What Your Wedding Photographer Wishes You Knew

A beautiful wedding photo is so much more than a pretty picture. The lighting matters. So does the timing, the backdrop, and the way everyone is arranged. But according to Atlanta-area wedding photographer Rocheal Matthews of Rocheal Photography Group, the best wedding images aren’t just technically perfect. They’re also personal, emotional, and filled with stories couples will want to relive for years.

“I think a wedding photo collection should be authentic, timeless, and story-driven,” Rocheal says. That philosophy guides everything she does behind the camera. We asked her to share what helps couples shine, the secrets behind photos that feel alive, and what she wishes every couple knew before their big day.

Like Hanging Out with a Good Friend

For many couples, stepping in front of a professional camera for the first time can feel intimidating. Rocheal’s approach is to make it feel like anything but.

“I’m the friend who just happens to have cameras in hand,”she says. Rather than stiff poses, she uses easy, natural prompts that keep couples moving, laughing, and connecting with each other. “The goal is to make them feel so comfortable that they forget about the camera altogether.” That’s when the real magic happens: the authentic laughs, the tender hand squeezes, and the quiet in-between glances that make photos feel alive.

The Secret to Gorgeous Photos? Trust and Joy

When asked for her number-one tip to get the best results in photos, Rocheal doesn’t hesitate with the answer. It’s trust.

“Trust your photographer and lean into the moment,” she advises.

Just as important is what not to do.

Overthinking is the enemy of authenticity. Instead of trying to copy a Pinterest-perfect pose or celebrity wedding shot, she encourages couples to simply be present and let their trusted photographer takethe lead.

“If you’re worrying about what your hands are doing or how your face looks, you’re not in the moment. And joy is where the magic happens."

The Best Moments Can’t Be Planned

That trust pays off in the unexpected. The moments couplesdon’t script often become the ones they treasure most. Rocheal’s favoritewedding memory this year was of a father–daughter dance with a twist.

“The bride’s dad disappeared for a second… and came back wearing huge Mickey Mouse gloves,” she recalls. “The bride burst into laughter mid-dance. The whole room lit up.” Rocheal explains that it was so spontaneous, so uniquely them and defining of their relationship and memories, that it created one of those perfect moments. That momentary surprise tells a piece of their history.

It’s that sense of story that drives Rocheal’s work. While photographs capture emotion in a single frame, she’s a passionate advocate for pairing photography with video and handcrafted albums to bring the full narrative to life.

Choosing the Right Photographer --  More Than Style

Loving someone’s portfolio is only the first step. Rocheal encourages couples to also think about how a photographer will support them on their wedding day.

“Your wedding day will go by in a blur, but the right team will help you hold onto it,” Rocheal says. “Choose people who not only create beautiful work, but also make you feel comfortable and cared for. That’s what allows the most authentic, unscripted moments to shine through.”

So what should you ask when you find a photographer whose images you love? Rocheal suggests going beyond portfolio questions, asking:

·        How will you help us feel relaxed in frontof the camera?

·        What’s your backup plan if something unexpected happens?

·        How do you approach family portraits?

·        How many hours of coverage do you recommend?

·        How do you deliver the images afterward?

These conversations can reveal whether the photographer’s process matches your personality and priorities.

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What Format Your Memories Should Take

Rocheal also encourages couples to think about how they want to experience their memories long after the wedding.

There’s no one“right” answer. It’s about what will bring you joy in the years to come.

Framed Prints: “These are your everyday reminders,” Rocheal says. They’re the showpieces you pass in the hallway or see above your mantle, the single images that instantly take you back.

Albums: More than a collection of images, albums tell the whole story. “An album brings all the little momentstogether in one place,” she explains. It’s a keepsake you can flip through onanniversaries, share with family, and pass down.

Video: Photos freeze timeless moments, but video adds back the voices, laughter, speeches, and music. Dance floor moves, emotional toasts, and the energy of the day come alive.

Digital Gallery: Easyto share and store, your digital gallery ensures every moment is accessible.

Each format has its own magic, and many couples find that a mix of all three creates the richest legacy.

Before the big day, talk with your photographer and videographer about what matters most to you, so your memories are captured in a way that feels both meaningful and lasting.

All photos: Rocheal Photography Group

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Find the perfect wedding photographer to capture your love story! Come to the next Atlanta Wedding Extravaganza and check out the AWE vendor directory to find your wedding dream team!

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