Build Your Dream Team — And Choose Your Photographer Who Feels Like Home
You’ve celebrated your love, named your must-haves, and begun gathering your vendor dream list. Now, let’s weave in one of the most important parts of your vendor lineup: your photographer, the storyteller who will carry your memories forward.
Why Your Photographer Matters—More Than Just Photos
Photography isn’t just about style—it’s about trust, connection, and feeling seen.
As shared in How to Choose Your Photographer, consider these when you're vetting someone for your big day:
Editing style — Does the tone (warm, vibrant, moody, nostalgic) make you feel you?
Posing style — Are they sliding in candid moments, striking editorial frames, or fostering comfortable, in-between energy?
Personal connection — Do their words make you feel like you're talking to a friend who just gets you?
You might say, “I want someone who can encapsulate the way it felt—not just how it looked.”
That line? That’s your North Star. The right photographer makes your gut flutter and makes the process feel like a safe, fun adventure.
The Vendor List You’re Building (With Photographer Front and Center)
Think of your vendors as your wedding-day family—each with a role that helps your story unfold naturally. Here’s your core lineup:
- Venue — Where your story unfolds (think: personal, authentic, perfect backdrop).
- Wedding Coordinator — Your stress-buster and planner-extraordinaire.
- Photographer — The emotional narrator of your day (make sure they feel like a friend).
- Videographer — Memories in motion.
- Florist — Floral storytellers.
- Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist — Your hype squad for last-minute mirror selfies.
- Nail Technician — Those little details that look magical in close-ups.
- Band or DJ — DJs or bands turning up your soundtrack.
- Cake/Bakery & Caterers/Mobile Eatery — Treats that taste as good as the day feels.
- Dress & Gown Shops & Seamstress — From "yes to the dress" to "fits like magic."
- Stationery Designer — Ink that sets the tone before your guests even arrive.
- Jeweler — The keepers of your sparkle.
- Officiant — The voice behind your "I dos."
- Mobile Bars — Pouring drinks and personality.
- Rentals — The little extras that bring your vision to life.
Weave in the Photographer Connection
The photographer isn't just filling a box—they help your other vendors shine, too. Here’s how to think about this part of your team:
Let Personality Lead
Don’t just pick popular—choose someone whose energy matches yours. If their words felt like a friend, trust that. (nicolekilday.com)
Portfolio = Feeling
Go beyond likes; imagine your kids flipping through your wedding album decades later. Does it feel real? Does it feel like home? (nicolekilday.com)
Embrace Storytelling Over Checklist
Choose someone who celebrates the in-between moments, the laughter between speeches, and the tears during your first dance. Your photographers’ art should fade into memory, only to grow more meaningful over time. (nicolekilday.com)
Putting It All Together: Prioritize, Connect, Then Book
Once your must-haves are clear and your budget is laid out, start with these essential vendors:
- Venue
- Photographer (and Videographer, if desired)
- Wedding Coordinator
These three vendors will be with you the longest time frame of your day, and you'll want to make sure you have time to spend together before hand. The last thing I want as a photographer, is for you to feel like a stranger is tagging along on your wedding day. I prioritize that friendship from day one so we can continue to grow our connection and build a seamless experience with heart.
From there, build out the rest of your team with heart and intention—champagne-personalities, detail-lovers, artists, planners, kind souls who’ll show up and feel like home on your wedding day.
Your day should feel like a home-coming.
Your vendors aren’t just hired help—they’re your team, your memory makers, your loud-when-you-need-it, quiet-when-you-need-it crew. Especially your photographer. From portfolio to personality, they should feel like the friend who keeps your story safe.
When your vendor team feels like family, the day won’t just be a wedding—it’ll feel like coming home.