Weddings are a blur of silk and sunlight, of smiles that feel too big for your face, and carefully curated moments of music, movement, and emotion. And within that beautiful blur, the camera awaits—not for perfection, but for presence. The most authentic, joy-filled photos are often the ones that are taken when you live in the moment, and wedding photographer Abby Hart knows this all too well. Her approach, equal parts editorial eye and intuition, proves that when you relax, trust, and actually enjoy your day, the images practically create themselves. Below, Abby shares her expert tips for how to acheive these authentic and effortless photos.
Leave the Logistics to
Your Planner
Direct all event-related questions to your planner. All you need to do on your wedding day is exist and enjoy—everything else will be taken care of! No one will have your back quite like your planner—they’ll make sure your dreams come true, no matter the weather or the situation. So how does that affect your photos? I’ve worked with couples so stressed on their wedding day that, looking through their gallery, their smiles were hard to find. Knowing you have someone you trust managing vendors, last-minute changes, and every little detail, puts you at ease and lets you enjoy the day, leading to more joyful, authentic moments captured.
Forget the Camera Exists
I know, easier said than done. But a great wedding photographer won’t ask you to perform. We’ll be your shadow, gently offering guidance when needed, but mostly letting you be. It’s totally natural to feel a little uneasy around the camera at first, but as the day unfolds and you settle into the rhythm of it all, that nervousness usually melts away. Some of my couples prefer a bit more direction, especially during portraits, and that’s absolutely okay. I’m a big fan of editorial-style shots, and those often involve some talking through. But even then, I never ask anyone to freeze or “hold” a pose. Constant movement and simply enjoying the process is key to getting stunning candids.
Embrace the Perfectly Imperfect
Don’t stress too much if your dress gets a little dirty, it’s bound to happen. My advice? Wear the heck out of it and keep moving! Most brides I work with want to stay clean and polished before walking down the aisle, which is totally reasonable. In that case, I would suggest breaking up your photo sessions throughout the day—taking some low-key photos with less movement before the ceremony, then going all-in with funky editorial and motion-driven images after the ceremony. I’m also a fan of leaving the dress and veil as they are, without nonstop “fixing.” Constantly fussing over the dress and trying to make everything look perfect takes away from special moments, making it feel more staged.
Be Together Every Moment
Your wedding day is about your union, so stick close and savor it together! Don’t leave each other alone on the dance floor—embrace one another in every moment. Another perfect way to connect is by sneaking off together for an outfit change. You can capture a few late-night flash photos in your hotel room or share a beautiful, intimate moment helping each other into your new looks.
Pause and Take It In
Your day will fly by, and if you don’t pause every now and then to take it all in, the little details might slip away. Taking a moment to truly embrace what’s happening can be incredibly grounding. If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, gently remind yourself what the day is really about. I’ve found that creativity and beauty thrive in relaxation—when you’re tense, it often shows in the photos.
Presence Creates the Magic
Magic happens when you live in the moment. Imagine running toward a patch of golden light and spinning around together, accidentally knocking over the champagne tower while everyone bursts into laughter. The groom getting pushed into the pool and running out to hug the bride, a grandparent leaning in to whisper “congrats,” and your best friend delivering a hilariously tipsy toast at dinner. These are the moments you’ll treasure—the genuine, unscripted memories. Stress has no place on your wedding day, leave that to the professionals.
