09/09/2026
Today, 9/9, marks 9 whole years since I photographed my very first wedding! š„¹
So, in honor of 9 years, here are 9 things Iāve learned along the way:
1. Family photos are some of the most important photos of the day. They donāt have to happen under the ceremony arch or at the altar. Iāve learned to find the best lighting instead!
2. Being a wedding photographer means having a lot of jobs on a wedding day that donāt include photography. I can place a veil *properly*, pin a boutonniĆØre, bustle a dress, and make sure the couple has ch*****ne before the toasts.
3. After 9 years, your friends and family will still ask what weekends youāre free in the summer. (Hint: the answer is none.)
4. Imposter syndrome never goes away. In fact, somehow it might actually get worse the more experience you have lol
5. Drunk groomsmen will hit on you whether or not you wear a fake engagement ringā¦ trust me, it doesnāt work.
6. Timeline meetings are non-negotiable. I go into wedding days with SO much less anxiety now. I used to just call the bride the week of the wedding and ask what time they wanted me to show up. ā ļø
7. Even when thereās a vendor table, 9 times out of 10 Iād rather eat in a coat closet or on a random chair outside.
8. Building a community of other photographers has been one of the most unexpected blessings of this career. It has given me some really incredible friendships and networking opportunities.
9. The couples who invite me back into their lives are the reason for it all. Photographing their wedding is special, but getting to photograph growing families, anniversaries, and all of life that comes after is even better. Building real relationships with my couples and being invited back into their lives long after the wedding will forever be one of my favorite parts of this job. ā¤ļø
9 years, a whole lot of weddings, and SO much learned along the way. I still canāt believe I get to call this my job. š„¹šø
