Choosing a wedding photographer is more than just picking someone with a camera. It’s about trusting someone to tell your story in a way that feels right to you. But what does that actually mean? Couples often hear buzzwords like “documentary” or “editorial” and think they want one thing—until they realize that the magic happens in the blend of styles.
I approach every wedding with three perspectives: documentary, editorial, and cinematic. Each brings something different to the table, and together, they create a wedding gallery that’s both timeless and deeply personal. Let’s break it down.
Documentary Photography: The Real, Unscripted Moments
Think about the wedding ceremony. This is entirely documentary. In no universe would anyone ever step up and re-pose the couple during this momentous moment. We let it flow and document these moments as they naturally unfold. The same applies to countless other moments throughout the day—the quiet anticipation while getting ready, the way a parent’s eyes well up as they fasten a necklace, or the deep breath the couple takes before walking down the aisle.
At a recent wedding shoot in Ireland, the bride, Masha, had an effortlessly playful energy. In the middle of a perfectly editorial moment—wind sweeping through her gown, the groom holding her face gently—she suddenly bit his lip in a burst of laughter. That moment? Pure documentary photography. Unscripted, real, and absolutely them.
Documentary photography isn’t about perfection—it’s about emotion. The quiet hand squeeze before walking down the aisle. A grandmother wiping away a tear. The groom exhaling deeply just before turning around for the first look.
These are the photos that make you feel something every time you look at them.
Editorial Photography: The Art of Intention
Editorial photography is about storytelling with direction. Think of a high-fashion magazine: carefully composed, thoughtful lighting, and an emphasis on aesthetic and emotion.
For Masha and her groom, we wanted their wedding photos to feel like they belonged in Vogue. The sweeping landscapes of Ireland, the bold yet effortless styling, the perfectly timed movement of fabric catching the wind—it was about crafting a visual story that felt grand yet intimate.
But here’s the thing: even within editorial photography, there’s room for spontaneity. After capturing the polished, fashion-forward portraits, Masha waved dramatically out the car window as they drove off, a playful goodbye to the day. That wasn’t directed—it was her. That mix of refinement and personality is what makes editorial wedding photography truly special.
Cinematic Photography: The Romance of the In-Between
If documentary is the reality and editorial is the art, cinematic photography is the feeling.
Imagine your wedding day as a movie. The big, sweeping moments are important, but what about the B-roll? The quiet in-between frames that add depth and make the story real? That’s what cinematic photography does.
It’s the motion blur from a couple spinning together in laughter. The angles that break tradition—a reflection in a rain-soaked street, a silhouette against a golden sunset. The details we romanticize: hands intertwined, fabric catching the wind, the flicker of candlelight in an intimate reception.
Cinematic photography is about romance—not in the cheesy sense, but in the way life feels when you let yourself be extra you. When you embrace movement, touch, imperfection. When your wedding gallery doesn’t just show what happened—it makes you feel what happened.
Why I Blend All Three
For many years, I was the “smile at the camera” photographer. I thought that’s what my clients wanted—the perfect Kodak moment. But over time, I noticed something: the images that brought people back weren’t the posed ones. They were the ones that brought them back to a feeling.
That’s why I don’t shoot in just one style. A wedding isn’t one thing—it’s everything.
•The quiet, stolen moments (documentary)
•The striking, artistic portraits (editorial)
•The movement, depth, and soul of the day (cinematic)
Your wedding gallery should be as multidimensional as your love story. Because at the end of the day, these aren’t just photos. They’re the proof that this happened. That you were here. That this love existed in this exact, fleeting moment.
And that’s worth capturing in every possible way.
Book Your Wedding Photography: Let’s create something unforgettable. For more inspiration and to see my latest work, follow me on Instagram: @mariahmilan
Credits:
Florals & Planning – Desert Rose Creative
Bride and Groom: Masha & Joseph
Hair & Makeup – The Ivory Standard
Classic Car – All Events Limos Ireland
Location & Decor Rentals – Wilton Castle, Ireland
