Editorial vs. Documentary Wedding Photography
Editorial vs. Documentary Wedding Photography— What's the difference?
When researching wedding photographers, you’ve likely seen terms like editorial and documentary photography styles tossed around—but what do they really mean? And which is the right fit for your wedding day?
What is Editorial Wedding Photography?
Editorial wedding photography takes inspiration from fashion magazines and styled shoots. It’s highly curated, artfully posed, and carefully composed with attention to lighting, angles, and styling. Think of those striking, magazine-worthy portraits that look like they belong in Vogue—elegant, intentional, and polished.
An editorial style is ideal for couples who love creative direction, appreciate refined details, and want portraits that feel timeless, elevated, and dramatic.
What is Documentary Wedding Photography?
Documentary (or photojournalistic) wedding photography focuses on capturing your wedding day exactly as it unfolds—real, raw, and unscripted. Rather than staged poses, this style is about storytelling through candid moments—happy tears, laughter, embraces, and the in-between moments that often become your most treasured memories.
A documentary approach is perfect for couples who value authenticity and want to relive their day exactly as it happened, with all the natural emotions and interactions preserved.
So, What's my Style?
At Stephanie Grooms Artistry, my style blends the best of both worlds—timeless and authentic with intentional touches of editorial and documentary photography throughout the day.
What You Can Expect:
- Candid, documentary moments: I quietly capture the natural flow of your day—the laughter, the happy tears, the unexpected moments that make your story yours.
- Editorial-inspired portraits: When it’s time for those must-have portraits, I’ll offer gentle direction to create stunning, polished images while keeping you comfortable and natural.
- A timeless, true-to-life editing style: Your images will reflect the beauty of the moment without heavy filters or trendy edits that won’t age well.
My ultimate goal is to create a wedding gallery that feels genuine, emotional, and beautifully curated—one you’ll love today and for decades to come.
Still Unsure What Style is Right for You? Let's Chat!
I’d love to learn more about your vision and walk you through what a wedding day with Stephanie Grooms Artistry looks like.
About Stephanie Grooms Artistry
Stephanie Grooms Artistry is a wedding photographer based in Fredericksburg, Virginia, specializing in capturing timeless, authentic moments for couples across Fredericksburg, Richmond, and beyond. With a passion for storytelling and a relaxed, personalized approach, Stephanie has photographed well over 100 weddings, creating stunning images that reflect the genuine emotions of each couple's special day. From crafting the perfect wedding timeline to offering expert vendor recommendations, Stephanie is dedicated to making the wedding photography experience seamless and enjoyable.
Are you looking for a wedding photographer in Virginia who will be with you every step of the way? Contact Stephanie Grooms Artistry today to discuss your vision and secure your date.
Serving Fredericksburg, Richmond, Northern Virginia, and beyond