Breaking Down the Different Styles of Wedding Photography (And Which Is Right for You)

When it comes to planning your wedding, choosing the right photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. After all, your wedding photos are how you’ll remember one of the most special days of your life. But with so many different styles of wedding photography out there, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start.

Before we dive in though, let me say hi! I’m Jennifer Nichole, a wedding photographer based in Connecticut, specializing in capturing authentic love stories with true-to-life colors and timeless elegance. In this post, I’m breaking down some of the most popular styles of wedding photography to help you discover which feels like the perfect match for your big day!

Bridesmaids and bride smiling and holding pastel pink and white bouquets, dressed in romantic, floral, and sequined dresses, showcasing a light and airy style of wedding photography.

Why Understanding the Different Styles of Wedding Photography Styles Matters

Every photographer has their own unique approach to capturing a wedding day. Some focus on storytelling, while others hone in on creating works of art that feel fresh off the pages of a magazine.

The photography style you choose not only determines the look of your photos but also sets the tone for how your day will be captured. Knowing a bit more about the different styles can help you confidently communicate with your photographer and ensure their approach aligns with your vision.

Popular Styles of Wedding Photography

Wedding photography is as unique as the couples it captures. Each style brings its own personality and mood to your photos, making it important to find the style that resonates with you. No matter what style you’re drawn to, understanding these popular styles can help you find the perfect fit for your celebration.

Light and Airy

Among the different styles of wedding photography light and airy photography is known for its bright tones, soft pastel hues, and romantic feel. It often has a dreamy, ethereal quality that feels like stepping into a fairytale. This style tends to work well for outdoor weddings, particularly in open, natural settings with lots of light.

While light and airy photos can be beautiful, some couples find that this style can occasionally “wash out” the true colors of their wedding day. If you love vibrant details or want to make sure every flower and decor element pops, you might prefer a different style.

A groom dipping his bride into a kiss at the end of their outdoor ceremony aisle, with a scenic lighthouse and ocean in the background under soft golden hour light, perfectly illustrating a light and airy style of wedding photography.
A bride surrounded by her bridesmaids, each dressed in pastel and floral dresses, standing in front of an estate with arched windows and lush greenery.
A bride and groom sharing a kiss as the bride’s veil flows dramatically in the wind against a waterfront sunset and a distant bridge in the background.

Dark and Moody

On the opposite end of the spectrum, dark and moody photography emphasizes rich, dramatic tones and deep shadows. This style feels romantic and cinematic, often with a focus on intimate moments. It’s perfect for couples who want their photos to feel artistic and emotional.

With that in mind though, while dark and moody photography can create stunning images, it doesn’t always highlight every detail of your decor or show the “true-to-life” colors of your wedding day. If you’re a fan of vibrant, natural hues, you may want to consider a style that better balances dramatic tones with accuracy.

Editorial

Editorial photography is inspired by fashion magazines. It’s all about sleek, polished poses, dramatic compositions, and an overall luxurious feel. This style often incorporates artistic framing and lighting, giving it a modern edge.

Editorial photos are perfect for couples who love a high-fashion aesthetic or want their wedding day to look like it belongs in Vogue. That said, this style typically includes more posed shots and fewer candids, so it’s worth considering whether you’d like a mix of both.

An elegant black-and-white photograph of a bride and groom sharing a romantic kiss on a grand staircase, reflected in an ornate mirror frame, perfectly reflecting an editorial style of wedding photography.
A timeless black-and-white bridal portrait of a bride gazing softly through her lace-edged veil.

Photojournalistic/Documentary

Next on the list, we have photojournalistic or documentary wedding photography, which is all about storytelling. Photographers using this approach focus on capturing candid, unposed moments as they naturally unfold. This style feels authentic and raw, with an emphasis on real emotions and interactions.

If you love candid photos that show the full range of emotions on your wedding day—from laughter during toasts to joyful tears during your vows—this might be the right fit for you.

A bride and groom hug in a lush garden setting after their first look.
An ecstactic bridesmaid and groomsman raise a "Just Married" sign high as they make grand entrance into the reception.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand along waterfront, with the bride glancing back with a big smile. The setting features warm string lights, mingling guests in the background.
A wedding party celebrates outdoors under lush green trees, with bridesmaids dressed in vibrant pink dresses and groomsmen in classic black tuxedos. The bride and groom share a joyful moment in the center, surrounded by smiles and cheers in a garden setting.

