I've been editing posts full of wedding pictures for years, and the photographs that stick out best to me are the ones that capture the emotions of the day: the sweet groom tears, the double chin laughs, and the serious joy in those tiny moments. Sure, we love seeing your gorgeous, lovingly-created decor, but seeing the real moments in the day - the vow goof at the ceremony, the guests admiring the flower grandmas, the reactions to the best man's speech - those are the moments you want to capture authentically.

We were inspired by our sponsor, Tiffany Heidenthal Photography in Richmond, VA, to share some of our best tips for making sure you're making the most of your pro photographer and capturing those genuine emotions. Tiffany OWNS when it comes to making sure your wedding day encapsulates the essence of you...

Getting to know the person behind the lens should loosen you up enough to focus on your party and not posing. Get a little rapport going and you'll start to let your guard down and not be obsessed staring at the strange camera with a stranger danger behind it. Use that engagement session (if one is included in your package) to get all your nerves out of the way.

Make a shot list of must-haves if you need to, then let your photographer take on the rest. Don't be afraid to give them free rein to snag some fun candids or to sneaky-capture that moment with your partner on the dance floor. It's the photos you weren't expecting that will often become your faves, and worrying less about what gets captured will let you be more yourself at the party.

A good photographer isn't going to give you a bunch of photos of you fixing a wedgie, so don't worry about it. Let yourself be emotional, don't worry about your makeup, and embrace some documentary-style photography the captures the real experience, not just a bunch of posed shots.

Oh hell yes we do!

Our sponsor, Tiffany Heidenthal Photography, is one of our favorite kinds of vendors: offbeat herself, nerdy as hell, and totally in sync with her clients.

She doesn't want to capture a wedding " designed by Pinterest," but rather one that encapsulates her couples' personalities, emotions, and spirit.

...Like this:

Tiffany's style is natural and timeless so that you're the focus of your photos. She is passionate about telling your story and making sure that the elements that are uniquely you are in focus. If you need these tips for getting authentic with your photos, then Tiffany is your girl for making it happen. She is based in Richmond, VA, but is available to travel worldwide. Plus, she has a discount to sweeten the deal:

Offbeat Discount
Mention Offbeat Bride and get $150 in print credit to use on products from your engagement or wedding pictures.

Get in touch with Tiffany here and see if she's got your date available to capture all your wedgies - I mean laughs - at your own wedding. Then be prepared for a rad experience as she documents all your kick-assery.

What are some of your tips for keeping your cool and getting natural photos at your wedding?