After photographing weddings for over a decade, I’ve heard just about every piece of wedding advice out there. From timeless gems to tips that make me want to gently scream into a bouquet, I’ve picked up on a few pieces of advice that get shared a lot. Sometimes it’s by well-meaning friends; sometimes by big wedding blogs. Honestly, though, some of it just doesn’t hold up when it comes to creating a meaningful, stress-free, and photogenic day. So today, I’m sharing a few common pieces of wedding advice that I don’t love, along with a bit of insight into what I recommend instead.

“You don’t need getting ready or detail photos.”

I hear this one often, especially from couples trying to trim down their timeline. And while it might seem like a small thing, the getting ready portion of the day is full of quiet, emotional, story-rich moments. Things like your mom zipping up your dress, your best friends hyping you up, a handwritten note or gift exchange, even just the calm before the beautiful chaos. These aren’t just “extra” photos—they’re the beginning of your story. And all those pretty details aren’t just padding for your gallery. They are unique items you chose for your special day that really add to the overall story of the day. They should be showcased! Years from now, when you sit down with your granddaughter to look through your wedding album, you’ll love sharing what shoes were in style and what cologne her grandpa wore.

If you really have to prioritize your hours of coverage, I recommend trimming coverage from the reception. Your photographer can still document plenty of the party vibes and get great candids of your guests at the beginning of your reception. After about an hour, all those dance floor shots start to look pretty repetitive.

“Just give your photographer a Pinterest board.”

This one always breaks my heart a little. Pinterest is amazing for inspiration and understanding your aesthetic (trust me, I love a good mood board!), but your wedding isn’t someone else’s styled shoot. Trying to recreate a viral pin will likely only lead to disappointment. Rather than trying to copy someone else’s day pose-for-pose, I want to help you create something uniquely yours. The best photos happen when we lean into your personality, your connection, and your setting; not someone else’s highlight reel.

Also, this isn’t to say you should not have a shot list. I have all my couples fill out a questionnaire and part of that is telling me specific photo requests that are important to them, as well as a full list of all the photos you want with specific family and friends.

“Book the cheapest photographer—it’s just one day.”

I’ve heard it all. “My uncle has a nice camera.” Or, “Just find a photography student looking for experience.” Okay, I know budgets are real (and I’m a big believer in working with what you’ve got!), but the idea that photography is an afterthought because it’s “just one day” or “anyone with a nice camera will do” couldn’t be further from the truth. Your photographer isn’t just taking pictures—they’re preserving memories, documenting your love, and helping you relive the experience for decades to come. Plus, your photographer is with you more than almost anyone else on your wedding day. You want someone you trust, feel comfortable with, and who knows how to capture the feeling of every fleeting moment. I always encourage couples to invest in someone whose work and personality truly align with what they’re looking for.

I’ve had couples tell me months or even years later how grateful they are for their photos. And not just for the big, obvious moments, but for the little things they didn’t even realize I was capturing. A teary glance from your mom. The way your flower girl looked in awe as you got into your dress. A quiet conversation your partner had with your grandpa before the ceremony. These are the “small” moments that have a big impact.

“You can just Photoshop that out.”

I hear this a lot when couples are worried about timelines, lighting, or unexpected weather—and while yes, I have editing tools in my back pocket, I can’t Photoshop connection. Or fake a golden hour. Or the joy of being fully present. Instead of relying on editing after the fact, I work closely with my couples to build a timeline that allows for breathing room, beautiful light, and plenty of space for authentic moments to unfold. The result? Photos that feel effortless; not overly edited or forced.

“Sunset photos aren’t worth it!”

Please don’t skip these! I know it can be tempting to stay on the dance floor or avoid breaking the flow of the reception, but sneaking away for ten minutes during golden hour is almost always worth it. It gives you a chance to pause, reconnect, and soak in the moment together—and the light? Pure magic. These portraits often end up being some of my couples’ favorites.

At the end of the day, wedding advice should be just that: advice, not rules. Every couple is different, and every wedding day should reflect what matters most to you. As your photographer, I’m here to support you, guide you, and help you create space for the moments that truly matter, while quietly ditching the “rules” or “traditions” that don’t.

If you’re in the planning process and feeling overwhelmed by all the “shoulds,” I’d love to be a sounding board. Let’s talk through what matters most to you, and build a wedding day around that.

Photos taken at the beautiful Etre Farms.