Why My Style of Wedding Photography Might Be Perfect for You

Now that we’ve broken down some of the most popular styles, let me share a little about my own approach to wedding photography! My goal is to create timeless images that tell the story of your day while showcasing the real colors, details, and emotions that make it yours. I don’t necessarily fit neatly in one little box (and most of the talented photographers I know don’t either).

But since you’re here, here’s what makes my style of wedding photography unique:

True-to-Life Colors

Your wedding day is filled with thoughtful details—from the carefully chosen florals to the table settings you spent months planning. I believe your photos should reflect the true beauty of those elements without losing details. My editing style ensures your images are vibrant and natural, showcasing the real colors of your day while still feeling polished and elevated.

A bride and groom, hand in hand, walk toward a vintage red trolley surrounded by autumn trees and garden gates.
A close-up of a wedding menu on a neatly arranged place setting, featuring vibrant floral accents and polished silverware.
A simple two-tiered white wedding cake adorned with vibrant pink and orange blooms, surrounded bud vases of fresh flowers.
A close-up of bright orange, pink, and yellow flowers, highlighting a small card with the wedding date, "08.25.23."

A Balance of Candids and Posed Shots

Every couple deserves a mix of beautiful, frame-worthy portraits and heartfelt, candid moments. That’s why I combine guided posing that feels editorial with a photojournalistic/documentary approach, so you get the best of both worlds when I deliver your gallery. Whether it’s a romantic first-look photo or a spontaneous laugh with your wedding party, I aim to capture the full range of experiences lived and emotions felt on your day.

Bride and groom pose with a vintage yellow truck on a sunny autumn day. The bride is holding a vibrant bouquet of orange and pink flowers, while the groom leans against the truck in a navy suit with a matching boutonniere.
A bride in a fitted lace wedding gown stands smiling over her shoulder, holding a white floral bouquet with greenery. She is surrounded by her bridesmaids in sage green dresses, standing in front of a garden arch adorned with twinkling string lights.
Bride and groom share a kiss under a charming white gazebo.
A close-up of the bride’s bouquet featuring lush white flowers, greenery, and subtle peach accents, held alongside matching bouquets carried by the bridesmaids in sage green dresses.

Incorporating Film Photography

Lastly, there’s something so magical about film photography. The timeless, organic feel it creates adds an extra layer of depth and artistry to your wedding gallery. I love incorporating film into my work for couples who want a unique and nostalgic touch. Film photos have a softness and texture that digital photography can’t replicate, and they complement my true-to-life style beautifully.

A vibrant arrangement of colorful flowers in pink, yellow, and orange shades displayed on reception bar, captured on film for a timeless and romantic feel.
Bride and groom standing together on lawn, framed by beautiful floral arrangements in warm tones, captured on film.
A champagne tower with a floral centerpiece at the base, set against the backdrop of glass doors and string lights, captured on film.
A candid moment of the bride and groom dancing together under twinkling string lights, surrounded by guests, captured on film.
A close-up shot of wedding flowers, covered by a bride’s veil, showcasing the ethereal quality of film photography.

How to Choose the Right Style of Wedding Photography for You

When you’re trying to figure out what your favorite style of wedding photography is, keep these tips in mind to guide your decision:

  1. Look at Real Galleries: Browse full wedding galleries from photographers to see how their style translates across an entire day. Does it match your vision for your wedding photos?
  2. Consider Your Venue: Certain styles work particularly well in specific settings. For example, light and airy photography is beautiful in open, outdoor spaces, while dark and moody styles thrive in intimate, low-light environments.
  3. Think About Your Priorities: Do you want your photos to feel candid and documentary-style, or are you drawn to polished, editorial looks? Knowing what matters most to you can help narrow down your options. I’ve seen couples say that they want “almost all candids” only to end up with no real portrait they can hang on their wall. That’s why a mix is so important to me.
  4. Trust Your Photographer: At the end of the day, the best results come from hiring someone whose work you love and who makes you feel comfortable. When you trust your photographer, you can relax and enjoy your wedding day, knowing they’ll capture it beautifully.

Let’s Capture Your Day

Your wedding photos should feel like you! They should reflect your love story, your personal style, and all the moments that make your day special. My approach ensures you’ll have a gallery full of timeless, vibrant images that you’ll treasure for years to come.

If you’re ready to talk more about how I can bring your wedding day to life through photography, let’s chat! Contact me today to learn more about my wedding photography services—or follow me on Instagram for inspiration, tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at my work!

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December 18, 2024

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