I was recently inspired to share my favorite candid wedding moments from the past year after reading this post by an amazing wedding photographer in Virginia. While I love telling my couples’ full story in their wedding blog post, more often than not the majority of the images I post are gorgeously styled details or portraits in perfect lighting. And, while hopefully you can’t tell that I’m behind the scenes in most of the shots, there typically is an amount of artistry and styling that goes into every wedding photo.

However, these candid “unscripted” moments are just as important as any instagram-worthy share, and I am so excited to share a few of my favorites from the year with you today. Katie Nesbitt compared unscripted photos to the glue that ties a couple’s wedding story together, and I couldn’t think of a better analogy myself!

We’ll kick things off with this image of Dean & Kelsey immediately after their ceremony. They had left the room and were by themselves in a hallway when it all sunk in, and Dean wrapped Kelsey in the biggest hug imaginable as they cried and laughed and danced together in their own little world!Oh, and I had to share this, because I just couldn’t get over the excitement Dean had to see Kelsey come down the aisle — even AFTER their first look! That face! Those clenched fists! It’s just the best!! :)  Loved this moment between Kerstin and her mom after they put on her dress.And I’ll never forget Scott & Christine’s entrance to their reception — to the tune of the Titanic theme song, no less!!All the momma snuggles during Melissa & Jason’s ceremony were such a testament to the bond of family they both value so much!Lindsay’s Dad tearing up during her first look with her bridesmaids was another moment I’m so glad I caught!And this shot of Melissa’s grandma stopping to say hello to a guest just makes me smile every time!Matt’s reaction to Kerstin during their own first look? Priceless!Scott’s parents are SO fun, and I love this shot of their reactions to his best man’s speech!While I may have never seen the result of this selfie, I’m sure it was the best!! :)During the ceremony, I always love capturing shots of the guests, too. This one stood out to me during a prayer for Lindsay & Stephen’s future as husband and wife — what a powerful thing!Everyone started clapping after Alyssa got into her dress because she was so gorgeous, and her mom & MOH’s reaction on the right just can’t be beat!A shared sister hug after a formal photo that just made my heart smile!Waving to the honking cars during bridal party portraits!I always get individual formal shots with the bride and her bridesmaids, but I just love these of Brooke and Margarita! Totally unprompted, and totally THEM!!! Jason gave Melissa’s son the biggest hug as they all walked out of the ceremony during their first official minutes as a family — ahhh!!Love this shot of Kelsey’s brother and his son during the reception — two peas in a pod!I’ll end with these two….I don’t think Stephen looked away from Lindsay during her father’s toast for more than one second, and I just remember tearing up at the way his love for her was written all over his face!! 

Looking forward to more unscripted moments in 2017! I only have TWO spaces left for the whole year, so if you’re recently engaged or know of someone who is looking, I’d love to get in touch! :)

Happy Friday, friends!

Love love love,

Sami