While there may be moments you simply can’t recreate, capturing your big day is a timeless investment you will never regret. 

There may be no more detailed day in your life than your wedding, yet there are some moments that may not go as planned. So, when the flower girl runs up and down the aisle, when Grandpa decides to cut loose on the dance floor, or when your loved one is caught welling up at the sight of you, no doubt you will want to capture them all.

If couples regret one thing, for most it’s not investing enough in capturing these moments on camera and video. In fact, a recent survey by Zola (a nationwide wedding registry site) found most newly married couples’ biggest regret was not spending enough on videography.

For all the moments you’ve planned for, and all those you never could, we’ve curated some of Florida’s tasteful creatives to document it all.

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TIFFANI JONES / photographer / iamtiffanijones.com

TL: How long have you been in the industry?

Nine years

TL: What is your main focus or motivation on the big day?

The people and the connections with family and friends

TL: What can couples expect for the post-production process?

I love giving next-day sneak peeks via social media, and then a storytelling slideshow within the week. My goal for wedding galleries is to deliver within two weeks. My turnaround has been as quick as four days. A few weeks after the wedding, I send a gift box with the clients’ USB and a few surprises.

TL: What three things should a couple know before selecting a photographer?

Experience, experience, experience. I know that’s redundant, but your photographer should be experienced in all aspects of your wedding — inclement weather, difficult personalities, problem-solving different lighting and not-ideal location scenarios. Backup equipment is a must!

TL: How should a couple prepare to be photographed on the big day?

Relax and have fun! It’s the only time in your life that everyone you love is in one place.

TL: What is your aesthetic as a wedding photographer?

More moments, less Pinterest. I love organic, genuine moments. My approach is candid, nonintrusive, and laid back.

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JORDAN WEILAND / photographer / jordanweiland.com

TL: How long have you been in the industry?

This September will be 10 years since I’ve gone full time and have been in the industry. I shot my first wedding 15 years ago.

TL: What is your main focus or motivation on the big day?

Capturing the story and essence of the wedding day. I want to tell their story well, in a beautiful way, and capture genuine emotion throughout the process.

TL: What can couples expect for the post-production process?

I deliver wedding images within six weeks. Clients receive an email with a link to their gallery that they can share with family, and download.

TL: What three things should a couple know before selecting a photographer?

1. Make sure that you can see consistency throughout their work. Ask to see some full galleries, and make sure that they can take good photos in different scenarios, especially ones that match your wedding day. Ask about their experience.

2. Ask about backup systems. Do they have backup gear? How do they back up their images?

3. Check references! If they weren’t personally referred to you (or maybe even if they were), check their reviews on a third-party website (Google, weddingwire.com, etc). When you’re paying someone several thousand dollars, you want to make sure they will deliver.

TL: How should a couple prepare to be photographed on the big day?

Engagement sessions are great practice. I love photographing engagement sessions, because I get to know the couple, and the couple gets more comfortable being in front of a camera. They can learn some cues that I give so that things happen quicker and more naturally on the wedding day.

TL: What is your aesthetic as a wedding photographer?

I would say my aesthetic is natural, fun, and expressive. My approach on the wedding day is to generally stay behind the scenes, capturing the events of the day. I’ll work to keep everyone on schedule and give suggestions on locations for certain events. During portraits, I give direction but tell the clients to be themselves. If they want to move around and interact, that only adds to the natural representation of who they really are, which translates to natural photos.

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DAN AUSTIN / photographer / danaustinphotography.com

TL: How long have you been in the industry?

I’ve been in the photography industry since I was fresh out of high school. Dad gave me my first camera for Christmas and from there I experimented. I taught myself camera essentials, lighting techniques, posing, and, after a few years of practice, I gained the confidence to shoot at a more professional level. I was always intrigued by the photography industry growing up, especially the fashion and editorial side.

TL: What is your main focus or motivation on the big day?

Wedding days are always such an adrenaline rush. My main focus is to capture the special moments of the big day for the couple and their families. You’ll typically catch me on standby, with my finger on that shutter button waiting to fire.

TL: What three things should a couple know before selecting a photographer?

1. Do you “click” with your photographer’s personality? This is a must! You want to hire a photographer who vibes well with your personality. You’re going to be with them all day and continue a correspondence through the post process. Liking your photographer is key.

2. Do your homework when looking for the right wedding photographer. Look through their website and online social media content; you can even request to see more images. You want to make sure that person’s style is what you’re looking for.

3. Research current wedding photography pricing before you do your budget and begin shopping around. The photography industry and its pricing are constantly changing. Be informed, then shop around.

