After more than a decade of photographing weddings together, Zach and I have spent a lot of time reflecting on how to give our couples the very best experience. Not just beautiful photos, but peace of mind, a sense of calm, and space to be fully present.

One thing we’ve learned, again and again, is how much of that experience depends on having a dedicated planner or day-of coordinator.

This is a hard thing to put into words, because we’ve worked with so many wonderful venue teams who care deeply and do so much behind the scenes. We have nothing but gratitude for the ways they show up on a wedding day. And truthfully, we love lending a hand when we can, jumping in to track down a boutonniere, moving a few chairs, or helping sort out a timing question. It’s second nature at this point.

But we’ve also realized that stepping into those roles (even with the best intentions) takes us away from the work we’re actually there to do.

When we’re fielding questions about the timeline, managing the flow of events, or coordinating with vendors in the absence of a planning team, it splits our focus. And the quiet, beautiful moments we’re there to capture? They’re easy to miss when our attention is divided.

That’s why, after much thought, we’ve made the decision to require a dedicated planner or day-of coordinator for all full wedding days. This doesn’t apply to smaller, more intimate celebrations, but for larger events with multiple vendors and moving parts, it’s become essential.

This isn’t about formality or rules, it’s about protecting your experience and honoring our work. It’s about showing up fully, with both hands on the camera and our eyes on the moments that matter most.

If you’re still looking for the right person to help in this way, we’re happy to share recommendations. We’ve had the honor of working alongside some incredible planners and would love to help you find someone who will support you and your day with care.

At the heart of it, this shift comes from a deep sense of responsibility. To our couples, to our craft, and to the memories we’re trusted to preserve.

If you’re still looking for a planner or day-of coordinator, we’re always happy to share more about why you need a wedding planner and introduce some of our favorites. We’ve worked with some truly wonderful people who care as much as we do. Click here to get in touch.

Day of Coordination for the above images provided by Simply Sacred Events and featured on Ruffled.