From Photographer to Bridesmaid: Balancing Both Roles on My Best Friend’s Big Day
As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the honor of capturing some of the most precious moments in people’s lives. But what happens when your best friend gets married, and you’re not just there to take the photos—you’re also a bridesmaid? This is exactly what I experienced at Becca’s wedding, and let me tell you, it was surreal in the best way possible.
Capturing the Journey from Proposal to “I Do”
From the moment I captured Becca's proposal, I knew her wedding day would be incredibly special. But when she asked me to not only be her bridesmaid but also have my associates capture her big day, it took on a whole new level of meaningfulness. It was such a unique experience—being on the other side, yet still ensuring every detail was preserved through photos. The support Becca has shown for Sierra Devin Photography (SDP) throughout her journey means the world to me. It’s moments like these that make me so grateful for the incredible people in my life.
The Honor of Being a Bridesmaid
Being a bridesmaid is a true honor in itself. From bridal showers and engagement parties to bachelorette trips and helping move into their first home, it was emotional and beautiful to stand by Becca’s side as she said "I do." It makes me so teary-eyed thinking about those moments all over again! This experience reminded me of the importance of being present and supporting the ones we love, not only as their photographer but as their friend, too.
Trusting My Team: How I Balanced Bridesmaid Duties with Creative Direction
If there’s one thing about me, it’s that I’m a little Type A. Letting go of control wasn’t easy, but I was able to do it because of the trusted associates I hired. These are people I handpicked because I knew they’d capture every moment as if I were behind the camera myself. I also worked closely with Becca to create a timeline well in advance, which allowed me to focus on being a bridesmaid without worrying about the shots. There’s actually a sweet photo of me putting a charm on her bouquet that perfectly shows this balance between friend and photographer!
Experiencing the Wedding from a Different Perspective
Being on the wedding party side, rather than behind the camera, was a refreshing change. I got to relax, enjoy cocktail hour with my plus one, and dance the night away with my family. It felt so good to be in the moment—to experience the day from the eyes of a guest rather than a vendor. I even got to be in some of the photos, which is such a fun switch from my usual role!
Walking Away with Confidence
After Becca’s wedding, I felt confident that this experience could be repeated for any of my future friends' weddings. Having a team of photographers that I can trust makes all the difference. It allows me to step back, enjoy the celebration, and still know that my associates are capturing all the moments that matter most.
Advice for Fellow Photographers
If you find yourself in a similar situation, my biggest piece of advice is to plan ahead and hire people you trust. Having a well-curated timeline and knowing your associates will get everything you want allows you to actually enjoy the day. It’s all about balance. Remember that you’ve chosen the right people, and they’ll do an amazing job capturing every detail while you focus on being there for your best friend.
Being a bridesmaid and photographer at Becca’s wedding was an experience I’ll cherish forever. It showed me the importance of trust, planning, and letting go—all things that make both relationships and photography better.
