In the whirlwind of a wedding day, moments of genuine connection and candid emotion often happen during the quieter times. One such crucial period is the cocktail hour—a time often overlooked but invaluable for capturing authentic moments in documentary wedding photography.

Tara and Jake’s intimate wedding in Hawaii was nothing short of magic. They invited only their closest friends and family to celebrate with them in an AirBnb in Kealakekua Bay, a home which made for the perfect backdrop for a day full of laughter and love.

If you aspire to have cinematic wedding photos that transport you back to those precious moments every time you look at them, choosing the right wedding photographer becomes paramount. But how do you find a wedding photographer who can deliver these awe-inspiring cinematic images? To help you in your search, I have compiled a list of three essential qualities to look for when selecting a photographer for your cinematic wedding photos. These qualities will not only ensure stunning visuals but also create a narrative that encapsulates the unique moments of your wedding day.