Wedding photos are more than just snapshots—they’re windows into the real emotion, joy, and spontaneous magic of your celebration. At Jackalope Photography, we believe the best photos are the ones where you're truly in the moment. If you're dreaming of wedding photos filled with laughter, happy tears, and authentic connection, here are five key things to consider when planning your day.



1. Build in Breathing Room Into Your Timeline

Candid moments don’t happen when everyone is rushed or stressed. One of the biggest mistakes couples make is packing their day with back-to-back events, leaving no time for spontaneity. When you give yourself space between your ceremony and cocktail hour, or a few quiet minutes before the reception, you allow room for those unscripted, magical moments to unfold.


Pro Tip: Pad in at least 10–15 minutes after every major event (like getting ready, first look, or family photos) to reset, regroup, and let things happen naturally.



2. Trust Your Photographer and Let Go of the Camera

This might sound obvious, but one of the best ways to get natural photos is to pretend we’re not even there. The more you interact with your people instead of the lens, the more opportunities we have to catch those fleeting, heartfelt glances, laughs, and hugs.


We’ve found that the most candid photos come when couples are fully immersed in their day—not worrying about how they look, or whether they’re "doing it right."


Reminder: You hired your photographer for their eye and their instincts—so relax and trust them to capture what matters most.



3. Consider an Unplugged Ceremony

There’s nothing that pulls focus (or blocks a shot) faster than a sea of phones raised during your vows. Encouraging guests to put their devices away—at least during the ceremony—creates a more intimate atmosphere and allows everyone to be fully present. And that presence shows up in your photos.


How to Do It: A simple sign at the entrance or a quick mention from your officiant can go a long way in creating a truly unplugged experience.



4. Create Intentional Spaces for Interaction

Photos are most compelling when they capture movement and connection. Setting up thoughtful, cozy, or interactive spaces—like a lounge area, lawn games, or a late-night bonfire—encourages guests to mingle, laugh, and settle into the moment. These areas become goldmines for storytelling images that reflect the energy of your celebration.


Examples: A vintage couch under string lights, a communal grazing table, or even a DIY cocktail station can all invite more natural interactions.



5. Don’t Skip the Golden Hour

If there’s one slot to prioritize for dreamy, romantic, and incredibly flattering candid portraits, it’s golden hour—the hour before sunset - specifically if you have a waterfront Annapolis area wedding! Even just 10 minutes during this time can result in some of the most emotionally rich and visually stunning images from your day.


Tip: Talk with your photographer ahead of time to determine when golden hour will fall on your wedding date and location, then plan a short window into your timeline for just the two of you.



Final Thoughts

Candid photography is about capturing your real wedding—the tears, the joy, the hilarious dance floor moves. With a little bit of intentional planning and trust, you can create a day that not only looks beautiful but feels authentic. And when you do, your photos will reflect everything that made your day uniquely yours.


At Jackalope Photography, we specialize in candid, storytelling-style wedding photography with over 10 years of experience capturing moments just like these. Our relaxed, documentary approach means we know exactly when to step back, when to step in, and how to preserve the real beauty of your day as it naturally unfolds. If you're looking for a photographer who will blend seamlessly into your celebration and capture the emotions you didn’t even realize were happening—we're your people.