Your photographer is the one vendor you'll spend nearly the entire day with. They're in the room while you get dressed, standing a few feet away during your vows, and still there when the dance floor finally empties. So yes, the pictures matter. But so does who's taking them.
Here's what I'd look for if I were hiring someone for my own wedding.
Look at full galleries, not just the highlights
Anyone can post twenty beautiful images. Ask to see two or three complete weddings, ideally in conditions similar to yours. How do they handle a dark reception room? Midday sun? Rain? The quiet in-between moments are where you'll see whether someone is really paying attention.
Notice how the work makes you feel
Trends come and go. Heavy filters and over-posed portraits date quickly. Look for images that feel honest and timeless, where the people look like themselves. If you scroll through a gallery and feel something, that's a good sign.
Pay attention to the first conversation
A great photographer asks a lot of questions. Who's coming? Who matters most to you? What do you want to remember about this day that has nothing to do with the decor? If the first call is mostly a sales pitch, it's a preview of the experience.
Experience you don't have to manage
Weddings move fast and things go sideways. The officiant runs late, a cloud parks over the sun, grandma needs to sit down. An experienced photographer reads the room, adjusts quietly, and keeps the day moving without you ever noticing. You shouldn't have to direct your photographer.
Ask how they work with your planner
The best weddings I've photographed had a planner and photographer working as a team on the timeline. Ask whether your photographer will collaborate on scheduling, especially around light. A timeline built around golden hour makes a bigger difference than any camera.
Know what happens after the wedding
Ask how long delivery takes, how images are delivered, and whether they offer heirloom albums. Prints and albums are what your grandchildren will actually hold.
Trust your gut
You'll be emotional, unguarded, and occasionally sweaty in front of this person. Choose someone you'd genuinely enjoy having around. It shows in the photographs.
The bottom line: hire the person, not just the portfolio. The right photographer makes the day easier to live and easier to remember.
If you'd like to see full galleries or just talk through your plans, I'd love to hear from you.
Megan, Rezz Studios