One of the questions I hear most often from couples is “How would you describe your photography style?”. If you’ve spent any time researching wedding photographers, you’ve probably seen terms like editorial, documentary, photojournalistic, or posed-but-natural, and to be honest it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out what those actually mean. The truth is, the most meaningful wedding galleries don’t live strictly in one category. They live in the space between. That’s why I approach every wedding day with a thoughtful blend of editorial and documentary photography.

Editorial wedding photography is polished and intentional. It focuses on clean composition, flattering light, and guided posing that feels elevated but never stiff. These are the images you might imagine seeing in a magazine, beautifully framed portraits, carefully styled details, and moments where everything feels perfectly in place. Editorial photos shine during portraits, flat lays, and intentional moments when we slow things down just enough to create something refined and artistic.

Documentary wedding photography, on the other hand, is rooted in real moments and honest emotion. It’s about capturing what naturally unfolds without interruption. Things like laughter, tears, the quiet exchanges, and the unexpected in-between moments that can’t be recreated. These are the moments you don’t plan for. Imagine taking deep breath before walking down the aisle, the final moment between you and person who is about to give you away, hands squeezing tightly during vows, or the way your friends celebrate you on the dance floor. Documentary images are raw, emotional, and deeply personal.

Where the magic really happens is when the two styles work together. I love blending editorial and documentary photography. You receive refined, frame-worthy portraits AND emotional images that transport you back to how the day felt. An editorial approach ensures your portraits feel timeless and intentional. I’ll guide you into natural movement, flattering angles, and moments that feel relaxed and confident rather than overly posed. You’ll never be left wondering what to do with your hands, but you’ll also never feel like you’re performing for the camera. At the same time, my documentary approach allows me to step back and let moments unfold organically. Some of the most meaningful images happen when couples forget the camera is there…and that’s where real emotion lives.

This blended approach is especially powerful on a wedding day because it creates space for presence. When you’re not worried about rushing through portraits or constantly being pulled away, you’re free to experience your day fully. It allows flexibility.

If you’re drawn to images that feel elevated but honest, polished but emotional, and timeless but personal, a mix of editorial and documentary photography might be exactly what you’re looking for.

xoxo,

Victoria Mitchell