Not every wedding photo needs to be perfectly posed or Pinterest-ready. In fact, some of the images that couples come back to again and again are the totally unplanned ones and the real moments that just unfold naturally. As a Sonoma County wedding photographer, those are the moments I live for.
Of course, there are traditional wedding events that happen at nearly every celebration, but the way your people experience those moments? That’s what makes them unforgettable!
Here are some of my favorite parts of a wedding day to capture as a Sonoma County wedding photographer and why they always have me feeling inspired.
1. When Couples Include Their Dog
As a dog mom myself, this one hits close to home. Whether your pup is dressed up in a bowtie, flower collar, or just strutting down the aisle in their natural floof, pets bring so much personality and love into your day. They often behave better than the flower kids (just saying) and they make for some seriously adorable photos.
Beyond the cuteness, your dog is probably your first “baby” together. Including them in the ceremony or portraits tells a bigger story about your relationship, and I absolutely love capturing that bond.
2. The Ceremony Exit
You know that moment when the ceremony ends, and the couple walks back down the aisle with that “we did it!” energy? It’s one of my absolute favorites. There’s joy, relief, sometimes happy tears and usually a lot of laughter. It’s when all the nerves finally melt away, and the celebration kicks into full gear.
Bonus points if you add something fun like bubbles, lavender, rose petals, or confetti. That visual of little sparkly things fluttering around you while your people cheer is basically a photo-ready version of love and support raining down on you.
3. Grandparent Moments
There’s something really powerful about having multiple generations together in one space. Watching a grandparent tear up during a ceremony, share a quiet hug with the couple, or get pulled onto the dance floor is something I never take for granted.
Sometimes it’s a long-awaited moment they’ve been dreaming of, and other times it’s a rare visit from a relative who lives far away. Either way, it’s the kind of memory that gets passed down and cherished forever. And, as a wedding photographer, I love being able to freeze that moment in time!
4. The First Dances
From the couple’s first dance to the classic parent dances, this part of the day always gets me. It’s such an intimate moment that plays out in front of everyone, but still somehow feels so personal. Whether it’s sweet and emotional or a well-rehearsed surprise dance that gets the crowd cheering, it’s a connection moment that deserves to be seen.
And yes, I cry during the parent dances. It’s fine. Don’t worry about me, I’m just behind the camera being a puddle!
5. The Open Dance Floor
This is my zone. As soon as the dance floor opens, I get a second wind! The energy, the joy, the slightly chaotic magic of it all, I’m here for every second.
People aren’t thinking about my camera. They’re just having fun! Old friends reconnect, new friends dance like they’ve known each other forever, and everyone from toddlers to great-aunts is out there celebrating. It’s pure human connection and it’s so fun to photograph. I might even be dancing right alongside you!
Getting married in Sonoma County or Northern California?
The photos you’ll keep coming back to aren’t always the ones where your dress is perfectly fluffed or everyone is looking straight at the camera. They’re the ones where you’re being your true self. The ones that make you feel something.
That’s why I care so much about preserving the moment and not just the pose.
Whether you’re planning a big celebration or something intimate and laid-back, my goal is to help you feel at ease, have fun, and walk away with photos that actually feel like you. If you’re planning to get married in Sonoma County or somewhere else in Northern California, I’d love to capture these moments for you! Click here to learn more about my Sonoma County wedding photography services.
