I’ve been doing site visits for nearly two years now — where I meet my couples at their wedding venue before the big day. And every single time, I’m reminded how powerful it is to simply show up in person.
So much of wedding planning happens through screens — emails, Zoom calls, shared timelines — but when it comes to creating your photos, nothing compares to walking the space together. A site visit lets me experience your day the way you will: how the light moves through the trees, where laughter will echo, and how the energy will flow through the space.
And that? Changes everything.
Real collaboration happens in person
When we’re at your venue, we get to collaborate in a totally different way. You show me what you’re envisioning — that tucked-away courtyard, the oak trees, the rooftop with a view — and I get to help you see how it will actually photograph.
We’ll talk about things like:
- Where you’ll stand during your ceremony (and who will get the good light 😉)
- How the direction of the sun might affect your photos — and whether adjusting the ceremony angle or timing could make it even better
- Your plans for your recessional
Sometimes a simple fifteen-minute shift in your timeline means the difference between squinting into the sun and being wrapped in golden light.
And while we’re there, it’s also the perfect time to plan out your recessional — how you’ll walk back down the aisle as newlyweds. Do you want to stop for a quick midway kiss? Bring your flower girl or pup in for the moment? Have your guests throw petals, blow bubbles, or wave something fun?
All of those tiny decisions add up to a moment that feels personal and photographs beautifully. That’s the beauty of being on-site — we can visualize it all together and make sure your walk down the aisle (and back!) feels exactly how you want it to.
Lighting game plan = flawless photos
Lighting isn’t just a technical thing — it’s a vibe. Whether you’re getting married under redwoods, inside a wine cave, or in a moody music hall, I’ll be looking at how we can make the light work for you.
During your site visit, I’ll check out:
- What the natural light’s doing throughout the day
- How I’ll layer in my own lighting setup once the sun dips
- How your DJ or lighting team’s uplights, and venue asthetic will play into the photos
By the time your wedding rolls around, we’ve got a full lighting game plan. You get to chill, dance, and sip champagne — I’ve got the glow handled.
We plan for the big, joyful moments
Some parts of a wedding just can’t be winged — like the hora, the sparkler exit, or that wild first-dance confetti moment.
During a site visit, we’ll figure out things like:
- Where the best backdrop will be (because yes, even chaos deserves good composition)
- How to loop in your DJ and planner so everyone’s in sync
- What angles or lighting setups will make those candid, in-motion shots shine
You can let a hora happen to you, or you can plan for one that photographs like a dream. A site visit helps make it the latter.
We choose the best photo locations — based on light and timing
Here’s where the magic really happens. Most couples do portraits at several points throughout the day: before the ceremony (during the first look), after the ceremony, and again at sunset.
During our site visit, we can walk through each potential spot and see how the light hits it — morning, afternoon, and evening. That lets us plan a flow that feels natural:
- Dreamy, soft light for your first look
- Shaded, even light for family portraits
- Glowy, cinematic light for golden hour
It’s not just about choosing “pretty places.” It’s about putting you in the right place at the right time for the most beautiful, natural light.
It sparks creativity and preparation
When I know a space in advance, my creative brain starts spinning. Maybe I’ll bring color gels to light up the trees, or a tripod for a night shot, or props like bubble guns or vintage suitcases for a fun editorial twist.
Those creative decisions — the ones that make your gallery feel like you — often start during the walkthrough.
It gets your vendor dream team vibing early
Site visits aren’t just for you and your photographer. They’re a chance to get the whole dream team on the same page — planner, DJ, lighting crew, sometimes even your florist or videographer.
When we all walk the space together, we get to problem-solve early, trade ideas, and build a plan that flows. You don’t have to coordinate every little thing — we’ve already met, connected, and synced up behind the scenes.
That kind of collaboration sets the tone for an effortless, joy-filled day.
You get to see your photos come to life — before they exist
Since so much happens virtually these days, a site visit is also a beautiful opportunity to meet in person, talk through your album design ideas, and actually hold sample albums.
It’s one thing to see images online — it’s another to feel the texture, turn the pages, and imagine your own story in print.
The bottom line
A wedding site visit isn’t just a box to check. It’s where the creativity, collaboration, and confidence come together before your day even begins.
It’s how your photographer learns your venue, how your vendors build trust, and how you get to simply be present on your wedding day — knowing that everyone already knows the plan.
When your photographer shows up before the wedding, they’re not just scouting for light — they’re building the visual story of your love.
✨ Your people. Your vibe. Your best light — planned to perfection.
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