Cinematic Storytelling: Like Your Favourite Indie Film, But With Cake

Remember when wedding photography was all about everyone standing in a line, trying not to blink, and pretending your nan hadn’t just made a wildly inappropriate joke? Thankfully, those days are behind us. These days, couples want something more real. More cinematic. More them.

As a wedding photographer, I’m seeing a huge shift in what couples are asking for—and it’s not just about the dress or the decor anymore. It’s about telling a story. Their story. One that actually looks and feels like the day itself: joyful, messy, emotional, hilarious, and a little bit magical.

If you’ve ever looked at a wedding photo and thought, "Wait, is this a still from a Wes Anderson film?" you’re not alone. The trend towards cinematic wedding photography is all about turning moments into mood. Wide frames, golden light, movement, depth—it's less about perfect posing and more about honest emotion.

It’s that glance between the couple before they walk down the aisle. The chaos of confetti. The quiet moment when everyone else has gone inside and you’re just holding hands under the stars. These aren’t just photos. They’re memory triggers. And they hit differently.

Documentary Vibes: Real Moments Over Posed Perfection

The best wedding moments? They’re rarely the ones you plan. Like when the page boy pelts it down the aisle at 100mph, or your dad starts crying during the speeches (even though he swore he wouldn’t).

Documentary-style photography is about capturing the unfiltered magic of the day. The little interactions, the belly laughs, the tears you didn’t see coming. It’s photography that notices things—without interrupting. Think of it as your day, exactly as it happened, only a little more poetic.

Sustainability: Eco-Conscious Weddings Deserve Eco-Conscious Photography

The modern couple cares about the planet—and rightly so. Sustainable weddings are on the rise, from seasonal menus and compostable confetti to thrifted gowns and local flowers. But your photography choices can be part of that ethos too.

Digital-first delivery means no unnecessary packaging. Fine art prints on recycled or FSC-certified paper reduce waste. And keeping things local—whether that’s the venue or the suppliers—keeps your footprint smaller. You’re not just planning a wedding; you’re leaving a legacy. Your photos should reflect that.

Wellness Weddings: Nature, Light, and Space to Breathe

Gone are the days of cramped ballrooms and stuffy timelines. More couples are choosing wellness-inspired venues: gardens, retreats, forest lodges, even beaches. The vibe? Less “formal sit-down” and more “slow mornings, deep breaths, barefoot dancing."

For photography, this is a dream. Natural light, unforced moments, and space for people to actually relax make for images that breathe. If your wedding is about connection and calm, the photos should feel like that too.

Five Tips for Story-Led & Sustainable Wedding Photos:

Plan a golden hour slot – That soft, honey-coloured light is pure magic.

Trust your photographer – Let us notice the moments you might miss.

Embrace the documentary style – Movement, laughter, and the occasional chaos are part of the story.

Ask about eco-conscious options – From digital-only galleries to sustainable print choices.

Choose meaningful locations – The places that feel like you make for the best backdrops.

Weddings today are less about ticking boxes and more about creating an experience that actually feels like you. And that shift is showing up in the photos too. So if you’re planning a wedding that’s cinematic, honest, and a little bit green—I’d love to hear about it.

(Or, you know, we can just talk about film stocks and biodegradable confetti over coffee. Your call.)