If you've seen words like documentary, editorial, photojournalistic, or candid vs posed floating around, don’t worry, you're not alone. Let’s break it down in a simple, no-stress way so you can figure out what style speaks to you

(and spoiler: you might love a mix of both!).

What Is Documentary-Style Wedding Photography?


Think of this as the fly-on-the-wall approach. It’s all about capturing real moments as they naturally happen; your dad wiping away a tear, your flower girl sticking out her tongue, or the way you look at each other just before the ceremony starts.

Why people love it:

  • It's emotional and unscripted.
  • You don’t have to worry about posing or where to put your hands.
  • It tells the story of your day exactly as it was, messy moments and all.


Perfect for couples who:

  • Want their photos to feel authentic, emotional, and true to life.
  • Are deeply present in the moment and prioritize connection over perfection.
  • Don’t mind a little chaos, because the real stuff is often where the magic lives.
  • Are more “feeling-led” than “Pinterest-led.”
  • Trust the process and aren’t worried if not every photo is picture-perfect—they want truth, not just polish.


Couples who vibe with this style might be:

  • The kind who laugh mid-kiss, get teary during the vows, and forget the camera is even there.
  • Big on meaningful experiences over aesthetics.
  • Easygoing and unbothered by imperfections—because those are part of the story too.
  • Open to real emotions being captured, even if that means not every photo is “perfectly posed.”


*Keep in mind*: With documentary photography, you might see a stray hair, or candid laugh that wasn’t filtered or styled, but that’s exactly what makes it so real and beautiful.

What Is Editorial-Style Wedding Photography?


Editorial photography is more stylized, think of it like a Vogue spread or an artful Pinterest board come to life.

There’s more direction involved: I might guide you to stand a certain way, gently tilt your chin, or find that perfect pocket of light.

Why people love it:

  • You get elevated, magazine-worthy images.
  • It’s all about composition, fashion, lighting, and beauty.
  • We focus on creating stunning visuals while still keeping it natural.


Perfect for couples who:

  • Love detail shots and those “wow” portraits.
  • Want their wedding photos to feel elevated, stylized, and timeless.
  • Care about details; the fashion, florals, symmetry, the light.
  • Love artistic composition and don’t mind spending a bit more time getting “the shot.”


Couples who vibe with this style might be:

  • Style-conscious and design-driven.
  • Inspired by fashion, architecture, or high-end aesthetics.
  • Confident in front of the camera (or excited to feel like models for a day).
  • Naturally feel more comfortable when you’re guided and know exactly what to do with your hands.


*Keep in mind*: Editorial doesn’t mean stiff, it can still feel warm and personal. It just gives a little extra intention to the way things look and feel in your photos.

So… Which Style Should You Choose?

Here’s the fun part: you don’t have to choose just one.

Most modern wedding photographers (myself included!) blend both styles. During the getting-ready moments and ceremony, I take a documentary approach, quietly capturing what unfolds naturally. But for your portraits, family formals, and that golden hour magic? I step in with an editorial eye to make sure you look and feel your absolute best.

My Approach: The Best of Both Worlds

Your wedding day is a beautiful mix of emotion and elegance, so your photos should reflect that too.

  • I’ll help you with gentle posing that never feels stiff or awkward.
  • I’ll also catch the moments you didn’t even know happened.
  • You’ll walk away with photos that are as gorgeous as they are genuine.

Whether you're drawn to documentary, editorial, or a blend of both, it all comes down to one thing: choosing a photographer who aligns with your values and vision.

Ask yourself honestly:

  • Do I want every photo to look polished and picture-perfect?
  • Or do I want to remember the little unfiltered moments, too—even if they aren’t posed?

There’s no wrong answer! Just the right match for you.

And if you're not sure which style you love most, I'm happy to talk through it with you.

Let's create a collection that feels like you, whether that means spontaneous laughter, dreamy portraits, or both.