If you’ve started planning your wedding and looking at photographers, chances are you’ve come across the terms editorial vs documentary photography. But what do they mean—and which one is right for your wedding day?

Here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be either/or. Some of the most memorable, soul-filled wedding galleries happen when both styles are blended with care. Chelsea and EJ’s dreamy Joshua Tree elopement is the perfect example. Their day was slow, meaningful, and full of intention. Just the two of them, with only their photographer and videographer alongside them, to witness and document it all.

They started their wedding morning with yoga and pancakes, hung out by the pool in the midday heat, and got ready side by side before saying their vows under the desert sky. They didn’t plan for a big production—they just wanted a wedding that felt like them, in a place they loved. To make it even more magical, they eloped during a meteor shower in the same spot where they had their second date four years earlier. I mean… come on. That’s not just a wedding. That’s a whole love story.

Capturing a day like that takes more than one style of photography. Let’s talk about what editorial and documentary photography truly mean and why the best weddings (like Chelsea and EJ’s) blend both.

What is Documentary Wedding Photography?

Documentary wedding photography is all about the real stuff. It’s story-driven, candid, and unposed—like a visual journal of your day as it naturally unfolds. No forced smiles, no prompts. Just honest moments captured as they happen. It’s the kind of photography that lets you feel the moment all over again when you look back at your photos.

Chelsea and EJ’s elopement was full of these documentary-style gems, from morning yoga to flipping pancakes together in their cozy Airbnb kitchen. They floated in the pool under the Joshua Tree sun, stealing peaceful moments in the stillness before getting dressed. Nothing was rushed. Nothing was posed. It was slow, meaningful, and entirely theirs—and the documentary approach allowed those moments to shine exactly as they were.

What is Editorial Wedding Photography?

Editorial wedding photography is where storytelling meets style. It’s curated, intentional, and often styled to resemble the pages of a magazine. It is the artful side of photography—the elevated portraits, carefully composed details, and fashion-forward imagery that makes you stop scrolling mid-swipe.

It’s less about catching fleeting moments and more about creating space for beauty to unfold with purpose. We’re talking strong compositions, elegant posing, and a cinematic kind of lighting.

Chelsea and EJ leaned into this editorial vibe in the most effortless way, like the golden hour Porsche session. The desert light, the sleek car, the wide open road—it was movie-scene energy. Later, they sat down to a beautifully plated, chef-cooked dinner under the stars. And, of course, their portraits in the Joshua Tree landscape were fashion-forward. Minimalist, modern, and full of intention, without ever losing the heart of who they are.

Why Blend Both Styles?

Here’s the truth: you don’t have to pick between documentary and editorial wedding photography. The real magic happens when the two come together. That’s what made Chelsea and EJ’s Joshua Tree elopement feel so special. They craved presence, peace, and connection. But they also wanted to remember it all beautifully. Blending both styles gave them the best of both worlds. We captured the realness of documentary moments and the timeless elegance of editorial portraits with just enough refinement to feel like art without ever feeling forced.

That’s how I approach every wedding day. During the honest, intimate moments, I stay hands-off so you can stay in the moment. And when it’s time for portraits or details, I’ll guide you with subtle direction to help you feel confident and relaxed. You deserve a wedding gallery that feels like you. Not just a highlight reel and not just a styled shoot—but a full, heart-filled story told beautifully from start to finish.

A Love Letter From Chelsea & EJ

“From the start, we had some reservations about investing in photography and finding the perfect person to capture our elopement. We wanted someone who felt like a friend on the day that we vibed well with. But let me tell you, from the moment we hopped on our initial FaceTime call with Ryland, we just knew it was meant to be. Her energy and enthusiasm were contagious, and we knew we had found the perfect photographer to share our big day with. Her energy and vibe were infectious, and she helped us feel comfortable and relaxed, which really came through in the photos.”

Wedding photography isn’t about choosing between editorial vs documentary photography. It’s about telling your story in a way that feels true—whether that’s laid-back and emotional, fashion-forward and artistic, or a little bit of everything.

You don’t have to follow trends or squeeze your day into someone else’s expectations. If your wedding is personal, meaningful, or a little outside the box, your photos should reflect that.

Planning a Wedding That’s All Your Own?

Let’s create a wedding gallery that tells your story beautifully—from the messy, candid, emotional moments to the elevated, editorial ones. Get a hold of me here!