I'm Tyler, a documentary wedding photographer based in Connecticut, who works with couples worldwide. I believe that weddings are meant to be lived, not performed. This journal is where I share some of my quick insights as a documentary photographer, and I hope that you find something useful or inspiring here.
When you're planning your wedding, you'll probably come across a lot of incredible photography—scrolling through Pinterest boards, Instagram feeds, and photography websites packed with inspiration.
One thing that's not always obvious?
A number of the wedding photos you see may not actually be from real weddings.
And some of the couples you're looking at?
They’re professional models—not actual newlyweds.
Styled shoots (sometimes called editorials) are a big part of the wedding industry. They’re carefully planned creative sessions designed to showcase ideas, venues, and vendor collaborations. They have their place—and many photographers who create beautiful styled shoots are equally as skilled at photographing real weddings.
But styled shoots and real weddings are two very different environments. Understanding that difference—especially when it comes to who you’re seeing in those images—can help you approach your wedding choices with clarity, clearer expectations, and a lot more confidence.
A styled shoot is essentially a staged creative event designed specifically for photography.
Vendors—planners, florists, designers, and photographers—come together to create a full wedding scene.
Professional models stand in as the bride and groom.
Gowns are borrowed from designers.
Details are curated down to the last floral stem and table setting.
Locations and timelines are chosen for perfect light.
Everything—including the couple—is intentionally styled and selected for the photos.
And it works: styled shoots result in stunning images, showcasing what’s creatively possible when everything is expertly curated and controlled.
But it’s important to remember: Styled shoots aren’t real weddings, and most couples aren't professional models (unless they are—models get married too).
Real weddings move on their own timeline.
Chances are you’re not professional models—you’re a couple living in real moments, surrounded by real people who mean the world to you.
The energy is different. The emotion is real.
There’s no pausing for lighting adjustments or resetting a missed shot.
There’s one first look (if there's one at all), one ceremony, one spontaneous, emotional dance with your cousins or college friends.
And unlike styled shoots, a real wedding day isn’t just about couple portraits. It’s about your full community—friends laughing, family wiping away tears, spontaneous bear hugs, messy dance floors, and all the unpredictable, unforgettable moments in between.
Real wedding photography isn’t about curating perfection. It’s about paying attention. It’s about capturing the realness of a day you only get to live once.
When you’re browsing through websites or Instagram, here are a few things to look for:
The biggest reason all of this matters?
Because it’s your wedding — not a controlled photoshoot.
When you're choosing a wedding photographer, it helps to know what you’re looking at — and what you want reflected back at you in your photos.
You deserve to work with someone whose approach matches what you want to prioritize:
There’s no right or wrong answer — only what’s right for you. If you’re just starting the process, I also wrote a guide that might help you think through what matters most.
guide to choosing your wedding photographer
Understanding the difference between styled shoots and real weddings helps set clearer expectations, empowers you to ask better questions, and gives you more confidence when making one of the important choices for your day.
Real weddings aren't just about the big moments — they're about the small, quiet ones too.
Styled shoots definitely have their place. They showcase creativity, spark ideas, and allow vendors to bring their artistry to life. But your wedding isn’t a marketing campaign. It’s real.
Understanding the difference isn’t about criticizing photographers or styles. It’s about giving you—the couple—the clarity and confidence to choose a photographer who will meet you where you are, and document your day as it truly feels.
