How to Choose the Right Wedding Photographer for Your Big Day
Planning your wedding comes with a thousand tiny decisions — but few are as lasting as your choice of wedding photographer. Your photos will be one of the only things (besides your love, of course) that you’ll keep forever from your wedding day. No pressure, right?
At Olive & Eve Photography, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to find the right fit. While I’d love to capture your story, I also believe it’s important to find someone who genuinely aligns with your vision. So here are a few essential things to keep in mind when searching for your perfect wedding photographer:
Love Their Style – Truly.
Every wedding photographer has a unique shooting and editing style. Some lean bright and airy, others dark and moody. Some go for warm tones, others cooler neutrals.If a photographer’s portfolio doesn’t feel like something you’d hang on your walls, it’s probably not the right match — even if they come highly recommended or have a great personality. Editing is part of the finished artwork, and most photographers (myself included) do not deliver RAW or unedited photos, because the editing process is a huge part of the final product.
Tip: Before booking, spend time going through their portfolio and Instagram feed. Look at full wedding galleries, not just highlight reels.
Make Sure You Click (With the Photographer, Not Just the Camera).
Your photographer is one of the few people who will be with you for almost your entire wedding day. You want someone who makes you feel comfortable, reassured, and confident in front of the camera.Do they respond quickly and warmly to your messages? Do they make you feel heard? Do they offer guidance, or just expect you to figure it all out? Feeling that connection is so important — trust your gut.
Check Their Reviews.
Credible, experienced photographers will have reviews — and those reviews will tell you a lot. Look for testimonials on Google, The Knot, WeddingWire, or the photographer’s website.
Pay attention to what people are really saying. Are they talking about how the photographer made them feel? How they handled timelines or unpredictable weather? Do clients mention receiving their photos on time, or how beautiful the final gallery was?
Reviews aren’t just stars — they’re insight into what your experience might look like.
Look for Wedding Experience.
Weddings are beautiful chaos — fast-moving, emotional, and full of unrepeatable moments. Hiring a photographer who knows how to handle a wedding timeline, tricky lighting, family groupings, and emotional in-the-moment candids is key.Not every photographer is experienced with weddings. Some specialize in families, maternity, or studio shoots. That’s amazing, but make sure your photographer has a proven track record shooting weddings — ideally, ones similar in size or style to yours.
Understand What You’re Paying For.
Wedding photography is an investment — and for good reason.You’re not just paying for someone to show up and take photos for 8 hours. You’re paying for:
Planning: Timeline building, location scouting, calls/emails leading up to your day.
The Wedding Day: Coverage that might include getting ready, ceremony, family portraits, reception, and everything in between.
Post-Wedding Work: This is often 30–40+ hours of culling, editing, backing up, and delivering your photos in a beautifully curated online gallery.
Good photographers also invest heavily in their gear, insurance, education, software, and backup systems to ensure your day is captured safely and professionally.
Know What’s Included in the Package.
Not all wedding photography packages are created equal. Look for clarity on:How many hours of coverage you’re getting
Number of final edited photos
Whether an engagement session is included
Timeline help or consultations
Delivery method and turnaround time
Print rights and access to full-resolution images
At Olive & Eve Photography, I offer full-day coverage packages that include a complimentary engagement session — because I believe it helps us connect and lets you feel more comfortable in front of the camera before the big day.
Choose the Photographer That Feels Right for You
This isn’t just a business transaction — it’s a relationship. You deserve a photographer who sees your vision, celebrates your joy, and captures your story in a way that feels real, emotional, and timeless.
If you’re getting married in Toronto, Prince Edward County, or anywhere in Southern Ontario, and my style and approach speak to you — I’d love to chat. No pressure. Just a relaxed conversation to see if we’d be a good fit. Contact me at oliveevephoto@gmail.com
