Weddings Aren’t Just Happy
People often talk about weddings as if they are supposed to be the happiest day of your life. As a documentary wedding photographer, I know the truth is far more complex and far more human. Weddings hold an entire spectrum of emotions. Joy, yes. But also nerves, grief, nostalgia, tension, relief, overwhelm, gratitude, and everything in between. And there is absolutely no perfect way you should feel leading up to the day or even on the day itself.
As a documentary wedding photographer, I see the full emotional landscape of a wedding. I see the subtle ways people carry themselves. I see the weight of family dynamics, the tenderness of chosen family, the ache of missing someone who should have been there, the pressure of expectations, and the comfort of being held by the person you love. These emotions don’t take away from the day. They’re part of what makes it meaningful.
Weddings are transitions. They mark endings as much as beginnings. That comes with excitement and uncertainty. You might feel overwhelmed while also feeling deeply loved. You might feel anxious in the morning and grounded by evening. You might cry during a quiet moment alone, then laugh uncontrollably on the dance floor an hour later. Every single one of these feelings is valid.
The idea that your wedding day should be nothing but pure happiness is not only unrealistic, it’s unfair. You don’t have to perform joy for anyone. You don’t need to hide the complicated parts of your story. You’re allowed to feel everything that rises to the surface. Your emotions aren’t flaws. They’re proof that you’re human, that this day carries weight, and that it matters.
When I photograph weddings, I document the full truth of the day, not just the polished version. I pay attention to the quiet breaths, the shaking hands, the hugs that linger longer than usual, the moment you step away to gather yourself, the look on your face when you see someone you didn’t expect to show up for you. These moments are just as important as the celebration.
Your wedding doesn’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to be perfect. The beauty of the day lies in its realness, in the truth of who you are and what you’re experiencing. There is room to hold everything you’re feeling. Joy, complexity, and everything in between.
Your story is allowed to be honest. And it deserves to be remembered that way.
HI! I’m Naomi and I’m a queer, autistic photographer. I make the point to mention that foremost because it plays a huge role in what my business looks like. I don’t believe in leaving our humanity at the door when we step into the world of business. I believe in coming as I am, and I invite you to do the same if you feel safe and comfortable doing so.
Being a documentary wedding photographer means stepping into each moment with an open and curious eye. Not directing, but observing. I don’t aim to create perfect images. I aim to capture moments that feel alive. It’s not about creating magic, but about finding the magic that’s already there- because the magic has always been you. Every story I document is unique. I feel honored to preserve these fleeting memories in a way that feels timeless and true.
If this resonates with you, I’d love chat and document you, your love, and your life. Contact me today to work with me.
People often talk about weddings as if they are supposed to be the happiest day of your life. As a documentary wedding photographer, I know the truth is far more complex and far more human. Weddings hold an entire spectrum of emotions. Joy, yes. But also nerves, grief, nostalgia, tension, relief, overwhelm, gratitude, and everything in between. And there is absolutely no perfect way you should feel leading up to the day or even on the day itself.
As a documentary wedding photographer, I see the full emotional landscape of a wedding. I see the subtle ways people carry themselves. I see the weight of family dynamics, the tenderness of chosen family, the ache of missing someone who should have been there, the pressure of expectations, and the comfort of being held by the person you love. These emotions don’t take away from the day. They’re part of what makes it meaningful.
Weddings are transitions. They mark endings as much as beginnings. That comes with excitement and uncertainty. You might feel overwhelmed while also feeling deeply loved. You might feel anxious in the morning and grounded by evening. You might cry during a quiet moment alone, then laugh uncontrollably on the dance floor an hour later. Every single one of these feelings is valid.
The idea that your wedding day should be nothing but pure happiness is not only unrealistic, it’s unfair. You don’t have to perform joy for anyone. You don’t need to hide the complicated parts of your story. You’re allowed to feel everything that rises to the surface. Your emotions aren’t flaws. They’re proof that you’re human, that this day carries weight, and that it matters.
When I photograph weddings, I document the full truth of the day, not just the polished version. I pay attention to the quiet breaths, the shaking hands, the hugs that linger longer than usual, the moment you step away to gather yourself, the look on your face when you see someone you didn’t expect to show up for you. These moments are just as important as the celebration.
Your wedding doesn’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to be perfect. The beauty of the day lies in its realness, in the truth of who you are and what you’re experiencing. There is room to hold everything you’re feeling. Joy, complexity, and everything in between.
Your story is allowed to be honest. And it deserves to be remembered that way.
HI! I’m Naomi and I’m a queer, autistic photographer. I make the point to mention that foremost because it plays a huge role in what my business looks like. I don’t believe in leaving our humanity at the door when we step into the world of business. I believe in coming as I am, and I invite you to do the same if you feel safe and comfortable doing so.
Being a documentary wedding photographer means stepping into each moment with an open and curious eye. Not directing, but observing. I don’t aim to create perfect images. I aim to capture moments that feel alive. It’s not about creating magic, but about finding the magic that’s already there- because the magic has always been you. Every story I document is unique. I feel honored to preserve these fleeting memories in a way that feels timeless and true.
If this resonates with you, I’d love chat and document you, your love, and your life. Contact me today to work with me.
