5 Tips for Stress-Free Wedding Photos
Your wedding day should be filled with laughter, love, and little moments you’ll never forget — not stress about photography. As a wedding photographer in Des Moines, Iowa, I know how overwhelming timelines, lighting, and family photo lists can feel. The good news? With a little planning, you can relax and fully enjoy your day while knowing your photos will turn out beautifully.
1. Build a Realistic Wedding Day Timeline
One of the biggest sources of stress for couples is feeling rushed. A well-planned timeline can make or break the flow of your wedding photos.
When I work with couples in Des Moines, I always recommend:
Adding 10–15 minutes of buffer time between events. This allows for small delays (like a slow makeup schedule or traffic between venues).
Planning at least 30 minutes for couple portraits and 30–45 minutes for family formals, especially if you have a large family.
Factoring in travel time if you’re moving between locations.
Pro tip: Share your tentative timeline with your photographer early. We’ll help tweak it so the flow of the day makes sense, while also maximizing the best light.
2. Consider the Daylight (Not Just Golden Hour)
You’ve probably heard that golden hour — that warm, glowing light right before sunset — is the “perfect” time for portraits. And while golden hour in Iowa can be stunning, not every wedding day allows for it.
Here’s what to consider:
Afternoon Ceremonies: Many weddings in Des Moines happen in the bright afternoon sun. While overhead light is harsher, a good photographer knows how to use shadows, open shade, and angles to make you look your best.
Golden Hour Portraits: If your reception timeline allows, consider stepping out for 10–15 minutes at sunset for romantic, glowing photos.
Evening Receptions: If your schedule is packed, don’t worry — a good photographer can create magic in all lighting conditions. Consider asking your potential photographer if they are comfortable using flash indoors, especially when DJ lights will be present.
Bottom line: Be open to the natural light available, and trust your photographer to work with whatever conditions the day brings.
3. Decide if a First Look is Right for You
A “first look” — when the couple sees each other before the ceremony — is becoming more and more popular in Des Moines weddings. Why? Because it makes the day flow so much smoother.
Benefits of a first look:
More Time Together: Instead of waiting until the ceremony, you get a private, emotional moment early in the day.
Less Rushed Portraits: We can capture your couple portraits and wedding party photos before the ceremony, leaving you free to enjoy cocktail hour afterward.
Flexibility for Iowa Weather: If rain is in the forecast, a first look allows us to adjust photo timing and still guarantee you’ll have outdoor portraits.
Of course, some couples want that traditional aisle moment — and that’s just as beautiful! But if photography is a top priority, consider the benefits of a first look for a stress-free timeline.
4. Communicate Your Must-Have Shots
Every couple has a few must-have photos. Sharing these with your photographer helps us prioritize what matters most to you.
Set the expectation with guests to ensure they are ready, groups can be broken down quick and efficiently. For example: start with a large group and then phase out friends, etc. until we are down to immediate family members.
As well, I often suggest making sure to include:
A wide shot of your ceremony location.
The small, intricate details of your day.
Fun, candid moments with your wedding party.
5. Trust Your Photographer
At the end of the day, the most stress-free weddings are the ones where couples relax, enjoy themselves, and let the professionals handle the details.
As a wedding photographer, I’m there not just to click a camera, but to:
Scout the best light and locations ahead of time.
Keep your family formals organized and efficient.
Offer gentle direction for natural poses that never feel stiff.
Capture candid laughter, quiet glances, and little moments you might otherwise miss.
When you trust your photographer, you free yourself to truly live in the moment — and that’s when the most authentic, timeless photos happen.