How I Balance Candid Wedding Photography & Posed Portraits as a Wedding Photographer in Greenville, SC

Weddings

As a wedding photographer in Greenville, SC, I wholeheartedly believe the best galleries are the ones that blend both candid and posed moments. You don’t have to choose between natural emotion and timeless portraits, your wedding photos can (and should!) have both.

Because when you look back on your day, I want you to remember more than how things looked. I want you to feel it all over again.

The bride and groom share a romantic kiss in a grassy field with tall green trees in the background.

The bride and groom face each other in a grassy field, smiling while holding hands against a backdrop of trees.

A black and white shot of the bride’s lace gown and long veil being carried as she walks with her bridesmaids.

black and white photo featuring pearl-embellished bridal heels, a lace garter, pearl bracelet, wedding rings in a box, and an invitation with a wax seal.

Candid Wedding Photos vs. Posed: What’s the Difference?

Let’s start by defining the two:

Posed photos are those classic, intentional shots — portraits with your family, bridal party photos, and couple portraits.
Candid photos are the raw, emotional moments that unfold naturally throughout the day. The way your mom tears up as she buttons your dress. Your partner’s hands shaking slightly during your vows. Your college roommate dancing with your grandma at the reception.

Both types of photos should have a place in your gallery and both are equally meaningful.

Bride laughs on the couch surrounded by her bridesmaids in matching light blue pajamas, captured by a wedding photographer in Greenville, SC.

Black and white photo of the bride applying lipstick in her bridal robe during candid wedding photography in Greenville

Black and white photo of the bride walking down the stairs in her long bridal robe before getting dressed, captured by a Greenville, SC wedding photographer.

A mother of the bride in a navy gown with lace detail smiles while opening a gift from her daughter on the wedding morning.

The bride beams with joy as she gifts her mother a framed illustration of the two of them together on her wedding day.

Bridesmaids in matching light blue pajamas laughing and reacting as they see the bride getting ready on her wedding day in Greenville, SC.

Bride embracing her bridesmaid in a heartfelt hug before the ceremony, a candid moment captured by a Greenville wedding photographer.

Bride smiling as she approaches her father for a first look at Edinburgh West, captured by a wedding photographer in Greenville, SC.

Bride touching her father’s shoulder during their emotional first look at Edinburgh West, a candid wedding photography moment in Greenville, SC.

Father of the bride turning to see his daughter for the first time on her wedding day, smiling with joy at Edinburgh West in Greenville, SC.

Why I Love Candid Wedding Photography

There’s something magical about candid moments. They’re the parts of your wedding day that just happen. No script, no planning. These are the memories that make you laugh, cry, and think, “I didn’t even realize you got that!”

When I think back to Melissa & Colin’s wedding day at Edinburgh West, I remember how effortless it all felt. The quiet moments as Melissa slipped into her dress. The way Colin’s expression completely changed when he saw her walk down the aisle. The joy on their faces when they hit the dance floor and truly let go. That’s the power of candid photography.

Groom smiles while holding bride’s hand around the corner, as the bride laughs softly during their first touch at Edinburgh West

Bride and groom stand back-to-back holding hands around a doorway at Edinburgh West, reading private wedding vows in an emotional candid moment – captured by a Greenville wedding photographer.

Bride and groom smile as they exchange handwritten vows during their private first touch at Edinburgh West – beautifully captured by a Greenville wedding photographer.

Groom wipes away tears while the bride reads vows during their private first touch at Edinburgh West – emotional candid wedding photography in Greenville.

Why Posed Wedding Photos Still Matter

Even if candid moments are your favorite, don’t skip over the posed shots. There’s so much value in them, not just for you, but for your family and future generations. You’ll want those portraits with your grandparents. You’ll want that dreamy golden hour photo of the two of you looking like you stepped out of a magazine.

The key is to make posed photos feel natural. I guide you with prompts that bring out real connection, so even your “posed” photos feel like you.

Bride and groom walk hand-in-hand, smiling at each other, with bridesmaids and groomsmen following behind outside a brick gate.

Bride stands in front of her bridesmaids inside the reception space, with white draping and a chandelier above.

Groom stands in front of his groomsmen, all lined up in matching navy suits, smiling outdoors in a posed wedding photo

Large extended family group photo of bride and groom surrounded by relatives under the floral arch.

Bride and groom pose with groom’s parents under a floral ceremony arch.

Bride and groom pose with bride’s parents under the ceremony arch.

Close-up of groom holding the bride’s bouquet of white flowers.

Close-up of bride and groom’s hands stacked together, showing off their wedding rings.

Elegant bridal portrait with a long veil blowing in the wind at Edinburgh West, photographed by a Greenville wedding photographer.

Black and white photo of bride’s lace wedding gown train flowing behind her, captured by a wedding photographer in Greenville, SC.

Black and white photo of the couple holding hands and walking through a grassy field, the bride smiling back at the groom.

Black and white photo of the groom twirling the bride as her veil flows behind her.

Bride and groom laughing and holding hands while walking together across a sunny green field.

