Wedding Scenarios That Fill Our Cups… and Those That Don’t
As wedding photographers and filmmakers, Will and I pour a lot of heart, time, and creative energy into every wedding we are blessed to document. Over time, we’ve learned that not every wedding scenario fuels us equally. We’ve come to learn that’s okay. Just like we aren’t a great fit for every couple, every wedding isn’t a great fit for us.
This morning, we made the difficult decision to decline a wedding that would have brought in nearly $5,000. Not because we had any concerns about the couple or their overall plans, but because we knew the particular venue, paired with their particular guest count, wouldn’t allow for the kind of experience we prioritize and thrive in. We want to show up to weddings with clear minds and full hearts, ready to create. That’s only possible when the day is structured to support presence, connection, and breathing room.
As we read through the details of this particular wedding, we were reminded of past events where physical space limitations directly impacted our ability to do our jobs well. We’ve been in receptions where guest chairs were backed up so tightly to other guests/tables there was no path to prepare the maid of honor before her toast. We’ve watched the dance floor erupt for the bouquet toss, only to find ourselves stuck behind a crowd with no way to reach the event in time. At another wedding, I photographed speeches entirely from a set of stairs (that I was thankful were present) because the added height was the only way for me to see both the speech-giver and the couple for their reactions. There was no physical space for me to stand downstairs that would have provided me a view of anything but backs of heads. These scenarios are entirely out of our control, but they still leave us with a deep sense of frustration, as if we’ve failed the couple by not being able to move freely and capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments. Overpacked venues are probably the number one reason we ever say no to a particular wedding. But it’s not the only reason.
So what does fill our creative cup?
Wedding Scenarios that Keep us Creative, Excited, and at Our Best:
✨ Relaxed, unrushed timelines
We love when there’s enough time in the day for things to unfold naturally. When we’re not racing the clock, we’re able to focus on real moments and storytelling, not just checking boxes and rushing couples from one event to the next. Sometimes this means strategically tweaking hair and make-up schedules, choosing an earlier than desired ceremony time to beat sunset, or asking family members to arrive early for photos pre-ceremony.
✨ First looks (or at least a quiet moment together)
We’ll dive deeper into this in an upcoming post, but we adore when couples carve out space to connect before the ceremony. It calms nerves, allows for stunning portraits, and adds a deeply personal rhythm to the day. I don’t think we’ve ever declined a wedding with a planned first look. Seriously, we believe first looks are the number one thing to help a wedding day run smoothly
✨ Professional planners
A good planner isn’t just a luxury, they’re a lifeline. They keep the timeline smooth, vendors in sync, and couples present. When a planner is in place, we get to do what we do best: capture the magic. Without the presence of a professional planner, other vendors and guests learn into the photographer as the point of contact for most questions. it’s not that we don’t want to help, we just want to stay focused on our job at hand.
✨ A guest count that fits the space
When a venue is comfortably filled, it sets the tone for the entire day. Guests can move freely. The energy feels joyful instead of chaotic. And from a visual standpoint, everything just flows better.
✨ Couples who value presence over performance
We’re not here to document a production. We’re here to capture love, connection, and authenticity. Weddings that lean into true emotion are where we thrive. I promise you don’t need separate first looks with everyone you love, theatrical gift giving moments with eight different people, and bridesmaids portraits at seven different spots on the venue’s property. What you need is time and mental clarity to soak up the day.
So when we politely pass on a booking that sounds like it may not meet these basic standards, it’s not personal. It’s a commitment to doing our best work for the right people, couples who value creativity, calm, and connection just as much as we do. There’s not a doubt in my mind that the wedding we passed on this morning will be incredible. The venue is amazing. The time of year is lovely. They ARE going to have a PERFECT day for them. But by us choosing to say no instead of seeing only dollar signs, they will connect with a photographer and videographer that will thrive in a bustling, lively space.
Couples deserve a team that feels excited to show up for them.
That energy matters. It translates to better photos, a better experience, and a better memory of their wedding day overall.
If that kind of alignment sounds like your vibe, we’d love to connect.
Let’s make something meaningful together.