The Small Moments I Look for at Every Wedding

The minute before

Just before the ceremony, there is usually a moment of stillness. A deep breath, a hand smoothing a dress, a parent fixing a collar. I watch for it closely, because it rarely lasts more than a few seconds.

Hands

Hands tell stories that faces sometimes hide. A grandparent’s hand on a shoulder, fingers interlaced during the vows, a friend gripping a glass mid-laugh. I photograph a lot of hands.

The people at the edge of the frame

Some of the best reactions happen away from the couple. A sibling wiping away a tear, a child asleep under a table, an old friend dancing alone. These photographs often become the ones families treasure most.

The exhale

After the ceremony, after the speeches, after the first dance, couples tend to share a quiet look that says we did it. I always try to be ready for that one.