Documentary vs. Editorial Wedding Photography: What’s Right for You? | Grand Rapids
- Amelie Ferdais
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Advice from a Grand Rapids Wedding Photographer
If you’ve been researching wedding photographers lately, you’ve probably seen the words documentary and editorial everywhere. They’ve become major buzzwords in the wedding photography world — and while they’re helpful, they can also feel confusing if you’re drawn to elements of both.
So what do these styles actually mean? What’s the difference? And do you really have to choose just one?
What Is Documentary Wedding Photography?
Documentary Wedding Photography Grand Rapids
Documentary wedding photography is all about presence, awareness, and storytelling.
Rather than directing every moment, a documentary photographer works quietly in the background, paying close attention to what’s unfolding naturally. This style focuses on capturing real emotions as they happen — the fleeting glances, the nervous laughter, the unexpected hugs, the tears you didn’t even realize were happening.
Documentary photography requires a photographer who is:
Constantly observing and anticipating moments
Deeply present and tuned into the energy of the room
Aware of relationships and interactions, not just the timeline
Some of the most meaningful images from a wedding day aren’t the obvious ones. They’re the in-between moments — a parent watching from across the room, a hand squeeze during the ceremony, the way your friends react during speeches. These are the moments that help you feel the day again when you look back at your gallery years later.
This is what documentary photography does best: it captures the essence of the day, not just the highlights.
What Is Editorial Wedding Photography?
Editorial wedding photography leans more intentional, styled, and art-forward.
This style is often associated with luxury weddings and is most commonly seen during portraits.
Editorial images tend to feature:
Thoughtful, composed posing
Clean lines and intentional framing
A more serious, artistic, or fashion-inspired feel
Certain environments naturally lend themselves to an editorial approach — estates, architectural venues, minimalist spaces, or locations with strong design elements. That said, editorial images can be created almost anywhere when the photographer understands how to pose and compose with intention.
If you’re drawn to images that feel timeless, elevated, and refined (especially for bridal portraits) editorial photography might resonate with you.
Can You Have Both Documentary and Editorial Photography?
Yes! and honestly, this is where the magic happens.
You don’t have to choose one style exclusively. Many couples are drawn to the emotion and authenticity of documentary photography and the beauty and intentionality of editorial portraits. The key is working with a photographer who knows how to balance both.
This is exactly how I approach wedding days.
During portraits, I provide gentle posing guidance — adjusting posture, creating movement, and leaning editorial when the setting or the couple’s style calls for it. Some brides love a more natural, relaxed approach, while others want those fashion-inspired moments. I’m always open to either, and I adapt based on what feels most true to you.
For the rest of the day, I guide when needed, especially for timing and flow, and then step back as much as possible. My goal is to create space for moments to unfold naturally while staying alert and ready to capture them as they happen.
Choosing the Right Style for You
Rather than asking yourself “Which style should I choose?”, a better question might be:
Do I want my photos to feel both beautiful and deeply meaningful?
When documentary and editorial photography are thoughtfully combined, you get a gallery that feels elevated and emotionally honest. Images that are artful, but never forced; timeless, but never disconnected from reality.
Your wedding day only happens once. You deserve photographs that don’t just show how it looked, but remind you how it felt.
Editorial Wedding Photography in Grand Rapids, West Michigan & Beyond
Certain venues naturally lend themselves to a more editorial approach (especially during portraits) thanks to architecture, clean lines, and intentional design. That said, editorial images aren’t limited to one type of venue or location. With thoughtful composition and posing, editorial moments can be created almost anywhere.
Here are a few Grand Rapids and West Michigan venues that pair especially well with editorial-style wedding photography:
Greencrest Manor (Battle Creek, Michigan) Greencrest Manor is one of the most naturally editorial venues in West Michigan. With its European-inspired architecture, formal gardens, symmetry, and old-world estate feel, it creates an elevated, timeless backdrop that feels straight out of a fashion editorial. It’s especially well-suited for couples who love refined details, romantic styling, and portraits that feel both classic and artful.
Grand Rapids Art Museum (Grand Rapids, Michigan) With its modern architecture, strong lines, and neutral tones, the Grand Rapids Art Museum is ideal for couples drawn to a refined, art-forward look. It’s a great example of how downtown Grand Rapids offers architectural backdrops that elevate portraits in a timeless way.
Venue3Two (Grand Rapids, Michigan) Venue3Two blends a clean, refined aesthetic with the character of a historic 1920s mansion. While the interiors feel polished and thoughtfully designed, the exterior architecture and grounds add depth, texture, and timeless charm. This combination makes Venue3Two especially versatile- it allows for editorial-style portraits that feel elevated and intentional, while still honoring the venue’s classic roots and architectural presence.
Felt Estate (Holland, Michigan) Felt Estate blends historic architecture with European-inspired charm. The stonework, staircases, and grounds create endless opportunities for elevated, editorial-style imagery that still feels warm and romantic.
Être Farms (St. Joseph, Michigan) Être Farms is a beautiful example of how editorial photography doesn’t have to mean urban or ultra-modern. Its intentional design, open spaces, and thoughtful details allow for editorial portraits that feel organic, refined, and grounded- especially when paired with natural light and simple styling.
Hidden Grove Estate (Michigan) Hidden Grove Estate is a newer venue intentionally designed with the editorial-minded couple in mind. Every element of the space reflects a luxury, all-inclusive experience — from its rich, deep tones and vintage-inspired details to the thoughtful, layered design throughout the property. The result is a venue that photographs effortlessly and allows editorial-style imagery to feel natural, cohesive, and elevated at every turn.
Bay Pointe Woods (Shelbyville, Michigan) While Bay Pointe Woods is known for its lush greenery and natural setting, it’s a reminder that editorial images aren’t dependent on dramatic architecture. With intentional posing, clean light, and thoughtful framing, even a nature-forward venue can produce editorial moments that feel timeless and elevated.
Using Downtown Architecture to Add Variety
Even if your wedding venue itself leans more cozy, natural, or intimate, proximity to downtown Grand Rapids opens up additional creative possibilities. Downtown streets, building facades, and architectural elements offer beautiful contrast and variety — making it easy to incorporate editorial-style portraits without changing the overall tone of your day.
This flexibility allows couples to enjoy the warmth and personality of their chosen venue while still having the option for architectural, editorial imagery woven naturally into their gallery.
Why This Matters
Editorial wedding photography isn’t about forcing a style. It’s about responding to the setting, the couple, and the energy of the day. When done thoughtfully, it blends seamlessly with documentary moments, creating a gallery that feels both elevated and deeply personal.
Thank you. Advice from a West Michigan Wedding Photographer
If you’re planning a wedding in West Michigan, Grand Rapids, or Detroit and are looking for wedding photography that blends honest, documentary moments with intentional, editorial portraits, I’d love to connect. I approach each wedding day with presence, care, and an eye for both the moments you feel and the beauty you see - creating images that feel timeless, personal, and true to you. Whether you’re celebrating in Grand Rapids, along the lakeshore, or at an estate-style venue, you can inquire about availability and learn more about working together through my contact page.
Thank you so much for reading, and happy planning!
Amelie
Documentary Wedding Photography in Grand Rapids
Editorial Wedding Photography in Grand Rapids
Wedding Photographers in West Michigan