It’s one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your wedding—and one of the easiest to get wrong.
Choosing a wedding photographer (and videographer!) isn’t just about who has the prettiest Instagram feed or the lowest price tag. It’s about who you can trust to tell your story.
And yet, thousands of couples fall into the same trap: they choose a photographer based on style or cost alone… without considering how it will actually feel to work with them.
At Original Weddings, we’ve heard it all. Couples who regretted hiring a friend. Couples who froze in front of a camera because their photographer gave no guidance. Couples who never even saw their photographer after booking.
Here’s the good news: once you know the #1 mistake, it’s easy to avoid it—and choose a team that gives you photos and videos you’ll treasure forever and an experience that actually feels good from start to finish.
The Mistake Most Couples Don’t Realize They’re Making
It’s Not Asking: “How Will This Photographer Make Me Feel?”
Style matters. Budget matters. But here’s what matters even more—how you feel on your wedding day.
Are you relaxed? Confident? Present? Or are you stressed, awkward, and wondering if your photos will even turn out?
The most common mistake couples make is hiring a photographer based solely on the final product—without thinking about the experience that gets them there. You could hire someone who creates beautiful work, but if they make you feel uncomfortable, unprepared, or unseen on your big day… the results won’t feel like you.
This is your one shot to capture memories that will last forever. The experience matters just as much as the result.
The Price Trap: Why “Cheaper” Often Costs More Later
It’s tempting to go with a lower-cost option—especially when wedding expenses start adding up. But in the world of wedding photography, price almost always reflects experience.
That “budget-friendly” photographer might save you money upfront, but if they miss key moments, deliver blurry or poorly lit photos, or fail to direct and support you on the day… it can cost you far more in regret.
At Original Weddings, we’re not the cheapest. But we are one of the most trusted. With thousands of happy couples, award-winning videography, and a team known for warmth and professionalism, we offer something that can’t be priced—peace of mind.
What You Should Be Looking For in a Photographer or Videographer
A Process That Makes You Feel Informed and Prepared
One of the most powerful ways to avoid stress is to know exactly what’s coming.
That’s why we walk you through a planning process that’s clear, simple, and actually enjoyable. Once you book with Original Weddings, you’ll get a personalized client portal, pre-wedding calls to help you plan your timeline, and check-ins to make sure everything feels aligned.
You’ll know who’s showing up, what they’re capturing, and when you’ll get your final gallery. No guesswork. No ghosting. Just a team that’s got your back.
A Team That Knows How to Lead Without Being Bossy
It’s a balance—not too hands-off, not too pushy. Our photographers know how to read the room and gently guide you when needed (like fixing your train or helping you nail a natural pose), and blend into the background when you just want to enjoy the moment.
You don’t need to worry about “posing” or what to do with your hands. You’ll be surprised how natural and easy it feels when you’re in the hands of someone who gets it.
A Portfolio That Reflects Real People—Not Just Styled Shoots
Want to know if a photographer is the real deal? Look at how they capture real weddings—not just curated styled shoots.
Our galleries are filled with laughter, emotion, movement, and meaning—not just perfect lighting or Pinterest-worthy moments. We want your photos and videos to feel like you, not someone else’s dream board.
What It Looks Like When You Get It Right
Confidence From the First Call to Final Delivery
When you choose the right team, something amazing happens: the anxiety fades.
You’ll feel it from the first meeting—how your photographer listens to what matters to you. How the planning feels seamless. How the wedding day flows effortlessly. And when the final gallery arrives? You’ll cry happy tears, knowing every meaningful moment was captured exactly how you imagined.
You Get to Be Fully Present—and Look Amazing Doing It
You don’t have to be a model to look incredible in your wedding photos. You just need a photographer who knows how to make you feel comfortable and confident.
When you feel at ease, the real you shows up—and that’s where the magic happens. The joy. The connection. The spark.
You Walk Away With Memories You’ll Treasure Forever
These photos aren’t just for now. They are for 10 years from now, when you flip through your album together. For your future kids to see. For that one print that always makes you smile when you walk past it.
They’re the story of your wedding day—told beautifully, truthfully, and forever.
How to Make the Right Choice for Your Wedding Day
Ask How They’ll Support You Before and During the Wedding
Do they offer timeline planning? Pre-wedding meetings? A clear communication process? A photographer or videographer should feel like part of your team—not just someone who shows up on the day.
Talk to Past Couples or Read Real Reviews
Don’t just take their word for it. Look for testimonials that talk about the experience—how the couple felt throughout the process, not just how the photos looked.
Meet the Team—Not Just the Portfolio
At Original Weddings, we always invite couples to meet us before booking. It’s the best way to get a feel for our energy, personality, and approach—and to make sure it feels like a fit.
After all, your photo and video team will be with you all day long. You should feel totally at ease with them!
What to Expect When You Book With Us
From Day One, We’re in Your Corner
Booking Original Weddings isn’t just checking off a vendor—it’s gaining a trusted partner. From the first email to the final gallery delivery, we’re here to support, guide, and simplify. Our team works closely with you, not just for you.
As soon as you check availability, we’ll hop on a friendly intro call to walk through your vision and explain what to expect. You’ll get matched with a photographer and videographer who are perfect for your style and vibe, and you’ll never be left guessing about next steps.
Timeline Help, Planning Tools, and Peace of Mind
Not sure how long family portraits take? Wondering when golden hour hits your venue? We’ve got you. We help build your timeline around your priorities so that the day flows naturally, without stress or scrambling.
Everything lives in one beautifully organized portal—your invoice, timeline, questionnaires, and communication—making it easy to stay on top of everything without the overwhelm. You’ll go into your wedding day feeling prepared, supported, and totally calm.
How We’re Different From Other Photography Teams
Award-Winning Videography, Story-Driven Photography
Our team isn’t just experienced—we’re awarded for our craft. With award-winning video editors and thousands of successful weddings under our belt, we know how to capture not just moments, but emotion and story. Your wedding film will feel like a cinematic reflection of your relationship, not a montage of random clips.
Our photography is emotionally rich, focused on natural light, real expressions, and deep storytelling. Whether your wedding style is rustic, editorial, or timeless, your gallery will feel like your love—real and unforgettable.
We Travel—Without Extra Travel Fees (In Most Cases)
Planning a wedding outside your city? No problem. Our team travels for weddings all over the U.S., and depending on your location and venue, travel may be included at no extra charge.
Whether you’re exchanging vows on a mountaintop, by the ocean, or in a tucked-away forest lodge, we’ll be there—ready to document every breathtaking second.
We Make You Feel Like You Belong in Front of the Camera
The number one compliment we hear? “We felt so comfortable.” That’s no accident. Our team has a calming, supportive presence that helps you relax and be yourself—so your photos reflect who you are, not just what you wore.
We’ll guide you when you need it and fade into the background when the moment calls for it. That balance is what makes the difference between average photos—and ones that move you.
Conclusion
Choosing a wedding photographer and videographer is more than checking a box. It’s about finding a team you can trust with your most important memories.
The #1 mistake most couples make? Choosing based only on cost or style—without asking how that person will actually make them feel throughout the process.
Don’t make that mistake. Choose a team that delivers both beautiful images and a beautiful experience. Choose Original Weddings.
Original Weddings
Ready to meet a team that’s photographed over 2,000 love stories and still treats every one like it’s the most important day in the world?
Check availability now to meet your team, explore our packages, and get access to our free photo planning guide.
We’d love to help you feel confident, relaxed, and totally present on the best day of your life.
