If you're currently 24-tabs-deep trying to figure out which Boston wedding photographer actually feels like you... Hi. I see you. Because, honestly… I was the exact same way when I got married.

Once you've looked at enough beautiful portfolios, they can all start to blur together a little. But choosing your photographer isn't only about finding photos you like. You're also choosing the person who's going to be next to you through a pretty big chunk of your wedding day, and how comfortable you feel with them matters.

So, kick your feet up, take a deep breath, maybe even pour a glass of wine, and dive into this blog post that’ll show you exactly what it’s like to work with me as your Boston wedding photographer.

A bride and groom in a photo by a Boston wedding photographer

How The Boston Wedding Photographer You Choose Shapes Your Day

First, let’s talk about why choosing the Boston wedding photographer that’s a truly good fit for you is important. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about getting good photos.

Your photographer is kind of gonna be the person who’s with you the most throughout the day.

When you and your girls are dancing around the getting-ready suite.

And when your mom is buttoning up your dress with the proudest look in her eyes.

And when you start to tear up in the middle of reading your vows.

And when you kiss for the first time as a married couple.

And so many more little moments.

So, when you’re choosing who that person is gonna be, make sure they bring an energy that’s calm, steady, and fun, all at the same time. Because that will really make a difference in how you experience your day, trust me.

I'm very Type A about planning behind the scenes because I want you to have the freedom to stop thinking about the timeline once your wedding starts. And that doesn’t mean that I'm going to leave you wondering what to do with your hands, but I'm also not going to direct every second of your wedding. I'll step in when you need me and get out of the way when you don't. And if you want to see how that intentionality translates to a real wedding, see my Boston wedding photography portfolio here!

Wedding guests captured by a documentary-style wedding photographer

What Working With Me as Your Boston Wedding Photographer is Really Like

Let’s get into the steps I follow with my clients so that you can get a peek into the exact process we’d follow with me as your Boston wedding photographer:

Step One: A Complimentary Consult Call

After you fill out your contact form, I’ll double-check that I’m available on your wedding day, and we’ll set up a time to hop on a call, FaceTime, or Google Meet to get to know each other and go over my investment guide (wanna go ahead and look over it? Browse my Boston wedding photography packages here). This step is a ton of fun, because we get to really connect, chat about your whole vision, and you get any burning questions answered.

Know that coverage options vary depending on what your day needs, and I'll walk you through that during your consult call rather than trying to squeeze every wedding into the same package.

A wedding flat lay taken by a Boston Wedding photographer

Bride detail photos in black and white, by a Boston wedding photographer

Step Two: Make it Official

If we’re a perfect match… Yay! To lock in your date, I’ll get a signed contract and a 30% deposit from you before I send you the Type A wedding planning guide of all Type A wedding planning guides, with TONS of helpful tips and tricks for your wedding. It’s 60 pages long, and filled with things that I actually use to make weddings run smoothly.

A bride and groom taking Boston wedding photos

A bride and groom during their wedding ceremony

A bride and groom during a sparkler sendoff

Step Three: Engagement Session

I love engagement sessions for SO many reasons.

One, they’re tons of fun! Two, I get to know you guys better: all the things that make you, you, what makes you laugh, and what your relationship dynamic is. Three, it’s kind of like a trial run of working together BEFORE your wedding day, so you guys get a feel for being in front of the camera and I get a feel for photographing you.

Know that as your Boston engagement photographer, I’m always gonna be someone to help you plan the spot, pick the outfits, and time your session just right. You will also get a full engagement session planning guide from me, but I’m always here to answer questions and bounce ideas off of!

If you want to get a feel for what your engagement photos could look like (and where they could be), check out my favorite 15 Massachusetts engagement photo locations.

A bride and groom posing for wedding photos with a Boston wedding photographer

Step Four: Wedding Prep

This isn’t a book-and-ghost situation. I’ll be here any time you need anything leading up to your wedding, whether it’s questions about photography or you needing help choosing between two wedding dresses.

I’ll check in 6 months before your wedding to go over some details with you to make sure that we’re on the same page; then about 60 days before, I’ll send you a super-detailed questionnaire to make sure that I know everything about your big day. What can I say? The Type A brain will always take over!

Once you two fill out the questionnaire, we’ll hop on another call, which is where we’ll get into the good stuff: the photo timeline, any questions you have, what your day is gonna look like as a whole… Basically, anything and everything wedding-related.

Step Five: During the Wedding

On a wedding day, there are a few places you can probably find me:

Guiding you gently through couple portraits so that you’re never like, “Umm, where do I put my hands??”

Fixing the boutonnieres that no one else knows how to put on.

Fluffing your dress so it falls juuust right for portraits.

Smiling, laughing, and maybe even crying a little behind the camera.

And if the timeline shifts by ten minutes? I'm not going to make you feel like the world is ending. We'll adjust. If Massachusetts weather changes its mind? We'll find the good light. If you're suddenly feeling awkward during portraits? I'll get you moving and talking until you forget what your hands were doing five minutes ago.

Seriously, though, I’m the Boston wedding photographer who will be your biggest cheerleader and support all day long, whether that’s from afar or right up close. I’m here to help however you need, and I’m always observing what’s happening around me to know when to step back, when to step in, and which moments are going to be the ones that you want to look back on forever.

Wedding guests at a wedding candidly captured by a Boston wedding photographer

Step Six: After The Big Day

Okay, let’s answer your burning question: when will I actually get the photos?

After your best day EVER, you’ll get a sneak peek within a week. And when I say a sneak peek… Know that it’s a good one. You’ll have plenty of photos to share with your loved ones, with at least a few snaps from every moment of your day.

Your full gallery will follow within 6-10 weeks, depending on the season.

My top tip? Plan a date night when you get it to really soak in every picture together. Relive those moments with your lover as newlyweds! It’s such a special intention.

Ashley Olafsson | Boston Wedding Photographer

Whether you’re looking for Boston wedding photographers known for candid and documentary-style photos or just someone you know you can lean on all day long… I’d love to work with you.

At the end of the day, my priority is that you never feel like you’re performing on your wedding day. I want it to feel totally like you, so that when you’re looking back on your wedding photos for decades, you’ll remember exactly how it felt.

Inquire about booking me as your Boston wedding photographer here!

Xoxo,

Ashley