TL: How should a couple prepare to be photographed on the big day?

I always tell my couples to
1.) Breathe and enjoy their big day. It only happens once. 
2.) Smile, and keep smiling.

TL: What is your aesthetic as a wedding photographer?

Candid-style comes most naturally to me. There are so many beautiful moments that happen during a wedding, that I am constantly scanning the room, waiting for something special to capture. Love can be captured and seen in an image. When it is, and it’s authentic, it’s beautiful.

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SUNGLOW PHOTOGRAPHY / Dustin Prickett / sunglowphotography.com

TL: How long have you been in the industry?

I began pursuing commissions with photography almost 10 years ago in 2008, and found an appreciation and interest in wedding photography a year or so later.

TL: What is your main focus or motivation on the big day?

My style is a blend of a documentary and a fine-art approach. I believe in love; I believe in marriage; and I believe the significance of a wedding goes much deeper than the images in my portfolio. It is such an honor to photograph weddings, and I wholeheartedly look to live up to that privilege at every event.

TL: What can couples expect for the post-production process?

My post production is honestly very minimal. As a lover of light and emotion, I am looking to enhance those elements in the lab while still delivering natural, timeless tones. During capture throughout the day, I am making conscious decisions to photograph in a style that is consistent and does not rely heavily on post production, all the while remaining true to the vision in which the couple connected to my work.

TL: What three things should a couple know before selecting a photographer?

Understanding the variety of photographic styles is important, as well as being mindful of trends in the wedding industry. Couples should select a photographer who they can place complete trust and confidence in. 

TL: How should a couple prepare to be photographed on the big day?

Don’t overthink the process; remain natural and comfortable while being mindful of posture. But, most importantly, live in the moment filled with joy and happiness. 

TL: What is your aesthetic as a wedding photographer?

I approach a wedding with the mindset that I must create an authentic and comfortable environment for those in front of my camera. I work to always maintain professionalism and an easy demeanor to capture the most intimate moments artistically, without being intrusive or drawing attention away from the event. My hope is that when a couple looks through their photographs, it’s like reliving the day all over again.

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ASHLEY HOLSTEIN / photographer / ashleyholstein.com

TL: How long have you been in the industry?

I’ve been in the wedding industry for five years.

TL: What is your main focus or motivation on the big day?

My main focus on the big day is to serve my couples, not just with beautiful images, but with memorable moments. I do that by getting to know the family and guests, making sure I document their interactions with the bride and groom.

TL: What can couples expect for the post-production process?

The day after their wedding, an email will be in their inbox, with a link to their gallery and a time estimate of when it will be available. Once the gallery is available, they pick their favorite images, and I design the album (along with other tangibles) from their big day. They receive a keepsake as a thank you for allowing me to document their wedding.

TL: What three things should a couple know before selecting a photographer?

1. Find a photographer you make a connection with. Meet the photographer before you make a decision. It’s important to find someone you’re comfortable with.

2. Know that photography should be a priority; it’s the only thing that will increase in value over time. Your wedding images are meant to last more than your lifetime — it’s your legacy.

3. Ask the wedding photographers how they backup their photos. Professionals have backup methods to ensure your images are safe and sound from the time they are taken until after they’re delivered. If they don’t have a backup method, they could potentially lose your images.

TL: How should a couple prepare to be photographed on the big day?

Be prepared to smile a lot! Brides, wear waterproof mascara. Other than that, just enjoy the day. My job is to flatter you, and I will do just that, no matter what comes your way.

TL: What is your aesthetic as a wedding photographer?

I see beauty in life — the laughter, the snuggles, the chaos, the tears. They all have meaning, and I want to be there to remind you that ordinary moments are extraordinary. That honest moment is what gives context to the love story I tell through my lens. I take that moment and make it timeless for them to enjoy, not just a few weeks from now, but for generations to come.

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ARDENCY & ARROW / Evan & Abigail Dell photographers / ardencyandarrowco.com

TL: How long have you been in the industry?

I have been in the industry for eight years, and my wife joined three years ago during our start-up of our company.

TL: What is your main focus on the big day?

To document the couple’s unique personality and the beauty of their relationship. We strive to honor the passion and raw emotion of each part of the day.

TL: What can couples expect for the post-production process?

Our typical full-day wedding album takes four to six weeks to complete. We spend this time carefully selecting each photo, and hand-tailoring colors and contrast to match our style. Couples can expect warmer tones, leading to a romantic depth to fully illustrate the emotion in each image. We do not have a limit to the amount of edits delivered, because we believe that our couples deserve the entire visual history of their day, small and big moments alike.

