Behind the Lens: A Day in the Life of a Pacific Northwest Wedding Photographer

You’ve probably seen plenty of “highlight reel” wedding photos: the first kiss, the sparkler send-off, the romantic portraits. But what you don’t see is all the work that happens behind the scenes to make those photos possible.

So today, we’re giving you a peek at what a wedding day really looks like for us, from the night before your big day all the way to when we finally kick off our shoes, back up your photos, and collapse into bed with smiles (and maybe a slice of leftover cake).

The Day Before – Gear, Lists, and Early Bedtime Goals

Your wedding coverage actually starts the day before. We’re:

Charging every battery we own (including some we probably won’t even touch, but better safe than sorry)

Clearing and formatting memory cards so there’s room for every single “just one more” shot

Checking our gear list twice to make sure nothing is left behind because forgetting a lens is not the plot twist we want

Printing out the timeline and questionnaires so we have quick, easy access to all the important details throughout the day

Laying out clothes and snacks so we’re not scrambling in the morning

Pre-hydrating so we’re not running low on energy or focus during your wedding day

Getting to bed early so we’re rested, alert, and ready for a full day on our feet

Wedding Morning – Coffee & Checklists

The big day starts with coffee in hand and a quick run-through of our mental and physical checklists. We make sure:

Every camera body and lens is packed and ready

Batteries are in the bag and not still on the charger

The timeline and shot list are front and center

Snacks and water are ready so we can keep up our energy all day

We check traffic well before it’s time to leave because we like to arrive early, settle in, and start the day with calm energy — the kind where we can scout the venue, chat with vendors, and be fully ready long before the first photo. Think “spa day serenity,” just with heavier cameras and way more running around.

Arriving Early – Scouting & Settling In

We like to get to the venue ahead of schedule so we can:

See what the light is doing that day, since Pacific Northwest skies can change moods faster than a Netflix drama

Pick the best spots for portraits, group shots, and detail photos

Touch base with vendors who are already there so we’re all on the same page

Find a safe little corner to stash our gear

Once that’s done, we head to the getting-ready suite to say hello and start capturing the excitement.

Getting Ready – The Calm Before the Party

Hair and makeup are usually in full swing, and the room is filled with laughter, music, and just the right amount of happy nerves.

We start with detail shots of your dress, rings, bouquet, shoes, and invitation suite. Then it’s all about the in-between moments: your mom helping with your dress, bridesmaids clinking glasses, the flower girl twirling in her tutu.

Pre-Ceremony Portraits – Making the Most of the Light

If you’re doing a first look, this is when we sneak away for that private, emotional moment. Then we roll right into couple formals, followed by wedding party and family photos, keeping everything moving so you can relax before the ceremony.

The Mysterious “Buffer Hour” – What We’re Really Doing

That hour between portraits and the ceremony is your downtime and our power hour. Here’s what’s happening:

Swapping batteries and memory cards so nothing dies mid-vows

Checking the ceremony space, taking test shots, and adjusting for the light

Touching base with your DJ, videographer, officiant, and planner to confirm timing and cues

Photographing the ceremony and reception spaces while they are fully set up before guests arrive

Taking a deep breath, sipping some water, and mentally switching gears for the next part of the day

By the time your guests are seated, we’re ready for anything.

Ceremony Coverage – The Heart of the Day

Once the music starts, we’re moving quietly but constantly, capturing multiple angles, keeping an eye on you for every smile and tear, and staying out of the way so the focus is on your vows, not us.

Cocktail Hour & Reception

While you’re mingling with guests and enjoying a glass of bubbly, we’re:

Photographing your reception room while it’s still picture-perfect

Snapping candids of guests laughing, hugging, and catching up

Coordinating with vendors so we’re all ready for your grand entrance

Reception Coverage – From First Dance to Last Toast

We’re there for every big moment including your grand entrance, toasts, cake cutting, and first dances. We’re also hunting for the little ones you might miss, like your aunt tearing up during a speech, your college friends doubled over laughing, or your flower girl sneaking an extra cupcake.

The Final Moments – and Backups Before Bed

After the last dance or sparkler exit, we pack up our gear, make sure nothing is left behind, and say our goodbyes to you and your family.

Then it’s time for the drive home, usually chatting about our favorite moments of the day and maybe making a quick snack stop because wedding days are long.

Once we’re home, before we even think about changing into comfy clothes, we back up every single memory card. Your wedding photos are safe long before our heads hit the pillow, no exceptions.

Why This Matters for You

Every part of your timeline, even the parts you don’t see, is carefully planned so we can capture your day beautifully without rushing or missing a beat.

If you’re planning a Pacific Northwest wedding and want a photography team who’s prepared from the first moment to the last, let’s chat about your date!