Your Wedding Photography Experience
Choosing the right wedding photographer is about more than just beautiful images—it’s about creating an unforgettable experience from the moment you say "Yes!" to the day you walk down the aisle. At Stephanie Grooms Artistry, I am committed to being more than just your photographer; I’m your guide, cheerleader, and storyteller, ensuring that every step of your wedding planning journey is as seamless and joyful as possible.
With extensive experience photographing Virginia weddings across Fredericksburg, Richmond, and beyond, I understand the importance of capturing the moments that matter most—those fleeting, heartfelt interactions that make your love story unique. My approach is collaborative and personalized, working with you every step of the way to craft a wedding day timeline that reflects your vision and ensures no precious detail is missed.
Wondering how photography styles like editorial and documentary differ? CLICK HERE to learn more about what those terms mean and how I blend both approaches throughout your day.
From your engagement session to the final delivery of your carefully curated wedding gallery, my goal is to create a relaxed and enjoyable experience, allowing you to feel completely at ease in front of the camera. Whether you're celebrating in an intimate venue or a grand estate, my focus is on capturing authentic, emotion-filled images that will become treasured heirlooms for years to come.
Let’s embark on this journey together and create something truly magical—because your love story deserves to be captured with care, passion, and timeless beauty.
Step 1: Let’s Connect and Get to Know Each Other
Your journey starts with a conversation! Whether you’re planning your wedding in Fredericksburg, Richmond, or beyond, we’ll schedule a call or meet over coffee to chat about your wedding vision, photography needs, and how I can help bring your dream day to life. I want to hear all about your style, venue ideas, and the unique details that make your love story special. This consultation is all about making sure we're the perfect fit to capture your day authentically.
📅 Let’s see if your date is available! Check My Calendar Here
Step 2: Booking & Wedding Planning Support
Once your date is officially secured with a signed contract and retainer, the fun begins! I’ll be with you every step of the way—helping craft your ideal wedding photography timeline, ensuring your day flows smoothly, and providing insider tips and tricks to maximize your photo opportunities.
Need help finding the perfect florist, makeup artist, or DJ? I’ll share my carefully curated list of top wedding vendors in Fredericksburg, Richmond, and the surrounding areas. My goal is to make your planning stress-free so you can focus on the excitement of your big day.
Step 3: Engagement Session – Your Love Story Begins Here
Engagement sessions are not just about getting beautiful photos; they’re about building confidence in front of the camera and having fun together. Whether we capture romantic moments along the Rappahannock River in Downtown Fredericksburg, explore charming downtown Richmond streets, or find a location that holds sentimental value to you, this session helps us create magic before your wedding day.
I'll guide you through posing naturally so you’ll feel at ease and prepared for the big day, and you’ll receive a stunning gallery to use for save-the-dates, your wedding website, or just to cherish forever.
Step 4: Dress Shopping & Wedding Day Prep
If you're planning to shop for your dream dress at Ava Laurenne Bride in Fredericksburg, I’d love to join you—schedule permitting—to document that magical moment when you find "the one!" It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and having photos of that special moment with your loved ones makes it even more memorable.
As your wedding day approaches, I’ll work with you and your planner to finalize all the details. Together, we’ll refine your wedding timeline, ensuring we capture every must-have shot—from getting ready to your sparkler exit—so you can relax and enjoy every second.
Step 5: Your Wedding Day – Capturing Every Moment
When the big day finally arrives, my goal is to capture it all—the joyful tears, heartfelt laughs, and the unforgettable moments in between. My approach blends a documentary style with intentional posing, ensuring we capture a perfect mix of candid emotions and beautifully composed portraits. Whether you're celebrating at an elegant Richmond or Fredricksburg venue or an intimate estate in the Virginia countryside, I’ll be there to preserve every detail.
I understand how eager you'll be to relive the magic, which is why I provide a sneak peek gallery within 24 hours! This means you'll have a selection of beautifully edited images to share with family and friends the very next day. From your first dance to those quiet, intimate moments, you'll get a taste of your wedding day memories almost immediately.
Expect a relaxed, fun experience that allows you to be fully present while I work behind the scenes to create memories you’ll treasure forever.
Step 6: The Magic Unfolds – Editing & Gallery Delivery
After your wedding, I carefully hand-edit each image to ensure they reflect the natural beauty and genuine emotions of your day. My editing style is timeless and true-to-color, highlighting the love and details exactly as they were.
You'll receive a beautiful online gallery, where you can download, share, and relive your wedding day with loved ones. Depending on the package booked, your gallery will include anywhere from 300 to 700 carefully curated images, capturing everything from the big moments to the smallest details that made your day unforgettable.