TL: What three things should a couple know before selecting a photographer?

1. Know what style you prefer.

2. Know how much time you want covered by your photographer (for example, the full day photographed, half of the day, or just the ceremony, etc.).

3. Ask potential photographers if they are able to meet in person with you and your [future spouse] to establish a personal connection, which will help them capture your vision more accurately on the big day.

TL: How should a couple prepare to be photographed on the big day?

Consider setting up an engagement or mini couple’s session with the photographer you plan on booking for your wedding.Also, being in front of the camera does not mean couples have to model for us. Most photographers want to capture genuine emotion and reactions. Be authentic, natural, and try to soak in the moment rather than be caught up in how you look on camera.

TL: What is your aesthetic as a wedding photographer?

To preserve every uniquely beautiful moment witnessed in its purest form. From tears to laughter, we see these emotions as artifacts of the love being celebrated between our clients. Using traditional and modern techniques, we want our imagery to evoke a sense of timeless beauty — pictures that can be enjoyed among anyone, now and for years to come.

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Naomi Lynn Vacaro / photographer / naomilynn.com

TL: How long have you been in the industry?

I’ve been running my own wedding photography business for over three years now.

TL: What is your main focus or motivation on the big day?

Although I always go into a wedding day hoping to capture some truly gorgeous images, my main priority and motivation are to serve my couple. If I can be a joy and blessing from start to finish, leaving my couple feeling loved and beautiful, then I have succeeded.

TL: What can couples expect for the post-production process?

The first thing my couples can expect is a sneak-peek blog posted only a few days after their wedding. After that, the images are carefully sorted, edited, and uploaded into an online gallery, where couples can download images, share on social media, and order prints directly. My couples can also expect little surprises and thoughtful encounters … far beyond the wedding day.

TL: What three things should a couple know before selecting a photographer?

1. You have to love and believe in your photographer’s vision. If you don’t like their style or approach, then they aren’t the photographer for you.

2. Choose someone with a personality that works well with yours. A wedding day calls for a photographer who not only takes amazing pictures, but also knows how to make you feel comfortable and loved.

3. And finally, choose a photographer who knows how to troubleshoot difficult situations. No wedding day is perfect, and a good photographer will know how to think on their feet and work as a team with your other vendors.

TL: How should a couple prepare to be photographed on the big day?

The best way my couples can prepare to be photographed is to book an engagement session. This gives all of us a chance to get to know and feel comfortable around each other. This is also when we can be honest about any insecurities, practice poses, and just run around like kids and have a great time. However, engagement session aside, I always give my couples careful instructions on the day-of, reminding them to breathe and stay relaxed, as well as affirming them throughout the process to keep their confidence high!

TL: What is your aesthetic as a wedding photographer?

I am an artistically driven photographer. I’m moved by deep colors, moody shadows, and strong emotional connection. My approach is to capture the story of the day, as well as the deep passion and longing that couples have for each other. As a strong believer in the beauty and sacredness of marriage, I pour my heart and soul into creating imagery that will stir my couples’ hearts for years and years.

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ROB CROSBY / photographer / crosbyphotos.com

TL: How long have you been in the industry?

I’ve been a wedding photographer for six years.

TL: What is your main focus or motivation on the big day?

When it comes to a wedding, my main focus is to create timeless, authentic, and emotional imagery that you can look back on and feel the love and joy of your special day.

TL: What can couples expect for the post-production process?

I have two separate businesses, a commercial (robchristian crosby.com) and a wedding business (crosbyphotos.com). The commercial work I do has really taught me the correct way to retouch, and I’ve spent hours learning and honing the craft of beauty and high-end retouching the right way. So, when it comes to weddings, I’m extremely detail-oriented in the post-production process of color and retouching skin. 

TL: What three things should a couple know before selecting a photographer?

Know what type of person is behind the lens, and make sure you’re comfortable with the photographer you’re working with. Know the style of photography you want, and make sure the photographer lines up with that.

TL: How should a couple prepare to be photographed on the big day?

While planning the day, I think it’s always a good idea to really identify the aesthetic you want for your wedding. Expressing that to the photographer and even giving them a mood-board can really help achieve the look you want. Second, on the day of the wedding, the best way to prepare is by relaxing and just enjoying your special day!

TL: What is your aesthetic as a wedding photographer?

Timeless, authentic, candid, and emotional

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Tina Sargeant / photographer / sargeantstudios.com

TL: How long have you been in the industry? 

Eleven years of wedding fun!

TL: What is your main focus or motivation on the big day? 

