Back home, I’m sitting at my living room table; here ideas flow naturally. With The XX softly playing in the background, the bright early morning sun bathes the room and I lay down a pale pink coffee mug by my side, while trying to decide what to share with you. That’s when it strikes me — “everything flows naturally here” — which reminds me of one of the best-kept secrets in the universe:
How to capture natural and authentic images on your wedding day.
Every bride dreams of moments worthy of a Vogue editorial, while also searching for ease and spontaneity — something that reflects who they are, and what the day is truly about. Hence, beyond being beautiful wedding photos and film, images should retain the essence of the special day and that essence is hidden in real emotions, unexpected details, meaningful glances.
So above all, remember this: when your day comes, you’ll be surrounded by your favourite people, living one of the most meaningful days of your life. Whilst that, my goal is to capture that spontaneity - that reality - on your behalf. So, it’s fair to say that visually capturing starts with —
Knowing your photographer and filmmaker well.
When there’s trust, everything flows better — between the couple, the team, and all your loved ones.
Take the time to understand their style, their energy. Don’t leave it to the last minute to connect with your photographer and filmmaker.
If, like me, they lean into a documentary approach, they’ll likely blend into the environment with ease, capturing what unfolds, without interfering. Documentary-styled photographers and filmmakers are attuned with the in-between-moments. We notice the tiny gestures, the pauses and all the hidden beauty happening all over.
Let me tell you, when the time comes, it will be so rewarding to transport you back to those fleeting moments that slipped by unnoticed while the day unfolded on its own beauty.
In-between-moments are a key for the unexpected and magical authenticity.
Take action by booking meetings, asking questions, and talk openly about your insecurities — most of the time, these are the same as so many other couples have. As professionals, we’re used to deal with them. I don’t feel photogenic — many couples say to me, to which I’ll reply — that’s okay, you don’t have to play a part in front of the camera. It’s rather more powerful to simply be yourselves. When your day arrives, I’ll be attuned to what makes you feel at ease, and I’ll capture the day in a way that feels natural and true. Still, between you and I, I believe everyone is photogenic. All in all, the bond between a photography and filmmaking team and the couple is a growing organic connection.
Taking on another common worry — I’m not comfortable being filmed full-body while getting ready.
Again — it’s okay. We focus on the details that are unnoticed to your eyes. The way you tuck your hair behind your ear. A subtle smile. The tiny, intimate things that make your story yours.
Now you see why trust is so important — you’re not supposed to be thinking about what is or isn’t being captured. The camera is there capturing you celebrating life as you should.
Speaking of celebrating, Engagement sessions are such a great way to break the ice before the wedding. It’s another opportunity to get comfortable, and that extra bit of familiarity makes all the difference on the big day.
Prioritise your identity and your intimacy.
Accept. Be present. Feel. Surrender.
During the ceremony, stay close to your partner. Share stares, hold hands, breathe together. Even in the most formal or religious moments, create that bubble just for the two of you. That’s where authenticity lives — and I promise you that you’ll see it later on your photos and film.
Make moments like the couple’s session truly yours. It’s usual for the couple session to involve a bit of direction, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be light, candid and fun. Sometimes the most beautiful moments are the unexpected ones: imagine it starts to rain and you start dancing, or even, that you’ve brought an umbrella and now it’s part of your story. Often, that “direction” is just little tricks to bring you closer. I remember photographing a bride who felt super tense when alone but totally relaxed when her partner was near her. So I asked her to keep her eyes on him. Every time they looked at each other, she smiled. I told him to bring up one of their inside jokes — the kind only they would understand. She burst out laughing. And in that exact moment, I could capture something truly real, yet, a moment that belonged only to them.
That’s why it’s so important that you don’t lose your essence. The key is to stay connected to who you are and trust your team.
Relax, laugh, dance, hug, whisper.
And if you’re feeling bold — why not write some mini-vows just for that private moment?
Your energy, your essence — it should be present even in the group photos.
Talk to your people in advance. Let them know that you want things relaxed and joyful. There’s no need for the family session to be stiff and formal. It can unfold throughout the day — light, fun, full of hugs and laughter.
Choose meaningful spaces with natural light.
Finally we’ve arrived to the point that made me write this post in the first place: beautiful, light-filled spaces that mean something to you. I started by saying that this room in my home — where I write 99% of my posts — is where everything flows best. And there’s a reason for that: in the morning, it’s flooded with natural light — my favourite type of light. It makes creativity feel effortless and free. For any filmmaker or photographer, good natural light brings technical peace of mind. We know the images will look great, and that gives us freedom to explore, to tune into the moments, to experiment with light and shadow, to try new compositions — to tell your story in the most authentic way possible.
And if the space means something to you — if it’s a room where you feel you belong — everything becomes easier, more grounded, more real. You’ll feel it. And it will show on camera. When a space has meaning, emotion flows more naturally. That’s the feeling you’ll want to keep forever.
The truth is, spontaneity can’t be forced — it’s created. With time, trust, and freedom.
That’s where the most honest moments are born: the smiles, the gestures, the silences and the glances.
The in-between-moments.
The things you can’t plan, but can absolutely feel.
Because the most beautiful memories aren’t perfect — they’re real.
