Michael Orzell Photography

I still remember the very first wedding I photographed — a ceremony at Boothe Park Rose Garden followed by a backyard reception. I took on the wedding as an assistant to see what wedding days were really like, and that experience is where I fell in love with this work and found my passion.

The excitement, the emotions, and the constant movement of a wedding day immediately drew me in. I loved the challenge of quietly observing and capturing those fly-on-the-wall moments without interrupting what was unfolding. While I enjoy other genres of photography, weddings and engagements hold a special place for me because of the connection, energy, and storytelling that happen in a single day.

My goal is for couples to feel the same love and connection they felt on their wedding day when they look back at their photos years from now. I lean heavily toward genuine emotion, candid moments, and the quiet in-between moments that often go unnoticed.

That said, I also love the big celebrations — heartfelt speeches, packed dance floors, and all the energy that comes with them. I aim to blend in as much as possible, while stepping in with gentle guidance during moments like family formals and couple portraits when it’s helpful. Couples often describe my work as heartfelt and storytelling-focused.

Leading up to the wedding, I like to be involved in planning the timeline and formal photo list. This helps create a relaxed, well-paced day where couples don’t have to worry about what’s coming next.

On the wedding day, I bring a calm presence — especially during emotional or high-energy moments — while knowing when to bring the fun and keep things light. When couples tell me they’re awkward in photos, I remind them that most people feel that way. We keep things easy and enjoyable, and before long, they forget about the camera and simply enjoy being together.

Preparation is key. I review the timeline carefully, especially the day before the wedding, when weather and final details are usually set and adjustments can be made if needed. While must-have moments are always prioritized, I’m constantly scanning the room for unplanned reactions and meaningful interactions.

Through experience and awareness, I anticipate moments by observing people and reading the energy of the room. With over a decade of wedding photography experience, capturing the planned moments becomes second nature, allowing me to stay focused on the moments couples didn’t even realize were happening.

This is always a tough question, because I truly love different parts of the wedding day for different reasons. The nervous excitement and emotion during getting ready, the anticipation right before the ceremony, and the celebration afterward all bring something special. Each part tells a different chapter of the story, and together they create something incredibly meaningful to document.