Authentic Candid Wedding Photos I can’t believe I captured

There’s an obsession with candid wedding photos. Some people even call it “documentary style” wedding photography. My personal approach to a wedding day is a combination of candid + authentic photos, with some formal portraits added in. It’s my experience that most people want both posed and documentary style photos. So, whether it’s bridal party photos or romantic couple’s portraits, there are times when I guide and prompt, even pose, for photos that will last a lifetime on your walls or coffee table album. BUT. There are more times on a wedding day when I simply stand back and watch, wait, and capture the real moments of the day. I want to share some of those rare, intimate moments that I love that truly represent real, candid wedding photos.

What these photos ARE

The photos below are real, uninterrupted moments. They’re candid wedding photos that I walked up to, saw a special, authentic photo opportunity, and took it before it was gone–candid photos that surprised me.

Specifically, I wanted to share photos that are outside of designated “events,” like the first dance, cake cutting, etc. When I’m capturing a wedding, there are a lot of little events happening throughout the day, with a billion “candid” moments, but it’s the times between those I am always excited by.

What these photos are NOT

The photos below are NOT posed, organized, curated. These photos aren’t ones where I interjected with a word like “get together” or “look at each other and laugh!” or “kiss now!” Sometimes even a bride or groom’s family member might try to curate a “candid wedding photo,” but at the end of the day, it was posed. Those have their own place, for sure! It was a sweet moment, yes, but it isn’t a real candid wedding photo. I see it all the time. That is why the photos below are the ones I remember the most. They’re the photos you didn’t make the stars align yourself. I wasn’t asked to photograph a particular thing, I just walked up. No Taylor Swift “Mastermind” photos here. Just unplanned moments.

Jack and Keller’s Santa Clarita Wedding

Their full wedding post with their photos and video is here!

Keller on her way to a first look with her dad. If I can trail behind to get a story telling photo like this, I will.
A hug and a kiss right after the wedding ceremony, right before marriage license signing.
Keller’s sister, Piper, and her boyfriend watching the guests from inside.
A special moment between Keller and a loved one.
Bride’s Mom and Dad sharing a joyful moment during the reception.

Gavin and Liv’s Camarillo Wedding at McCormick Home Ranch

Their full wedding post with photos and their video is here!

Liv’s mom carrying her dress to the first look.
While taking photos of Liv, Gavin was admiring her and I snuck this photo.
While taking photos of Gavin. I snuck this of Liv.
The groom’s dad and grandmother watching Liv walk down the aisle.

Kayla and Zack’s Camarillo Wedding at Casi Cielo Vineyard

Their full vineyard wedding is here!

The Bride’s dad watching his daughter and her mom share a moment, and using the handkerchief she had just given him as a gift.
The bride and groom dancing alongside her siblings and parents. Couldn’t have organized this better.

Becca and Travis’ Miller Landing Wedding in Arrowhead

Their full wedding post is here!

I literally walked in to see the bride and groom smiling at their parents directly after the ceremony.
The bride dancing with grandma.
Bride and groom dancing with Grandparents.

Olivia and Liam’s Wedding at Miller’s Landing

The single tear is a paid actor during their first look.
Olivia and her dad practicing their Napoleon Dynamite dance for the reception.

Arianna and Josiah’s Trabuco Canyon Wedding


Waving to arriving guests, captured through the church window.

Lauren and Christian’s Serendipity Garden Wedding

Here’s their full wedding post with their photos and video here!

Lauren and Christian’s parents laughing with them on the dance floor.

Valerie and Ronny’s Hidden Oak Retreat Wedding

As I walked by, I saw Valerie’s mom finishing up the cake, even in her wedding attire.

That’s all for now. I just love chasing these moments.

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