Wide shot of the bride and groom holding hands in a grassy field with tall green trees in the background.

Finding the Right Balance in Your Wedding Gallery

The best galleries are layered with energy and emotion. Some images are quiet and still. Others are loud and joy-filled. All of them matter.

Melissa & Colin’s wedding day flowed beautifully because we built their timeline with intention. That’s why the candid magic happened, because they weren’t rushing or stressing, they were fully in the moment.

As a wedding photographer in Greenville, SC, I believe your timeline should serve you, not the other way around.

A candid wedding photography moment of a Greenville wedding photographer capturing a bridesmaid in a satin gown holding hands with a flower girl carrying a basket during the ceremony at Edinburgh West.

The groom holds back tears as he sees his bride for the first time, a candid wedding photo captured by a Greenville wedding photographer at Edinburgh West.

heartfelt wedding photo in Greenville, SC, with the bride carrying white roses and her father escorting her to the ceremony.

Emotional black-and-white photo of a bride and her father during the wedding processional, a timeless moment by a wedding photographer in Greenville, SC.

Groom turning a unity cross piece while the bride looks on during their wedding ceremony.

Bride smiling while placing the wedding ring on the groom’s finger during the ceremony.

Bride and groom share their first kiss under a lush floral arch during the ceremony, as bridesmaids and groomsmen cheer and clap.

Black and white photo of the groom dipping the bride for a kiss down the aisle as guests cheer and clap.

Black and white close-up of the groom’s hand resting on paperwork as the bride signs their marriage license.

Bride signing the marriage license at a small black table while holding her bouquet, with the groom watching beside her.

Bride and groom share a quiet kiss on the lawn, framed by trees and soft sunlight.

How I Work: Intentionally and Unscripted

My approach is rooted in balance. I’ll guide you where needed, help manage the timeline, and ensure we check off all your must-have photos. But I’ll also know when to step back and just watch, to anticipate the unscripted, emotional, in-between moments that you’ll treasure forever.

You don’t have to perform for the camera. I’ll meet you where you are and make sure you feel seen, celebrated, and genuinely comfortable.

Bride and groom walk hand-in-hand into their reception under a floral arch as guests applaud.

Bridesmaids and groomsmen stand and cheer as the couple makes their entrance.

Groomsmen clap and cheer enthusiastically for the newlyweds.

Bride and groom share their first dance under draped fabric and chandeliers.

Bride smiles at the groom while holding his hands during their first dance.

Close-up of bride laughing joyfully in the groom’s arms during their first dance.

Parents of the bride smile and clap proudly during the first dance.

Elderly guest reacts with surprise and joy, clapping along with other attendees.

Bride shares a tender father-daughter dance with her dad.

Groom shares a joyful dance with his mother, who wears a vibrant green dress.

Close-up of the groom using a cake server to place a slice of the white wedding cake onto a plate.

Black-and-white photo of the bride and groom cutting their wedding cake together, hands on the knife.

Black-and-white photo of the groom playfully feeding cake to the bride during the cake-cutting tradition.

The bride smiles warmly while chatting with seated guests during the reception.

The bride and groom laugh together outdoors during cocktail hour, enjoying a lighthearted moment.

Bridesmaid in light blue dress dances with heart-shaped sunglasses on, laughing and surrounded by other guests on the reception dance floor.

Guest in a light lavender dress with tattoos on her arm dances enthusiastically at the wedding reception, smiling with her arm raised.

Groom in navy suit and sunglasses poses with four friends in suits and a blue dress, smiling together inside the reception venue decorated with white florals.

Client Love

“Ely, thank you SO much! The photos are beyond what I ever imagined and you captured so many moments we didn’t even realize were happening! We were so at ease with you behind the camera. We love how the gallery feels like us. You’re the best!”

Bride and groom laughing while dancing together, candid wedding photography at Edinburgh West.

Wedding guest in a navy suit and sunglasses dancing on the dance floor at Edinburgh West

Bride wearing heart-shaped sunglasses laughing and dancing with guests during her reception — fun candid wedding photography captured by a Wedding Photographer in Greenville, SC.

Flat lay of wedding reception table with cake, flowers, and polaroids, candid wedding photography in Greenville, SC.

Close-up of a beer can cooler with couple’s names and wedding date, detail photo by a Greenville wedding photographer.

Bride and groom dancing together, candid wedding photography at Edinburgh West.

Couple sharing a joyful kiss outside Edinburgh West, posed wedding photos by a Greenville wedding photographer.

Groom smiling while holding his bride’s hand, candid wedding photography in Greenville, SC.

Couple smiling while walking through ribbon wands, candid send-off photo captured in Greenville, SC.

Newlyweds stepping into their getaway car, candid wedding photography at Edinburgh West.

Looking for a Wedding Photographer in Greenville, SC Who Gets It?

If you’re dreaming of a gallery that feels joyful, relaxed, and true to your day, I’d love to be a part of it. Whether you want all the candid moments, timeless portraits, or a perfect blend of both, I’m here to help you feel confident and cared for from start to finish. Get in touch and let’s tell your story in a way that feels like you.