7 Insider Tips for a Dream Wedding Day from a Virginia Wedding Photographer

Create timeless wedding photos with less stress and more magic

You’ve planned your color palette, pinned your dream dress, and maybe even have a countdown app and five Google Docs tracking every detail. But when it comes to those jaw-dropping, stop-you-in-your-tracks wedding galleries you see on Instagram, there’s more happening behind the scenes than just a pretty venue and good lighting.

As a Virginia wedding photographer specializing in luxury weddings and classic wedding photography, I’ve seen firsthand what makes a wedding not just beautiful, but unforgettable. Let’s pull back the curtain so you can walk into your day feeling fully prepared — and walk away with the kind of timeless wedding photos you’ll love forever.

Here are 7 insider tips for a dream wedding day — from someone who’s seen it all (and captured it, too):

1. Plan for breathing room in your timeline

A stress-free timeline is the secret sauce of every luxury wedding. Build in buffer time between events so you can soak it all in — not sprint from moment to moment. Trust me, this helps you stay present and gives us space to capture those emotional, unscripted in-between shots that always end up being favorites.

💡 No planner? I’ve worked with some amazing day-of coordinators I’d love to recommend!

2. Your getting ready space sets the tone

Want your wedding photos to look elevated and editorial? Start with the getting-ready location. Choose a space with natural light, neutral walls, and minimal clutter. Keep bags and extras tucked away — the cleaner the space, the more polished your photos.

This is the beginning of your story. Make it photo-worthy.

3. Go for an unplugged ceremony

You’ve been dreaming of this aisle moment — don’t let it be hidden behind a sea of phones. Ask your guests to put down their devices and be present. As your photographer, I’ve got every angle covered with professional gear and a trained eye.

4. Golden hour = glow-up

If you’re dreaming of those soft, romantic, golden-lit portraits? That’s golden hour magic. Set aside 10–15 minutes just before sunset to sneak away for portraits — it’s quick, low-stress, and delivers frame-worthy results.

📍 Not sure when sunset hits on your wedding day? Check here: Roanoke Sunset Times

5. Curate a flat lay styling kit (or let me bring mine!)

Your wedding details — rings, shoes, invitation suite, heirloom jewelry — deserve their moment, too. Bring a box with all your favorites and ask your florist to include a few loose blooms or clippings. I’ll take it from there and style it beautifully.

📸 Not your thing? No worries — I’ve got a professional flat lay kit and know exactly how to make your details shine.

6. Consider a first look

Whether it’s with your partner, your dad, or even your pup — first looks are packed with raw emotion. They calm your nerves, give you a quiet moment together, and open up more time for portraits (and cocktails!). Not for everyone, but when it works? It’s pure magic.

7. Choose vendors who just get you

The best wedding days feel effortless because of what happens behind the scenes. Choose a vendor team that understands your vision, hypes you up, and keeps everything running smoothly. You should feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

✨ That connection? It shows in your photos.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, it’s not just about looking beautiful — it’s about how your day felt. The happy tears, the unplanned laughs, the pure joy of celebrating with the people you love. My job as your Virginia wedding photographer is to document every piece of that, in a way that feels true to you.

If you’re dreaming of a timeless wedding gallery that tells your story with heart, intention, and artful detail — let’s talk. Dates fill quickly, and I’d love to be a part of your journey.

📸 https://adriannetherrienphotography.com/

Let’s make some magic,

Adrianne