Behind the Scenes of a Wedding Day: What Your Photographer & Videographer Actually Do
For most couples, the wedding day feels like it flies by in a beautiful blur — laughter, nerves, happy tears, hugs, dancing, and everything in between. While you’re enjoying every moment, your photographer and videographer are working behind the scenes to capture it all in a way that feels natural, emotional, and true to your story.
But what does a photography and videography team really do on a wedding day?
Spoiler: a lot more than just clicking a shutter or pressing record.
Here’s a look behind the scenes at the work, preparation, artistry and teamwork that goes into capturing a wedding.
Before the Day Even Starts
Weeks — sometimes months — of planning happen before we arrive.
✔ Timeline planning
We help couples build a timeline that ensures:
Enough time for portraits
Candid moments aren’t rushed
Sunset photos line up with natural light
Speeches, ceremony & first dances are properly filmed
A smooth schedule = a relaxed couple.
✔ Gear preparation
Professionals never arrive with just a camera. Expect:
Multiple camera bodies
Lenses for every lighting scenario
Professional audio equipment for speeches & vows
Stabilizers, drones or lighting (depending on venue rules)
Backup batteries and memory cards
And yes — everything is checked, cleaned, charged and packed the night before.
Getting Ready: The Story Begins
We usually start with morning preparation because it sets the emotional tone.
What we capture:
Dress, rings, shoes and details
Makeup and hair finishing touches
Gift exchanges or letters
Champagne toasts and nervous excitement
Behind the scenes, we’re:
Finding beautiful natural light
Styling detail shots
Keeping everyone relaxed and comfortable
Great images come from a calm room — not a rushed one.
The First Look or Ceremony Arrival
Whether a couple chooses a first look or traditional aisle moment, this part requires precision and planning.
What we’re doing behind the scenes:
Finding the right location with good light & privacy
Positioning cameras for reactions from both partners
Recording clear audio
Shooting from multiple angles so moments aren’t missed
We also coordinate quietly with the wedding party and officiant to position ourselves without disrupting the emotion.
During the Ceremony
This is where experience matters most.
We are:
Capturing reactions from the couple, family, and guests
Recording vows with professional microphones
Staying discreet and respectful of the space
Switching lenses and angles while staying silent
While guests see a heartfelt ceremony, we’re working fast, anticipating moments, and making sure nothing is missed.
Family Photos: Organised Chaos (But We Make It Easy)
Family photos can be overwhelming without a plan — so we create one.
Behind the scenes:
We work from a shot list provided by the couple
We organise groups quickly and politely
We keep everyone smiling and relaxed
If someone is missing, we track them down (or recruit the best man to do it!)
The goal: efficient, natural photos — with zero stress.
Couple Portraits: Your First Quiet Moments Together
This is often the most peaceful part of the day.
We:
Choose locations and flattering lighting
Guide couples into natural poses
Capture candid laughter and genuine emotion
Keep the session fun, not awkward or forced
These shots often become the favourites — the first still moments after “I do.”
The Reception: Storytelling Through Details & Energy
Once the party starts, we capture:
Venue décor and table details
Speeches and reactions
First dance and parent dances
Guests laughing, dancing, celebrating
Videographers are running audio recorders, stabilizers, and lighting while photographers focus on sharp, emotion-filled shots. We quietly move through the room like ninjas — always watching for moments.
Data Backup and Security
When the night ends, our job isn’t finished.
We:
Back up every photo and video onto multiple drives
Safely store memory cards
Begin sorting, organising, and creating your film and gallery
Professionals protect your memories like they’re priceless — because they are.
The Result: A Story You Can Relive Forever
Behind every beautiful wedding album or cinematic film, there are:
✅ Hours of planning
✅ Thousands of frames shot
✅ Multiple cameras, lenses, audio systems and backups
✅ Creative direction mixed with technical experience
✅ Days or weeks of editing
Most of what we do is invisible — and that’s the point.
You get to live your day fully, knowing it’s being captured with care.