By Hughes Photo & Video LLC your Minnesota and Michigan Wedding Photographer

Your wedding day will fly by in the blink of an eye—but your photos will last forever. As a wedding photographer based in Minnesota (and always happy to travel back to Michigan!), I’ve learned that some of the best wedding day photos don’t just happen by luck—they happen with a little planning and a whole lot of love.

Here are my top tips to help you feel confident, relaxed, and absolutely glowing in front of the camera on your big day:

Newlyweds share an intimate black and white moment as couple embraces near window in formal wedding attire.
A romantic sunset wedding photo showing a couple from behind, with a flowing lace wedding dress train and autumn trees.
Side profile of someone with blonde wavy hair wearing white lace and sparkly earrings looking out a window.
Romantic wedding couple embraces in front of twinkling holiday lights, bride wearing strapless white lace gown.

1. Schedule Time for Golden Hour

That dreamy, glowy light about an hour before sunset? It’s a photographer’s favorite time of day! Try to schedule 15–20 minutes for couple portraits during golden hour—it’s pure magic and makes for breathtaking photos.


2. Plan a First Look (or Don’t!)

First looks are a great way to ease nerves and get some intimate photos before the ceremony. But if you’re more traditional, that emotional walk down the aisle can’t be beat. Either way, decide what feels right for you—and I’ll make the photos unforgettable.


3. Keep Your Getting Ready Space Tidy

Your getting-ready space sets the scene for those emotional, behind-the-scenes moments. Keep the area near windows clutter-free and full of natural light for the best photos.


4. Have a Details Box Ready

Want dreamy flat-lays of your rings, invites, vow books, or perfume? Gather those special items in one place (bonus points for including extras like ribbon or florals!) so I can start photographing them as soon as I arrive.


5. Build in Buffer Time

Wedding timelines can run a little behind (and that’s okay!). Add some cushion time between events so we don’t have to rush through photos—you’ll feel way more relaxed and it shows in your images.


6. Trust the Process

You hired your photographer for a reason! Trust me to guide you through the day, find the best light, and gently direct you during portraits. The more relaxed you are, the more natural your photos will feel.


7. Consider an Unplugged Ceremony

Ask guests to put their phones away during the ceremony so I can capture your vows without a sea of screens. Your photos—and your guests’ experience—will thank you.


8. Don’t Skip the Candid Moments

Some of the most meaningful photos aren’t posed—they’re the quiet glances, the laughs with your wedding party, the tearful hug from Grandma. Be present in your day and let the emotions flow. I’ll be there capturing it all.


9. Communicate Your Must-Have Shots

If there’s a special heirloom, person, or pose you have to have, let me know before the big day. I’ll build it into our timeline so nothing gets missed.


10. Enjoy the Moment

This is the most important one—enjoy your wedding! The joy, the chaos, the beauty of it all… that’s what makes your photos come to life. Let go, dance hard, and celebrate big!

A couple dancing on a metal bridge in black and white, with the bride twirling in a flowing white wedding gown.
A person in a grey vest and white dress shirt adjusts their tie while looking in an ornate gold-framed mirror.
A stunning outdoor wedding scene with romantic natural lighting and lush greenery surrounding formal attire and a trailing gown.

Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration—and your photos should feel like you. I’m here to make the experience fun, stress-free, and filled with genuine moments of love and connection.

Still searching for the right photographer to capture your bliss? Let’s chat!