Maine & New Hampshire Wedding Photographer // The Things Nobody Tells You About Your Wedding Day (From a Wedding Photographer Who's Seen It All)

Listen, I’ve photographed a lot of weddings. I’ve seen couples stress over details that won’t matter by the time the cake is cut, and I’ve seen things that should have been total disasters somehow turn into the best memories of the day. So, as your friendly neighborhood wedding photographer (who has quite literally seen it all), let me hit you with some truths nobody warns you about before the big day.

1. You Will Need a "Wedding Day Snack Plan"

Between hair, makeup, getting dressed, and the emotional rollercoaster that is your wedding day, eating will somehow become an afterthought. But let me tell you—hangry brides, grooms, and wedding parties are a real thing, and it’s not pretty. Have someone in charge of snacks. Pack a charcuterie box. Hide a granola bar in your bouquet. Just don’t rely on that one bridesmaid who swears she’ll “grab something for everyone” and then gets lost in a champagne-fueled group chat.

2. The Dress Will Get Dirty (and That’s Okay)

If you plan on actually enjoying your wedding day (which, let’s be honest, you should), your dress will get a little dirty. Whether it’s dirt from an outdoor ceremony, leaves from the forrest floor, a rogue glass of champagne, or your aunt’s emotional hug transfer (yes, waterproof mascara is a lie), it’s gonna happen. And guess what? It just means you lived in that dress. Those pristine, untouched dress photos? Boring. Let it get a little wild.

3. Your Timeline Will Go Off the Rails (But It’s Cool, We Got This)

I don’t care how Type-A your wedding coordinator is—something will run late. Whether it’s Uncle Bob getting lost on the way to the venue, a groomsman who suddenly realizes he doesn’t know how to tie a tie, or a flower girl who decides today is her big debut as a tantrum-throwing Broadway star, something will shift. But here’s the secret: It always works out. As long as we have buffer time for the important stuff, you’ll still have an incredible day (and I’ll make sure your photos don’t look like you were mid-panic attack).

4. Someone Will Cry at an Unexpected Moment

Sure, we all expect the father-daughter dance to get emotional or the vows to bring out some sniffles. But it’s always the random moments that hit the hardest—like when your best friend sees you in your dress and loses it, or when your grandma starts dancing to some early 2000s club banger like she was born in the VIP section. And you better believe I’ll be there to capture every single tear and ridiculous dance move.

5. Golden Hour is Worth the Hype

I know, I know—your timeline is packed, and you don’t want to step away from your reception. But let me tell you, those 20 minutes of golden hour portraits? Totally worth it. That light is the reason your photos will look like a freakin’ romance movie poster. Trust me, your guests won’t even notice you’re gone, and you’ll get a few moments to just breathe with your new spouse (which, let’s be real, you’re gonna need).

6. Your Face Will Hurt from Smiling

No one warns you about this one, but after hours of smiling for photos, greeting guests, and overall being the most popular person in the room, your face muscles will feel like you just ran a marathon—except instead of toned legs, you get sore cheeks. By the end of the night, your “smile” will start looking like a pained grimace, and that’s when we transition to fun, candid shots where you can just enjoy yourself. Pro tip: Take little breaks to relax your face between photos, or fake a yawn—it actually helps.

7. It Will Go By Way Too Fast

I know everyone says this, but it’s true. One minute you’re sipping champagne in your pajamas, and the next, you’re three drinks deep on the dance floor, wondering how the night is already over. That’s why photography (yes, shameless plug) matters so much—because when it’s all said and done, the photos will be the only way to relive the little moments that flew by in the blur of emotions, laughter, and dance moves of questionable legality.

At the end of the day, no wedding is perfect, but that’s exactly what makes them perfect. The unexpected, the slightly messy, the emotional—those are the things that make your wedding yours. So, take a deep breath, embrace the chaos, and know that in the end, it’s going to be one hell of a beautiful day. And I’ll be there to capture every second of it.

Now, who’s ready to get married? (And more importantly, who’s bringing me a snack?)