Let’s be honest…Pinterest is the wedding planning rabbit hole we all willingly jump into. One minute you’re searching for bouquet inspiration, and the next you’re wondering if you need to hire alpacas in flower crowns. It’s fun, it’s dreamy, and it’s a fantastic way to gather ideas.
But here’s the truth: Your wedding isn’t a styled shoot, and it shouldn’t feel like one either.
It should feel like YOU. Your story. Your personalities. Your style. Your people.
The Truth about Pinterest
Here’s something most couples don’t realize when they’re deep in Pinterest mode: an inspiration board is not one wedding day. It’s a highlight reel made up of the best photos from hundreds of different weddings…all with different couples, locations, lighting, seasons, and budgets.
And a large portion of what performs best on Pinterest? Styled shoots. These are carefully planned photo sessions, often featuring models instead of real couples, unlimited time, and locations most people aren’t actually getting married in. Think châteaus in France, private estates, or mountaintops with no guests waiting for dinner.
Beautiful? Absolutely.
Realistic? Not always.
As much as we love a good inspo board, we’ve learned something after photographing real weddings for years: the most powerful, emotional, unforgettable moments are almost never the ones that were pinned and planned months in advance.
They’re the ones that just happen.
Use Pinterest as a Launchpad, Not a Blueprint
Pin away! Seriously. Use Pinterest to find out what you love: colors, tones, florals, framing. It’s a powerful visual tool for helping your photographer understand your general aesthetic.
But don’t treat it like a shot list or a script. Why? Because no two weddings are the same. And trying to recreate someone else’s photos – right down to the angle, pose, and lighting – often results in a final image that feels stiff, forced, and…well, not you.
The Real Magic Happens in the Unscripted
It’s the flower girl tossing petals… and her shoe.
The quiet moment when a parent wipes away a tear during vows.
The spontaneous dance-off between friends who just met that morning.
You can’t pin those moments.
But you can capture them forever.
Your Photographer Isn’t There to Recreate, They’re There to Reflect
A great wedding photographer isn’t just snapping pretty pictures. They’re observing, interpreting, and telling your story through images that reflect your personalities and the energy of your day. That’s why we always say: come as you are.
Bring the traditions that matter to you. Incorporate the colors, rituals, and people that tell your story. We’ll handle the rest – light, composition, timing, emotion – all while making sure it feels authentic.
A Note to the Detail-Lovers (We See You!)
Don’t worry, we’re still going to photograph your incredible tablescapes, the rings, the carefully curated floral arch you obsessed over for six months. Those details matter because they are personal and part of the beauty of your day.
So, Should You Still Make a Pinterest Board?
Absolutely. And we want to see it! It helps us get a feel for your vibe. But let it be a conversation starter, not a checklist. Show us what speaks to you, and we’ll show you how to bring that feeling to life – without losing the heart of what makes your day yours.
In the End, It’s Not About Recreating a Moment
If you’re ready to create wedding photos that feel like you, we’d love to help. Reach out or browse our latest galleries to see what real love looks like, unscripted, honest, and entirely your own.
Contact us or browse our latest wedding galleries for inspiration!
XOXO, the Smith & Co Team
