At its core, documentary-style photography is about finding moments, not creating them. It’s about observing the day as it unfolds, understanding the narrative, and capturing it in a way that feels emotionally honest. These are photos you’ll want in your wedding gallery in those hidden moments throughout your day, the ones you might not think to ask for, simply because you couldn’t have planned them.

When you book us, we always ask who the most important people are to you and your partner. It might seem obvious, but picture this: you’ve just walked back down the aisle and everyone is hugging each other. Your grandparents pull you in to say congratulations and they pause a moment with their hands on your cheek. That moment right there, that’s what we’re looking for. Not the posed photo where we tell you where to stand, how to smile, or what to do with your hands. But the real, unscripted, fraction-of-a-second when someone gives you a genuine smile and a tight squeeze because they’re just so happy for you. That’s the kind of story we’re here to tell and the kind of photos you’ll want in your wedding gallery.

Of course, the more structured photos matter too, and we’re happy to take them. But imagine looking through your wedding gallery and seeing your loved ones mingling during cocktail hour, moments you didn’t even realize were happening. Or catching that single tear wiped away during the speeches. Those will be some of your favourite photos of the day and they’re our favourites to photograph.

Maybe you’re here looking for some practical ways to set up your day, so these kinds of moments can actually happen. First off (okay, a little biased), a documentary-style photographer would already be tuned into this. Still, there are some choices you can make that really help. Here are three things you can do to help uncover those hidden moments you’ll want in your wedding gallery:

1. Photos You’ll Want in Your Wedding Gallery: Post Ceremony Reactions

Building in time after your ceremony, before jumping into formal portraits or family photos, can make a big difference in how your day feels. It gives you space to breathe, take it all in, and connect with the people who matter most. This is when you get to hug your grandma, share a laugh with that uncle you haven’t seen in years, or just soak up all the emotions. These are often the moments you didn’t even realize were happening until you see them in your gallery and think, “wow, that was such a special moment, I’m so glad it was captured.” All the unscripted hugs, funny stories shared, and happy tears. Those are what bring your memories to life. Photos that you’ll want in your wedding gallery and will help trigger the best memories of the day that meant so much to you.

2. Photos You’ll Want in Your Wedding Gallery: Quality Time During Cocktail Hour

Leave some time for us to capture you and your husband while guests mingle during cocktail hour. Those are the times you’ll get to relax and enjoy a drink with your people while we work behind the scenes. When are you ever going to have all your favourite people all in one spot again? Guests chatting, kids running around, old university friends taking a shot together—those in-between moments are what its all about. That’s one example of how you an help set the stage for some of the photos you’ll want in your wedding gallery.

3. Photos You’ll Want in Your Wedding Gallery: Reactions During Speeches

We love capturing the glances you give each other when your mom or dad shares a funny story from your childhood, or when your best man or maid of honour describes your relationship in a way that hits home. Even the laughs from your guests (especially when a sibling roasts you a little) are gold. And we’re total suckers for the newlyweds cuddled in close during speeches, so don’t be afraid to get comfy for these. These micro-reactions are so special and another example photos you’ll want in your wedding gallery. P.S. Make sure you have time to eat your meal before the speeches start because you definitely don’t want to be eating during them.

Sonia V Photography

What we’re trying to say is: don’t overpack your timeline. Too many back-to-back events will feel rushed. If you skip one Pinterest-worthy moment, but gain space to really connect with your people, trust me, it’s worth it. If you want to learn more about our documentary-style approach.