I truly believe that with grace and selfless attention, marriages work and families flourish. I love shooting weddings, because I love marriage. The ability to make even just one special day stand still in the lifetime of a couple is a true treasure. 

TL: What can couples expect for the post-production process?

Typically, I send over a sneak peek within a week or two of the wedding, and the remainder of the files are delivered within about a month of the wedding (times can vary based on the season). I carefully edit each image and prep the entire gallery to be print ready, and this takes time, of course.

TL: What three things should a couple know before selecting a photographer?

Be sure to look at full wedding galleries, and look at images that will compare to your actual wedding location, lighting, time of year, etc. It’s easy to put a few good frames from a wedding on a website, but make sure your photographer understands how to handle any lighting or weather scenario that could occur.

TL: How should a couple prepare to be photographed on the big day?

It’s always helpful to talk over important shots beforehand. Let your photographer know about sentimental items, very special people, or any planned surprises that might happen. But, really, just be yourself, relax, enjoy your day as it unfolds. I promise it’s so much better that way! 

TL: What is your aesthetic as a wedding photographer?

My aesthetic is typically light, airy, and reminiscent of the colorings of film photography, with a healthy dose of moody shadow tossed in for fun. I typically keep it clean and classic. I want your images to still feel beautiful in 50 years when your grandchildren display them at your big anniversary party! 

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RANDALL PRODUCTIONS (Caleb Randall) / videographer / randallproductions.com

TL: How long have you been in the industry?

Six years

TL: What is your main focus or motivation on the big day?

Our main motivation is to focus on the couple and their story. There are so many facets that come into play on a wedding day, but if the bride and groom’s covenant and celebration are not the main focus, it will just be another highlight film.

TL: What can the couple expect for the post-production process?

With each package we offer a full-length film starting with the time we arrive through the final shots, generally lasting an hour to an hour and a half. It also comes with a narrative trailer that shows the most intriguing shots from the entire day put into a cinematic storyline lasting three to five minutes long.

TL: What three things should a couple know before selecting a videographer?

1. The couple must be able to connect well with the videographer. If a couple is being filmed all day, they need to feel completely comfortable in front of the camera and with the person who is capturing their day.

2. The couple needs to make sure the videographer gets along well with the vendor teams. So many times I’ve seen things go wrong because of the wrong expectation and miscommunication.

3. Finally, a couple needs to be in alignment with the videographer’s style. They need to like the videographer’s prior work in order to have the proper expectation for their own wedding footage.

TL: How should a couple prepare to be filmed on the big day?

The only preparation a couple needs to know is to not
worry about how they’re being filmed, but to ultimately enjoy every moment of their day. If they find the right videographer, there shouldn’t be any worry, because it’s about the couple, not the videographer. It’s the videographer’s job to capture the essence of their covenant and joy that comes with their wedding celebration.

TL: What is your aesthetic as a wedding videographer?

Our style of filmmaking is a blend of a documentary and cinematic approach. We want to get to know the couple beforehand so we can thoughtfully tell their story through their personalities, their family, their friends, the location, and their decor. Since each wedding is unique, our passion is to capture and tell that story in the most authentic way possible.

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A PEACHY LIFE PRODUCTIONS (Darin Peachee) / videographer / apeachylifeproductions.com

TL: How long have you been in the industry?

Since 2011

TL: What is your main focus or motivation on the big day?

To capture moments that will tell the couple’s love story. I focus on candid moments, when true, genuine emotions are expressed. I’m always motivated to try to capture something that the couple was not expecting to see when they watch their film.

TL: What can the couple expect for the post-production process?

My post-production process is very collaborative in that I give the couple the opportunity to choose the song for their highlight film. I also present a draft of the highlight film to allow the couple an opportunity to review and suggest changes, before the film is finalized and released to the public.

TL: What three things should a couple know before selecting a videographer?

1. What parts of the wedding would you like to have captured? Do you want events prior to the ceremony filmed? Are you planning a grand exit you want captured? Knowing the answer to these questions will make it easier to select the best video package. 

2. How you would like to view the wedding, after all is said and done. Do you just want a highlight film, the entire ceremony edited into one film, the reception toasts?

3. Your comfort level with having nearly every part of your day filmed. It’s OK to be up front about how you feel having a camera around you all day.

TL: How should a couple prepare to be filmed on the big day?

They should just be themselves on the wedding day. Put aside any stress that may be left over. And I encourage them to not even think about the camera.

TL: What is your aesthetic as a wedding videographer?

My style is flexible, but when granted full creativity in capturing a wedding, I like to go for cinematic shots that are oftentimes close up, to capture an angle no one else viewing the wedding can see.

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