How to Get Candid and Authentic Wedding Photos: Tips from a Michigan Wedding Photographer

When you look back on your wedding day, the moments that stand out most are often the ones you didn’t even know were being captured—the tear in your dad’s eye as he walked you down the aisle, the laughter shared with your bridesmaids, or that quick, loving glance from your partner. These real wedding moments are what make your day uniquely yours. As a Michigan wedding photographer specializing in candid wedding photos, I believe the beauty of authentic wedding photography lies in its ability to capture raw emotions and tell a genuine love story.

Candid wedding photos aren’t just about snapping random shots—they’re about anticipating moments and being ready to capture them as they unfold. Here’s how you can ensure your wedding gallery is filled with heartfelt, authentic moments.

Tips for Capturing Candid Moments

  1. Trust Your Photographer
    The key to getting authentic wedding photography is trusting your photographer. When you’re comfortable and relaxed, it shows in your photos. Choose a wedding photographer whose style you resonate with and let them do their magic. The less you’re aware of the camera, the more genuine your moments will be.
  2. Stay Present in the Moment
    One of the best ways to achieve candid wedding photos is to truly be in the moment. Laugh, cry, dance, and let yourself feel every emotion. When you’re focused on each other and the celebration, the most beautiful and authentic photos happen naturally.
  3. Embrace Imperfections
    Real wedding moments aren’t always perfect, but they’re always genuine. The wind might catch your veil, your partner might shed a tear, or you might burst into laughter mid-vows. These “imperfect” moments are often the most memorable, so embrace them—they’re what make your wedding day yours.
  4. Include Unscripted Interactions
    Candid moments often occur during unscripted interactions—like chatting with friends, dancing with family, or sharing an inside joke. These interactions reflect your true personality and relationships, creating meaningful memories.
  5. Keep the Timeline Loose
    Rigid schedules can feel staged, so leave some breathing room in your wedding day timeline for spontaneous moments. Whether it’s a quick sunset stroll or an impromptu dance-off, these in-between moments are gold for candid wedding photos.

My Approach to Capturing Candid Moments

As a wedding photographer, my philosophy is simple: I want you to feel comfortable, confident, and completely present on your wedding day. My editorial style focuses on storytelling through real wedding moments, blending natural interactions with artistic compositions.

I achieve this by becoming an observer rather than a director. Instead of forcing poses, I give gentle guidance when needed and then step back, allowing moments to unfold organically. Whether you’re whispering sweet words to each other during the first look or laughing uncontrollably with your bridal party, I capture these moments as they happen—candid, unfiltered, and authentic.

Client Testimonials: Real Moments, Real Memories

Don’t just take my word for it—here’s what some of my couples have to say about their candid wedding photos:

  • “Jenna captured so many moments we didn’t even know were happening! Looking through our gallery felt like “So kind and amazing and the preview photos were not even 24 hours later! She helped run the show and make sure my day went well! She was perfect and if you can you should use her and her husband they were just the best!” – Emma G.reliving the entire day. Every photo was so genuine and full of emotion.” – Emma
  • “Jenna was absolutely amazing documenting our wedding day!! She made us so comfortable, and we both felt like we really got to enjoy the whole day and never felt like we were stuck spending all our time taking photos but still ended up with all the amazing shots we wanted. She was so efficient, professional, and easy to work with! Would recommend her to anyone!” – Jordon & Abby

These testimonials reflect my commitment to delivering a gallery filled with heartfelt moments that truly represent your wedding day.

Your wedding day is a collection of fleeting moments—moments that deserve to be remembered exactly as they were. If you’re looking for a Michigan wedding photographer who specializes in candid wedding photos and authentic wedding photography, I’d love to connect with you.

Ready to capture real wedding moments?
Check out my portfolio to see more of my candid photography style, or contact me today to book a consultation. Let’s create memories that are genuine, emotional, and authentically you.