ON THE BLOG

5 Tips for Getting Editorial Wedding Photography

Micaela and David booked a fabulous lakeside wedding venue with skyline views, perfect for capturing some striking editorial wedding photography. These two are so fashionable they could be models, yet they’re the most fun and laid-back couple you’ll ever meet. Their wedding day reflected their personality beautifully. Instead of a wedding party, they opted to get ready with a group of their closest friends and family for a more intimate gathering vibe. Micaela did a first look with their crew, and of course, everyone’s jaw hit the floor when she stepped out in a chic modern gown that looked like it was made for her—simply stunning!

How to Get Editorial Wedding Photography

Intentional Details for Editorial Photos

These two were intentional with every detail of their day to enhance their experience and photos. The atmosphere is paramount when creating editorial wedding photography, and they booked a phenomenal vendor team to carry it out (check them out below!).

First, they chose a hotel that had a room with a private balcony and skyline views. This way, they could do a private first look in their hotel room (or on the balcony) while their family watched from the windows. Mom’s face through the window during the first look was just priceless—a moment I know they’ll cherish for years to come.

Bring Out the Accessories!

I always suggest bringing a few accessories to elevate your wedding photos. Those could be personal items that are meaningful for you or stylish pieces that pull your look together. Even functional items like a winter wrap or clear umbrella can help set the tone.

Micaela and David are fun and stylish, so they donned designer sunglasses that added so much to the photos. The shades offered a complementary mix of lifestyle, day-in-the-life (in a wedding dress!) shots, and moments that looked straight from an editorial ad. And you know I do love an editorial moment—or a few!—on the wedding day.

On-Location Stylized Newlywed Photoshoot

Then, we headed to the city to locations we planned for their photoshoot. Micaela envisioned stylized, high-fashion editorial compositions. We skipped the city skyline shots since they already had those from their private balcony. We added time in their schedule for some museum courtyard photos. I loved the beautiful location, but we can create images like these almost anywhere. Unique on-location shoots like this may require a commute, but creating an editorial style with the perfect mix of garden and architectural elements may be worth it. However, you want a backdrop that’s still minimal enough to make the wedding photos all about the two of you.

Don’t Know How to Pose? I’ll Make You Feel Like Models!

After the garden setting, we had a little extra time for urban shots, so we hit the city streets for photos that looked straight out of an ad. On their inquiry form, Micaela and David said they felt awkward in front of the lens, but you would never know it! Most of my couples are NOT professional models, and I promise to pose you and help you relax so you LOVE all the photos! It didn’t take long for these two to look and feel like pros, confidently strutting their stuff like the rock stars they are.

A Stellar Vendor Team & A Dreamy Design

Finally, we headed to their wedding ceremony and reception at Theater on the Lake. They opted for an outdoor ceremony with the lake behind them, and it was breathtaking—a perfect fall day! They went all out on their reception. The decor was top-notch, from the gorgeous overflowing florals to the string lights on the dance floor.

Transitioning from cocktail hour to the reception, we switched to a more documentary vibe to capture the moments organically without posing. (Of course, we paused for some epic editorial moments with the skyline and the pink sunset.)

As the grand finale to the most perfect day, we went out for some photos and intimate moments beneath sprays of fireworks–how serendipitous! These two are just so in love and so much fun to photograph. This was a day I’ll never forget, full of inspiration and overflowing with pure bliss!

Congrats to the happy couple!

Wedding Vendors

Thanks for the Love—the Feeling is Mutual!

“I cannot recommend Hanna enough for editorial wedding photography—you NEED to work with her!!!! I knew I wanted my pictures to be perfect; all I heard was that the day will fly by, and you won’t even remember it. Hanna captured our day in a way that I will quite literally never forget it. Working with her through this entire process has been so amazing.

She had such amazing knowledge and suggestions on locations for the engagement shoot and wedding photos. I am terrible with locations, so I just described the overall vibes I wanted, and she picked the PERFECT spots.

You book [vendors] so early on in the process, and Hanna was great about checking in, always letting me know she was there, and making sure that we would have the best day. We worked together to draft the perfect [shot list], and she made sure every single one [happened]—and made it fun!

I cannot stop grinning at my phone, constantly scrolling through all of the pictures. She captured every single ounce of joy that day and made David and I look so much cooler than we actually are, I swear. I’m obsessed with every single picture and am going to bombard [my social media feeds] with all of these incredible photos. I know things add up and can get expensive, but Hanna was worth every cent and more. I truly cannot put a price on all the beautiful memories I have from the best day of my life, and I have Hanna to thank for them!!!”

-Micaela, Bride