Weddings are expensive, emotional, and over in the blink of an eye. If you’ve ever heard people say, “The day goes by so fast!”, trust them. They’re right. As someone who has been photographing weddings over 13 years, we’ve seen it firsthand. And yet, somewhere along the way, thanks to Pinterest, Instagram, and the obsession with ‘aesthetic perfection, weddings have started feeling more like styled photo shoots rather than a celebration of love, family, and once-in-a-lifetime moments.
And that’s where we want to say it loud and clear:
your WEDDING is not a PHOTOSHOOT
The Pinterest Trap
A few months ago, we were having a conversation with a couple, and it went something like this:
Couple: Are you a candid photographer?
Me: Yes.
Couple: Can you recreate these Pinterest shots?
Me: No.
Couple: But why?
Me: Because it’s your WEDDING, not a PHOTOSHOOT.
The truth is, most of the dreamy wedding inspiration you see online is heavily staged. That beautiful couple standing in the middle of a scenic field, gazing at each other while the golden hour light hits just right? Chances are, they spent an hour posing for that shot, missing out on cocktail hour, their favorite song playing, or a heartwarming moment with their families and loved ones.
We once had a couple so obsessed with re-creating Pinterest poses that they missed their entire sangeet performance. Yep! The bride wanted a particular twirl shot under fairy lights, and the groom had to adjust his outfit multiple times for it to be ‘perfect.’ By the time they were done, their friends had already wrapped up their dance performances, and the excitement in the room had died down. They later told me, “We regret missing that moment, but at least we got the shot.”
We asked, “Is that really worth it?”
Reality of Wedding Photography and Wedding filmmaking
A wedding is all about raw, unfiltered, real moments. It’s about the stolen glances, the teary-eyed parents, the crazy dance moves at the baraat, and the unscripted laughter with friends. That’s what we, as wedding photographer and filmmakers, are here to capture. Not an edited version of your wedding for Social Media.
Sure, we’ll guide you for a few key portraits, help you look your best, and capture those classic family shots. But we won’t turn your wedding into an all day Bollywood style film set just to match a Pinterest board.
Social Media and Unrealistic Expectations
Let’s be real, social media has ruined weddings. Couples now come with a list of must-have shots instead of trusting their wedding photographer and filmmakers to capture real moments. Weddings have become more about content creation, as if the day’s success is measured by how many viral worthy pictures come out of it.
Your wedding is “NOT” a photoshoot. It’s about real moments, emotions, and celebrating with your loved ones. Do you really want to spend your entire wedding day chasing the perfect Instagram aesthetic instead of living in the moment?
Focus on What Matters. What We Truly Believe In
When you look back at your wedding album years later, what do you want to see?
- A collection of stiff, over posed shots that looked great online but felt empty in real life?
OR - Genuine laughter, raw, unfiltered emotions, and timeless memories of your wedding day as it truly unfolded?
As wedding photographers and filmmakers, our job is not just to take pictures, it’s to document your love story; not manufacture it. The best moments are captured when you forget about the camera and just be present.
Wedding Photography & Filmmaking in Dubai and the UAE
Having documented weddings across India and beyond, we’ve had the privilege of extending our services to couples in Dubai and the UAE. The grandeur of Emirati weddings, the intimate beachfront ceremonies, the lavish palace nuptials each wedding in this region carries a unique charm, blending tradition with luxury.
Hailing from India, our approach is deeply rooted in values of authenticity, storytelling, and excellence. We don’t just cover weddings; we immerse ourselves in them, ensuring that every frame reflects the real moments of the couple’s love story.
Whether it’s a destination wedding in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or anywhere across the UAE, we bring our experience, artistic vision, and commitment to crafting cinematic wedding films and timeless photographs that go beyond trends.
How Much Does Wedding Photography & Filmmaking Cost?
Wedding photography isn’t about just taking pictures. It’s about preserving memories for a lifetime. At Weddings by Lifeworks, we believe in capturing stories, emotions, and the magic of the day as it naturally happens. Our wedding photography and videography packages are tailored based on the scale, location, and specific requirements of your celebration. However, to give you a general idea:
- Dubai & Other Venues: Wedding photography and videography packages start at 12,000AED/Day and vary depending on the coverage required.
- Destination Weddings in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Sharjah: Packages are customized based on travel, events, and creative direction.
For a personalized quote, feel free to get in touch and let’s create something extraordinary together. But remember, what you’re investing in isn’t just pictures; it’s memories that will last a lifetime.
“Enjoy Your Wedding day. You’re Probably Only Having One of These in Your Life.”
So, here’s our advice for couples:
Forget the Pinterest boards. Ditch the Instagram vs. Reality pressure. Hire a wedding photographer and filmmaker you trust or someone who allows you to experience your wedding, while they work their magic behind the lens. And most importantly, LIVE your wedding day.
Because your wedding is not a photoshoot.
And if that sounds like the kind of team you’re looking for, make us a part of your story.
