Let me tell you a little secret: some of the best wedding photos happen at the very end.

You know, after the cake has been cut. After the formalities. After the speeches and the group portraits. When your shoes are off, your hair is messy, and everyone is just being their best selves on the dance floor.

That’s when the real magic happens.

We’re talking about joyful chaos. Drunk hugs. Grandma dancing to Beyoncé. Friends crying happy tears in the corner. Wild moves no one will remember the next day. And of course… that one cousin who thinks he’s in a boy band now. 😂

When our coverage of wedding photography and wedding videography gets cut early, we often miss out on the real and unfiltered joy that happens once the pressure is off. The last few hours are where the raw emotions come through; sometimes they are the kind of thing that makes your wedding story unforgettable.

As a wedding photojournalist, I love documenting these moments because they will remind you how your wedding felt. 

Not just how it looked.

Here are a few moments we’ve captured only because we stayed until the very end (and YES, you’ll see what we mean in the photos below):

These are real memories. The ones you’ll laugh at, cry over, and treasure forever.

So if you're wondering how long you should have your wedding photographer stay, here's our advice:
Keep us until the end.

Because that’s when the kind of raw memories no one plans happen.

Want photos that tell the whole story?

We specialize in documentary wedding photography, documentary wedding videography, and wedding photojournalism that captures authentic, emotional, and candid wedding photos - from morning prep to the last dance.

Let’s make sure nothing gets missed.

First of all - congratulations! You just got engaged, and this is one of the most exciting moments of your life. But after the initial wave of emotions settles, you might be wondering… what now? Here’s a guide to help you soak it all in and take the next steps.

1.  Take It All In

Before diving into wedding planning, pause. Breathe. Look at your partner and let it sink in. This moment is yours - celebrate it in whatever way feels right. Pop some champagne, have a quiet dinner, or just spend time together reminiscing about your journey.

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2. Share the News (Your Way)

Not everyone wants to do the classic ring selfie, and that’s okay. Decide how you want to share your engagement - whether it’s a private call to loved ones, a heartfelt Instagram post, or a full-blown engagement party. Just remember: tell your inner circle before posting online.

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3. Get Your Ring Insured

Not the most romantic step, but absolutely necessary. Look into jewelry insurance or add it to your homeowner’s or renter’s policy. Better safe than sorry.

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4. Start Talking About Your Vision

Before jumping into bookings, have a conversation with your partner about what kind of wedding you both want. Intimate backyard wedding? Grand ballroom affair? Destination elopement? Align your vision before family opinions start rolling in.

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5. Set a Budget

Money talk isn’t fun, but it’s crucial. Sit down together and decide on a realistic budget. In the U.S., the average wedding costs around $30,000, but that number varies widely depending on location and guest count. Prioritize what matters most - whether it’s photography, food, or the perfect venue.

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6. Choose a Rough Date

You don’t need to set a specific day right away, but having a general timeframe (spring 2026? Next fall?) helps guide your planning. If you have your heart set on a popular venue, vendor or season, booking early is key.

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7. Research Marriage License Requirements

Every U.S. state has different laws about marriage licenses, waiting periods, and required documents. Check your state’s requirements early so you don’t run into surprises down the road.

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8. Plan an Engagement Session

An engagement session isn’t just about getting great photos - it's about celebrating your love story at this moment. Plus, it’s the perfect way to get some professional photos done together, capturing this stage of your life, and also to get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day. Pick a location that means something to you, whether it’s your favorite coffee shop, the city where you met, or an epic landscape that matches your vibe.

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9. Build Your Vendor Dream Team

Photographers, videographers, planners, florists - the best ones book fast, sometimes over a year in advance. If you have must-have vendors, reach out early to secure your date.

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10. Enjoy This Season

Wedding planning can get overwhelming, but don’t let it consume you. Make time for date nights, spontaneous trips, and just being engaged. This is a once-in-a-lifetime season - soak it in.

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What NOT to Do

• Don’t rush into planning. Give yourself time to enjoy yourself before making big decisions.

• Don’t feel pressured. Family and friends will have opinions, but this is YOUR wedding.

• Don’t compare. Social media can make you feel like your wedding has to be extravagant - focus on what’s meaningful to you.

Planning a wedding is a journey, and photography is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Your love story deserves to be told in a way that’s real, raw, and authentically you. Let’s capture this season of your life - reach out to book your engagement session or inquiry about your wedding date today!

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Ready to Capture Your Engagement Story?

We believe your love story deserves to be told in the most authentic way possible. Let’s ditch the awkward poses and create something real, raw, and uniquely you.

📖 Want more wedding planning tips? Get our FREE Ultimate Guide to Documentary Wedding Photography! Download Here

McKenna and Will met at Harvard University in 2011. They were roommates and best friends for five years before they finally started dating. (During McKenna’s father’s speech at the wedding, he confessed that he had made sure Will did not make any move on her until she graduated from Harvard.) They’re both creative people professionally and personally and enjoy doing a lot of the same things together and with their friends and family. They currently live in Oakland, but got married in Elysian Park (CHAVEZ RAVINE ARBORETUM) and had their lovely reception at Bacari in Silverlake. It was simply perfect; a small ceremony followed by a reception with their loved ones.

Not to forget that Bacari’s pizza was so delicious, and guess what, Will proposed to McKenna by putting a ring inside a pizza box.)

Their wedding was so laid-back and go-with-the-flow, which perfectly suited their vibes and personality. They also got ready together at Silver Lake Pool and Inn. Ahhh my kind of people!