Why You Should Keep Your Documentary Wedding Photographer Until the End of the Night
 

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.

 
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Los Angeles Wedding – Jada and Jared’s Candid Celebration at The Alexandria Ballrooms
 
 

Jada and Jared’s Los Angeles Wedding – All the Feels and All the Fun ❤️

Jada and Jared are the kind of couple that makes you believe in soulmates… but with a twist of tequila and a whole lot of jokes. 😂

These two first met at a college party. Jared walked up and said, “Hi, I’m Jared. Want to take a shot?” And honestly? That line changed everything. From strangers to soulmates - over years of laughs, travel, and building a life together - they finally made it official with the people who mean the most.

Their wedding in Los Angeles was a reflection of who they are: real, funny, tender, and totally in sync. They chose a simple ceremony that focused on connection and family, not trends or pressure. That’s what made it so powerful.

Jada looked absolutely stunning in a timeless white dress, while Jared brought all the charm (and then some!) in his sleek suit. But the best part? How they looked at each other. You could feel the love in every glance, every quiet moment, and every tight hug.

The day was filled with unforgettable moments - from a sweet first look to heartfelt vows, emotional toasts, and one wild dance floor. There were belly laughs, happy tears, and that kind of joy you can’t fake. Their love felt loud, in the best way.

We stayed until the end of Jada and Jared’s wedding at The Alexandria Ballrooms - and caught every last tear, hug, and wild dance move.

🎥 Watch their 5-minute Los Angeles wedding video:

 
 

We do wedding videos differently: no scripts, no poses—just real, honest storytelling with documentary wedding photography and videography.

Planning your wedding in Los Angeles?

If you want documentary wedding photos that feel real and full of life, not stiff or scripted, let’s connect.

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Point Dume Beach Wedding in Malibu: From Elopement Dreams to a Handwritten “I Do”
 
 

Ariana always dreamed of eloping. Something quiet, easy, just the two of them. But Ben convinced her to go for a real wedding - something still small and intimate, but shared with family and close friends. And now? She jokes that he owes her… big time. 😅

Their Point Dume Beach Wedding in Malibu turned out to be everything they didn’t know they needed - peaceful, beautiful, and completely true to who they are.

Ariana and Ben have been together for 14 years (WOOT!). They met as college coworkers at a coffee shop, and over the years, they’ve grown up together, rescued and fostered dogs, rebuilt a home, and built a life full of love, laughter, and shared purpose.

As a documentary wedding photographer, I can tell you - this day was special. The kind of wedding that isn’t just pretty but meaningful.

Every guest received a handwritten note from the couple, including me! (And I still have mine pinned in my office.) It’s little things like that that make a wedding unforgettable.

The whole day felt so “them.” They chose Point Dume Beach Wedding in Malibu for its natural beauty and calm atmosphere - perfect for a Southern California intimate wedding. Their sweet rescue dog was nearby, and the love from their people filled every moment.

It wasn’t the elopement Ariana imagined years ago… it was better. Because it was real. Simple. Honest. Full of the kind of love that’s grown over years and shows up in all the little things.

So here’s to Ariana and Ben - and to more quiet mornings, long walks with rescue pups, handwritten notes, and 14 more years (times a million) of love. ❤️

Thinking of having a wedding that feels like you?
We’ll document your story just the way it unfolds - authentic, emotional, and full of heart.

Book with us! Yay!