Most couples planning their wedding feel pulled in two directions when it comes to photography. On one hand, there’s the scroll-stopping editorial style that looks incredible on Pinterest. On the other, there’s the comfort of candid photography that feels like home, real, in-the-moment memories you can feel forever. So which should you choose for your wedding day?

The answer: you don’t have to.

My approach to wedding photography blends both editorial and candid style naturally. You get timeless, frame-worthy portraits and honest, emotional storytelling in one cohesive gallery. 

You never have to choose between looking like you stepped out of a magazine or having your wedding day documented exactly as it felt. 

This is where editorial and candid wedding photography truly shines and you get to have both.

What Each Photography Style Brings to your Wedding Gallery

Let’s quickly break down the differences so you can better understand what each wedding photography style brings to your wedding gallery.

Editorial wedding photography 

Editorial photography is often posed and stylized. Think of it as intentional, fashion-inspired photography. These are the images that highlight the dress, the florals, the setting, and the drama. They’re artful, curated, and cinematic.

Candid wedding photography 

Candid photography (often referred to as documentary or photojournalistic photography) is all about real moments. The groom wiping away a tear. Your best friend belly laughing during a toast. A grandparent quietly watching you say your vows. These are the photos that showcase intimate snapshots.

Photojournalistic wedding photography

Photojournalistic style tells the story as it unfolds, without interruption. It captures the energy, the motion, and the emotion of the day.

When combined, editorial and candid wedding photography give you the best of both worlds: stunning portraits with real feeling, and storytelling that holds nothing back. 

And when you’re weighing editorial vs candid wedding photography, you don’t have to land on one side or the other.

My Approach to Combining All Three

Couples often come to me because I’ve built my brand around candid and documentary photography. 

They tell me they’re nervous in front of the camera. They want to feel natural and not overly posed. 

What I like to say is: it’s my job to make you feel comfortable, no matter what style of photo we’re taking.

By nature, most of a wedding day is captured in a documentary style. Weddings are filled with spontaneous, unscripted moments that unfold naturally. That’s where I stay quiet and observant, letting the story tell itself. Posing is actually a small part of the day.

There are moments, though, where we get to pause and create something a bit more artistic—like during getting ready time or portraits. That’s where I lean into creativity and light direction.

I never go into a wedding day with a one-size-fits-all plan. I read the room. I consider the energy. Are you feeling nervous? Tired? Excited? Do we have five minutes or thirty? Is the environment lush and dramatic, or clean and simple? All of these details guide how I approach each moment.

For example:

• Portraits: I’ll direct you gently to bring out that editorial flair while making sure you still feel like you. We won’t do anything stiff or overly posed.
• Ceremony: I take a documentary approach, quietly capturing the emotion, the reactions, the connection between you and your guests.
• Reception: This is where candid photography shines. Dancing, laughter, speeches, the unpredictable fun, I’m there for all of it.

This mixed style approach gives you a wedding gallery that feels full. Like a real story, not just a highlight reel. 

That blend is what makes mixed style wedding photography such a powerful choice. It also reflects what couples often need most: a versatile wedding photographer who can adapt to each part of the day.

Why Wedding Couples Love the Variety

What I’ve found is that when couples get both styles blended into one gallery, they feel more seen. You don’t just get one version of your day, you get the whole story. The emotional and the elevated. The spontaneous and the styled. And throughout it all, I guide you where it makes sense, and fade into the background when it doesn’t.

That means no awkward posing, no over-directing, and no pressure to perform. I’m a photographer who knows when to step in and when to let the moment speak for itself.

Creatively, not being limited to just one style also gives me the freedom to deliver my best work. Some of the most compelling wedding galleries come from that fluid mix, where we can pivot based on the light, the space, the vibe, and your energy. Sticking to one style only can actually take away from that spontaneity.

This is exactly why I embrace editorial and candid wedding photography as a conversation, not a decision. Every wedding deserves both. And being a versatile wedding photographer allows me to give each couple exactly what they need, without forcing a single mold.

You Don’t Have to Choose Between Editorial and Candid Wedding Photography

One of my favorite pieces of feedback from a past couple, Evan and Karli, was this:

“What Skylar photographed on our wedding day truly encapsulates exactly how we feel about that day. That it was the best day of our lives, so far. She made sure she was present at every important moment of the evening. And the result is just absolutely beautiful. A perfect way to relive the day. Through the photos, you can feel how it was a beautiful summer day. You can feel the emotion of the ceremony. You can feel the outpouring of love from our family and friends. You can just feel that it’s the best day of our lives.

We absolutely adored working with her throughout our wedding process. You get the best of both worlds with Skylar. Someone who puts your mind at ease because she is clearly extremely organized and professional. But also someone who feels like a friend with a stunning creative touch and a spectacular point of view. Obviously, a photographer is a key part of a wedding and we are convinced there was no better choice for us than Skylar.”

That’s what happens when you mix styles with intention. You feel the day, not just see it. View more reviews for A Million Skys Photography.

If you’re planning a wedding and don’t want to choose between looking amazing and feeling natural, you don’t have to. Let’s create a gallery that does both.

View more of my work and browse my wedding portfolio.