O’Neil Wedding
Mellwood Arts Center | Louisville, Ky
Planning your own wedding is equal parts thrilling and overwhelming. You’re juggling spreadsheets, family opinions, Pinterest dreams, and probably more caffeine than sleep. And in the middle of all that planning, one thing can easily get overlooked: the photography.
As a wedding photographer, I’ve learned that some of the most magical photos don’t happen because of a grand venue or expensive décor—they happen because the couple made space for intention.
So here’s my advice, not just as a photographer, but as someone who truly understands how much this day will mean to you for years to come.
Details Tell the Story: You're putting love into every little detail—the memorial charms hanging from your bouquet, the necklace or bracelet your family member wore to their wedding, the bar sign with cocktails named after your pets. Let’s document them.
The Getting Ready Space Matters
You don’t need a fancy suite, but you do want a space with natural light and minimal clutter. This is where nerves show up, where laughter erupts, and where tender, quiet moments unfold, or the loud dance parties you have with your girls to get the jitter’s out
The First Look Isn’t Just a Trend
Whether it’s a private first look with your partner, your mom, or even your dog—it creates space for authentic emotion.
Don’t Micromanage the Moments
The best wedding photos aren’t posed. They’re in the unscripted stuff: hugs from your dad, a friend adjusting your veil, your partner catching your eye across the table.
You’re building this day from the ground up—and that’s something to be proud of. You don’t need a planner or a big budget to create beautiful memories. You just need intention, trust, and the right eye behind the lens.
At the end of the day, when the flowers fade and the playlist is long forgotten, your photos will tell the story of what really mattered.
Let’s make sure it’s one worth telling.
