Planning a wedding is filled with choices but few are as lasting as the photographer you choose to capture it all. Long after the cake is eaten and the flowers have dried, your photos are what remain. They’re how you’ll remember the way your partner looked at you during the vows, the quiet moment before walking down the aisle, the wild dance floor joy. And as the years go by, these images only grow in meaning, offering a way for your future children, grandchildren, and even your older selves to remember how it all began. So how do you find the photographer who truly gets you—the one who can capture the heart of your day in a way that feels honest, beautiful, and deeply you?
Before diving into portfolios and price lists, take a moment to explore what kind of photos make your heart light up. Do you love images that feel raw and real—filled with laughter, movement, and emotion? Or are you drawn to more posed, editorial style portraits? Maybe you’re into a nostalgic feel, something more modern and vibrant, a playing and fun imagery?
There’s no right answer, just what feels most like you. Knowing the kind of imagery you’re drawn to will help you find a photographer who can bring your vision to life. At Abby + Dave, our style is all documentary storytelling of real moments as they unfold. This style is ideal for those wanting to focus on being present and enjoying their day while their photographers capture natural moments and authentic connections.
2. Look at Full Galleries, Not Just Instagram
Instagram is great for getting a vibe, but it’s only the highlight reel. To really understand a photographer’s work, ask to see full galleries. That’s where you’ll see how they capture an entire day and how they handle everything from bright sunlight to candlelit dinners.
It’s ideal to have an artists work who feels feels consistent throughout, not just a handful of pretty frames. A full gallery shows you how the story of a wedding unfolds through their eyes.
And if you’re curious, we’re happy to share full galleries from past weddings that are similar in vibe, season, or location to yours.
3. Pay Attention to How They Make You Feel
You’re going to spend more time with your photographer on your wedding day than almost anyone else, so how they make you feel matters as much as the photos they deliver.
Do you feel comfortable around them? Do they listen to you and get what’s important to you? Are they calm, present, and someone you could genuinely enjoy being around on one of the most emotional days of your life?
The best photos happen when you feel comfortable enough to fully be yourself, so choose a photographer who will help you do that.
4. Read Reviews to Get a Feel for the Experience
Photographers can show you beautiful images but past couples will tell you what it felt like to work with them.
As you read reviews, pay attention to more than just praise for the photos. Look for the little things: Did they feel cared for? Did they feel relaxed and seen? Were they able to fully enjoy their day knowing they were in good hands?
These stories can give you a deeper sense of what it’s really like to work with someone and if their energy feels like the right fit for you.
5. Know What’s Included and Ask Questions
Every photographer structures their packages a little differently, so don’t be afraid to ask for clarity. How many hours of coverage are included? Is there a second photographer? What’s the turnaround time for your gallery? Are albums or prints part of the package?
If something’s important to you, like capturing specific moments, bring it up early in the conversation. A great photographer will be happy to walk you through how they work and how they’ll support your vision.
6. Trust Your Gut
You can look at a hundred portfolios, read every blog post, and compare all the packages but at the end of the day, choosing your wedding photographer is also about trust and instinct.
Do you feel seen and understood? Do their photos move you? Do you feel a sense of calm or excitement when imagining them by your side on your wedding day?
The right photographer will feel like more than just a vendor, they’ll feel like someone who’s genuinely invested in bringing your vision to life.
Final Thoughts
If you’re drawn to natural, beautiful imagery and want a photography experience that feels relaxed, connected, and deeply you, we’d love to connect.
Abby + Dave are Calgary, Banff & international wedding photographers passionate about real moments, authentic connection, and storytelling that blows your mind and cracks your heart wide open.
You can find them walking through forests with their two dogs, Bowen and Juniper, near their home in Calgary, AB, Canada.