My standard turnaround time for full gallery delivery is within 12 weeks, with slightly longer timelines during peak wedding seasons to ensure every image receives the attention it deserves. I believe in delivering high-quality, thoughtfully edited photos that you’ll cherish forever.
Step 7: Beyond the Wedding – Capturing Your Next Milestones
Your wedding day is just the beginning of your beautiful story, and I’d love to continue capturing the special moments that follow. From anniversary sessions to maternity and family portraits, I’m here to document every exciting chapter of your journey together.
Many of my couples return year after year to celebrate their growing love and families, and it brings me so much joy to be a part of their ongoing story. Whether it’s a cozy in-home session, a scenic outdoor shoot, or a special milestone celebration, I’ll be there to preserve those meaningful moments with the same heartfelt approach.
Just because the wedding is over doesn’t mean our journey ends—let’s continue creating memories together for years to come.
Curious if your wedding date is available? Check my availability in real time and secure your spot before it's gone!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is our editing style?
My editing style is timeless, true-to-life, and natural. I focus on preserving the genuine colors and emotions of your wedding day—no heavy filters or trendy edits that might feel dated years from now.
You can expect warm tones, clean whites, and true-to-color skin tones that reflect the beauty of your venue, your details, and your love story exactly as it unfolded. My goal is to create images that feel authentic and classic, so when you look back on your photos years from now, they still feel just as beautiful and meaningful.
I also balance my coverage with a blend of candid documentary moments and gently guided portraits, giving you a gallery full of both emotional storytelling and stunning editorial-inspired images.
What is our shooting style?
My shooting style is a blend of documentary and editorial approaches—focused on capturing your day authentically and naturally while also providing gentle guidance when needed for those beautifully composed portraits.
Throughout most of your wedding day, I take a documentary-style approach, allowing moments to unfold naturally and capturing the real emotions, candid laughs, and genuine connections as they happen.
When it comes time for portraits, family formals, and wedding party photos, I’ll step in with light direction and natural prompts to help you feel comfortable and confident, creating timeless, polished images that still feel true to who you are.
My goal is to make the entire experience feel effortless and fun, so you can be fully present and enjoy every moment of your day while I tell your story through my lens.
How far in advance should we book you for our wedding?
Most couples book me 12 to 18 months in advance to secure their date, especially for popular spring and fall weekends. I only take a limited number of weddings each year to ensure every couple receives the best experience, so the earlier you book, the better!
That said, if your wedding is sooner—don’t hesitate to reach out. If I’m available, I’d love to chat!
How long will it take to see our wedding pictures?
My typical turnaround time for wedding galleries is 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the season. During peak wedding months, it may take a little longer, but I always keep my couples updated throughout the process.
To hold you over, I deliver a sneak peek gallery the very next day so you can relive some of those incredible moments right away and share them with family and friends.
I always encourage my couples to reach out if they have any questions or want a status update—I'm here for you every step of the way!
Do you outsource bookings to other wedding photographers?
No, absolutely not. When you book with Stephanie Grooms Artistry, you’re booking me—the person you meet, plan with and trust to capture your wedding day. I do not outsource to other photographers or send associate shooters in my place.
It’s incredibly important to me to build a relationship with my couples from the moment you book through every step of the planning process. By the time your wedding day arrives, we’ll feel like old friends, and that connection is what allows me to capture your story authentically and naturally.
You deserve to know exactly who will be by your side on your wedding day—and that will always be me.
Do you have insurance?
Yes! I carry full liability insurance with high coverage, and I’m happy to provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) to your venue if needed.
Many venues require this from your photographer, so just let me know and I’ll make sure they have everything they need well in advance of your wedding day.
How many pictures will we receive?
On average, my couples receive 400 to 600 edited images in their final wedding gallery. However, the total number can vary based on factors like your guest count, the size of your wedding party, the amount of coverage booked, and your wedding day timeline.
My priority is always quality over quantity—capturing every meaningful moment, big and small, so you have a complete story of your day to look back on for years to come.
Get in contact!
Embarking on your wedding planning journey can be as thrilling as it is overwhelming, and I'm here to make it a little easier and more memorable! Whether you have questions, are eager to schedule a consultation, or are ready to move forward with capturing the magical moments of your big day, I'm just a click away. Consider me not just as your photographer but as a friend who's with you at every step of this wonderful journey. Your love story deserves to be told in the most beautiful light, and I can't wait to help you do just that. Let's start this adventure together—reach out today
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