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Capturing Wedding Memories with Erica Baldwin Photography

In this week's episode, we sat down with Erica Baldwin from Erica Baldwin Photography, a seasoned wedding photographer known for her unique ability to capture both timeless and candid moments. Erica’s journey into photography started early, inspired by her grandfather, whose love for the camera sparked her own. She recalls inheriting his army camera as a child, and her fascination with capturing life’s moments grew from there. Today, she channels that passion into her work, bringing each couple's love story to life through her lens.

A Love for Wedding Photography

Erica’s path led her naturally into wedding photography. What she loves most? The little, personalized touches each couple brings to their day. “Every wedding is different,” she explains. From unique family traditions to one-of-a-kind moments, Erica finds joy in uncovering the individuality of each couple. For her, it’s all about celebrating the little details that make each wedding special.

Balancing Classic and Candid Shots

One of Erica’s standout skills is her ability to provide something for everyone. While she understands that family members often want classic posed photos, she also focuses on capturing candid moments that reflect the couple’s true personalities. Erica enjoys delivering those “hidden moments” that couples may miss during the hustle of the day, like a shared laugh during cocktail hour or a stolen kiss. She notes that seeing the couple’s excitement upon discovering these unexpected shots is one of the most rewarding parts of her work.

Building a Connection with Her Couples

For Erica, getting to know each couple is key to telling their story authentically. She believes that a strong connection leads to the best photographs, so she often encourages engagement sessions to help break the ice. These sessions allow her to see how couples interact naturally, and couples, in turn, get to know her style. “The more comfortable you are with each other and with me, the more natural and fun the photos will be,” she says.

Perfect Timing: When to Book Your Photographer

Ideally, Erica suggests couples book their photographer about a year in advance, allowing ample time for planning and building a rapport. However, she’s also flexible and has successfully worked with couples who reach out just weeks before their wedding. “Even if it’s last minute, I’ll jump in and make it work,” she reassures. For Erica, every wedding is a priority, whether planned months in advance or quickly put together.

Wedding Day Essentials: Posing, Lighting, and Comfort

Erica is known for her thoughtful approach to posing. She gently guides couples to relax and have fun, often setting up simple poses and letting them settle naturally. This approach allows couples’ personalities to shine through, resulting in authentic, joy-filled photos. Erica’s advice for those who feel awkward in front of the camera? "Don’t overthink it; just be yourselves. I’ll handle the details.” Her ability to make everyone feel at ease—especially reluctant grooms—ensures the best memories are captured.

Embracing Unplugged Ceremonies

With the popularity of “unplugged” weddings, Erica encourages couples to have the officiant gently remind guests to put away their phones and be present in the moment. “Having a sign helps, but a reminder from the officiant is even more effective,” she suggests. This small step ensures that the photos will capture guests’ genuine reactions, free from screens and distractions.

Staying on Budget: Flexibility in Photography Packages

Understanding that weddings come with significant costs, Erica offers flexible options. Couples can choose her full-day package or book only the hours that matter most, such as the ceremony and formal photos. For those who want more flexibility, she also provides payment plans, making high-quality wedding photography accessible without the stress.

Making Memories Last

One of Erica’s favorite memories is from a rainbow-themed wedding she captured for Levi and Joey. The unique, colorful décor set the scene for a wedding full of joy and laughter. A memorable moment happened during family photos when one of the grooms, overcome with emotion, couldn’t stop crying. His partner simply told him to “dry it up,” creating a shared laugh that perfectly reflected their relationship. This experience, like many others, captures what Erica loves most about her work—being part of life’s most memorable and joy-filled moments.

Advice for Couples: Keep it True to You

Erica’s biggest advice for couples is to make their day personal. While family and friends may have plenty of ideas, it’s essential to stay true to what feels right for you as a couple. Her practical advice? “Don’t sweat the small stuff; enjoy the journey together, both in wedding planning and in life.” With her years of experience, Erica knows that the best weddings are those where couples focus on celebrating their love and building lasting memories.

From engagement sessions to wedding day photos, Erica Baldwin Photography offers a tailored approach that captures the essence of each couple’s love story. For more information on booking Erica and her upcoming fall and holiday mini-sessions, be sure to check out her website and social media. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or a cozy elopement, Erica’s talent, experience, and care will make your wedding memories truly unforgettable.