What Is Documentary Wedding Photography? A Guide for Newly Engaged Couples

The core values of my business are rooted in kindness, authenticity, and celebrating people for who they are. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, and love—regardless of who they are or where they come from. At the heart of my work is the idea that everyone deserves to be seen and captured beautifully. The core values of my business are rooted in kindness, authenticity, and celebrating people for who they are. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, and love—regardless of who they are or where they come from. At the heart of my work is the idea that everyone deserves to be seen and captured beautifully. The core values of my business are rooted in kindness, authenticity, and celebrating people for who they are. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, and love—regardless of who they are or where they come from. At the heart of my work is the idea that everyone deserves to be seen and captured beautifully. The core values of my business are rooted in kindness, authenticity, and celebrating people for who they are. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, and love—regardless of who they are or where they come from. At the heart of my work is the idea that everyone deserves to be seen and captured beautifully. The core values of my business are rooted in kindness, authenticity, and celebrating people for who they are. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, and love—regardless of who they are or where they come from. At the heart of my work is the idea that everyone deserves to be seen and captured beautifully. The core values of my business are rooted in kindness, authenticity, and celebrating people for who they are. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, and love—regardless of who they are or where they come from. At the heart of my work is the idea that everyone deserves to be seen and captured beautifully. 

For couples who want their day remembered exactly as it felt

Choosing your wedding photographer is one of the most meaningful decisions you will make while planning your wedding. Documentary wedding photography is one style that captures real, candid moments, allowing your beautiful celebration of love to be immortalized in photos you’ll treasure forever. Before you start looking up Tacoma wedding photographers, it’s important to research different photography styles so you can find the perfect fit for your day.

While each couple wants something different, one thing’s for sure – all of them want some candid photos from their wedding. In the photography world, we call this documentary wedding photography. And, as you might have guessed it, it’s undoubtedly a couple’s favorite!

If this is your first time hearing about documentary wedding photography, I will guide you through it. Ultimately, you’ll know whether this is the right style for you!

Tacoma wedding photogrpaher
Candid wedding photography

Understanding Documentary Wedding Photography

As I mentioned before, you need to look up different wedding photography styles to know which one is right for you. So, let’s begin with candid wedding photography.

Documentary wedding photography is all about capturing the moment. This wedding photography style doesn’t focus on heavy posing and finding the perfect backdrop. Instead, the photographer keeps an eye on real moments, so they can capture raw emotion and connection.

Unlike traditional styles, documentary wedding photography allows you to be fully present. You just have to lean into the moment and fully enjoy your celebration. Your photographer will be roaming around, capturing all the moments that become a visual story. In fact, this is why we call it storytelling wedding photography.

Storytelling wedding photography
Wedding photography styles
Tacoma wedding photogrpaher
Candid wedding photography

How to Choose the Right Photographer

Once you’ve decided on your style, the next step is finding your Tacoma wedding photographer. Most couples focus on price, but it is not the most important factor. What really matters most: the portfolio and their personality.

The photographer’s portfolio will tell you everything there is to know about their work. Not only that, but it will show you their personality and how they connect with the couple. This is equally as important as their skill. Your Tacoma wedding photographer will be with you during one of your most important milestones, so it’s essential that you feel comfortable around them and fully trust them.

Most people actually don’t realize one thing: you spend all day with your photographer, or at least 90% of it. You should make sure you love your photographers personality as much as you love their work.

Tacoma wedding photogrpaher
Candid wedding photography
Storytelling wedding photography
Wedding photography styles

Why Wedding Photography Is Worth the Investment

Now, let’s answer the big question – why is wedding photography important?

Weddings are usually euphoric, and there will be moments that slip your mind. Luckily, your photographer will be there to capture them all!

While it may be tempting to cut costs, wedding photography is definitely worth the investment. This is especially true with documentary wedding photography. After all is said and done, the tangible thing you get to take home with you from your wedding is the photos and videos. You will be able to relive your big day whenever you like, and as time passes, your images will become more valuable than ever. You don’t get a second take at your wedding day, so it is important you hire someone experienced to handle your life’s memories with care.

How to Know You’ve Found the Perfect Documentary Wedding Photographer

Finally, how do you know whether you’ve chosen the right Tacoma wedding photographer? It’s easy – consultations! You need to vibe with who they are, as much as you love their work.

Before making your final decision, communicate with your photographer as much as possible. Discuss your vision and expectations, and really go into detail about whether they can make it come to life.

You can also book an engagement session to see how you click before the “real thing”. But – this is why I include engagement sessions with all of my packages, so I can get to know you before the big day and I am not a stranger on one of the most important days of your life.

My Photography Philosophy

My approach to documentary wedding photography is rooted in connection. Everyone deserves to have their love celebrated and have images that truly reflect who they are. I focus on documenting honest moments and preserving the emotional heart of your day without forcing anything. You can learn more about this here.

candid wedding photos

Capturing the Magic of Your Day with Documentary Wedding Photography

It doesn’t take a lot to fall in love with documentary wedding photography – trust me, I’ve been there! That said, I invite you to explore my portfolio and see my work. If it resonates with you, I’d love to hear your story and see if we’re the right fit!

Hawaii wedding

this is my story

I’m the kind of person who finds magic in the little things. Growing up in Washington, I was surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest, where every trail, mountain, and misty shoreline sparked a sense of wonder and adventure. It’s where I learned to see the world not just as it is, but as it feels... perspective that shapes everything I do as a Tacoma wedding photographer.

I’ve always valued that photos are a testimony to the life we’ve lived in our time on earth and I’ll never downplay how important that is. My love of photography grew from a love of connection; the kind of connection that pulls two people together, intertwining their lives and stories in ways that feel both ordinary and extraordinary.

Your memories are so important to me - it's at the core of why i do what i do.

An ode to the beautuy of the Pacific North West -

The core values of my business are rooted in kindness, authenticity, and celebrating people for who they are. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, and love—regardless of who they are or where they come from. At the heart of my work is the idea that everyone deserves to be seen and captured beautifully. The core values of my business are rooted in kindness, authenticity, and celebrating people for who they are. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, and love—regardless of who they are or where they come from. At the heart of my work is the idea that everyone deserves to be seen and captured beautifully. 

Hi, I'm Lauren - PNW mother, lover, and photographer

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