If you’ve been wedding planning for more than five minutes, you’ve probably seen these phrases everywhere:

Editorial wedding photography. Documentary wedding photography. Traditional wedding photography.

And if you’re like most brides, you may be thinking…

Okay… but what do those actually mean?

And more importantly — which one do I need?

The truth is, most brides don’t fit perfectly into one category. You want photos that feel beautiful and flattering, but you also want the real moments that make your wedding day feel like your wedding day — not a staged shoot.

As a Georgia wedding photographer serving Atlanta, Marietta, Alpharetta, Cumming, Dahlonega, Gainesville, and all across North Georgia, I’ve learned something after photographing so many different couples:

Every wedding day is different. Every couple is different. And your photography should reflect that.

That’s why I don’t believe in choosing just one style. I shoot a blend of editorial + documentary + traditional — because it creates a wedding gallery that feels timeless, romantic, real, and complete.

Let’s break it down (in normal people terms).

A beautiful Atlanta Summer wedding that was full of garden party joy and bright colors!

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What is Editorial Wedding Photography?

When most brides hear “editorial,” they immediately picture something super high-fashion and stiff — like a Vogue magazine cover.

And yes… that’s one type of editorial.

But for most weddings (and most couples), editorial really just means:

✅ Clean, intentional compositions

✅ Beautiful posing that still feels natural

✅ Attention to details (dress, bouquet, architecture, lighting)

✅ Photos that look elevated and timeless

Editorial photos are the ones you look at and think:

“Wow. That doesn’t just look like a photo… it looks like art.”

This style is especially beautiful in:

• classic church weddings

• elegant venues in Atlanta

• downtown Marietta weddings

• timeless ballroom spaces

• romantic North Georgia mountain venues

But here’s my personal take: editorial should still feel like you.

That’s why I guide you into poses that feel comfortable and flattering, but I’m never going to make you feel like you’re pretending to be someone else.

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What is Documentary Wedding Photography?

Documentary photography is all about capturing the day as it unfolds — the real, unplanned moments.

No stiff poses. No “okay now look at each other and laugh” every five seconds.

It’s:

✅ real reactions

✅ happy tears

✅ in-between moments

✅ laughter

✅ the chaos + joy

✅ the moments you didn’t even realize were happening

Documentary photography matters because when your wedding is over, these are the photos that bring you right back.

Not just what it looked like… but what it felt like.

And honestly? Some of the best parts of a wedding day can’t be staged:

• your dad seeing you in your dress

• your best friends fixing your veil

• your grandma holding your hands

• the first deep breath before walking down the aisle

• your groom’s face when you step out

These are the moments I pay attention to the entire day.

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What is Traditional Wedding Photography?

Traditional photography sometimes gets a bad reputation online, but I’ll say it clearly:

Traditional wedding photos are important.

Traditional photography means:

✅ family formals

✅ wedding party portraits

✅ ceremony moments

✅ classic couple portraits

✅ the big “must-have” images

You don’t want to look back and realize you forgot:

• a photo with your mom

• a photo with your grandparents

• a full wedding party photo

• a photo of you and your husband smiling at the camera (yes, it matters!)

Traditional photos are part of what makes your wedding gallery feel complete and timeless.

And as a professional wedding photographer, I help the traditional part feel organized and stress-free — not awkward and chaotic.

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So… Which Style is Best?

Here’s the honest answer:

You probably want a blend.

Most Georgia brides I work with want:

• timeless portraits that flatter them

• candids that capture the real emotion

• classic images their parents will want framed

• photos that feel elevated but not “too trendy”

And that’s exactly why my approach is a mix of posed, prompted, and candid coverage.

Because your wedding day is not one thing.

It’s joyful, romantic, emotional, chaotic, intimate, and exciting — all in one day.

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My Photography Style: The Best of All Three

Here’s how it looks in real life when you book me:

1) Posed (in a natural way)

I will absolutely guide you.

I’m not going to leave you wondering what to do with your hands.

You’ll get:

• clean, timeless portraits

• flattering angles

• natural movement

• direction that doesn’t feel stiff

2) Prompted (for real connection)

This is my favorite happy-medium.

Instead of forced poses, I’ll give you prompts that make the moment feel real:

• walking, slow dancing, whispering something funny

• little movements that bring out natural smiles

• prompts that feel like YOU

That’s how we get photos that feel romantic and effortless — not staged.

3) Candid (the real story)

While you’re living your day, I’m watching for what matters.

I’m always paying attention to:

• emotional moments

• reactions

• details

• your people

• tiny moments you’ll be glad someone remembered

Because your gallery shouldn’t just show the pretty things.

It should show the meaningful things.

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Why This Blend Works So Well for Atlanta + North Georgia Weddings

Weddings in Georgia are so beautifully diverse.

One weekend I’ll photograph a romantic venue wedding in Alpharetta. The next, I’m in the mountains for a dreamy Dahlonega wedding. Then I’m back in the city for a classic Atlanta ceremony and modern reception.

Different venues. Different timelines. Different personalities.

So trying to force one photography style onto every couple just doesn’t make sense.

Your wedding deserves an approach that fits you — not a copy/paste formula.

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If You Want Timeless, Romantic Wedding Photos That Still Feel Real…

If you’re a bride who wants:

• editorial-looking portraits without feeling awkward

• real moments captured without missing anything important

• a photographer who leads you confidently and calmly

• photos that feel timeless, true-to-tone, and emotional

I would love to talk with you.

I photograph weddings across Atlanta, Marietta, Alpharetta, Cumming, Gainesville, Dahlonega, and North Georgia — and I’m currently booking 2026 and 2027 weddings.

👉 Contact me here: www.annabethphoto.com/contact

👉 View wedding packages here: www.annabethphoto.com/services-1

Timeless | Romantic | Authentic | True to Tone | AnnaBeth Photography