As a documentary style wedding photographer, my priority is always the people — the long-awaited hugs and laughs that make your day yours. While most couples focus on having their wedding day documented, a welcome dinner can bring a depth to their records of a wedding as a whole and can be a special addition to your celebration and gallery.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER (AND VICE VERSA)

This time, especially for more intimate wedding days, gives your guests the chance to meet me, and I them, prior to your wedding day. Typically on smaller days, the photographer is the one vendor who is with you from beginning to end, checking in on you and your guests, and keeping things moving.

Come wedding day, I’ll already feel like a familiar face to your guests. That familiarity often allows everyone to relax and feel more comfortable with the camera around, which can lead to more candid and genuine photos throughout your entire celebration.

Check out Kate & Kyle's full wedding day

OPPORTUNITIES TO CAPTURE GENUINE INTERACTIONS BEFORE THE WEDDING DAY

For many, the welcome dinner is the first time everyone is coming together in one place. This is a perfect opportunity to capture those first moments before the whirlwind of wedding day excitement sets in.

The welcome dinner offers a slower pace that gives me the chance to document the small but meaningful interactions that set the tone for the celebration. Whether it’s a first hug or a guest who hasn’t seen you in years, these moments will tell the story of your full wedding celebration!

A little more about my approach

GUESTS WHO CAN’T MAKE IT TO THE WEDDING DAY

For those who can’t make it to the actual wedding day, having your photographer there to document the welcome dinner means you won’t miss out on capturing portraits with these important people, even if they can’t be at the main event.

Whether it’s grandparents, old friends, or distant relatives, the welcome dinner is a great chance to ensure those connections are part of your visual story. These moments can add such richness to your wedding album, making it feel even more complete.

A CHANCE TO DOCUMENT UNIQUE, FUN MOMENTS

If you're planning a different kind of welcome dinner, like a laid-back gathering, backyard bonfire, or a themed party, this is a lovely opportunity to capture those fun moments that aren’t part of the wedding day itself. From playful in-the-moment shots to creative portraits with guests, having these photos brings depth and diversity to the records you’ll look back on of your wedding.

WHY INCLUDING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER AT YOUR WELCOME DINNER MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

By having your photographer there at your welcome dinner, you’re not simply adding more photos to your wedding day, you’re capturing the first moments your guests gather to celebrate you. Especially for intimate wedding days, putting names to faces and getting to shake hands makes the wedding day feel that much more cozy. Welcome dinners have a whole lot of room for an evening that is generally a bit more low-key with the excitement of beginning the weekend festivities too.

If you're planning a welcome dinner, I’d love to be there to document it – let’s chat about what this could look like!

Reach out to learn more