kinds of things your photographer should be thinking about for you — but a little heads-up goes a long way in making your photos shine.

If you’re just beginning your planning, download our free Wedding Photography Guide — it’s packed with timeline tips, lighting advice, and creative insights to help you feel prepared and at ease.

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