When you look back at your engagement or wedding photos years from now, what do you want to FEEL? Do you want to remember the way your hands naturally found each other's, the way you laughed at an inside joke, or the way the wind wrapped around you in that quiet, breathtaking moment? Or do you just want a perfectly posed version of yourselves, standing stiffly in front of a pretty backdrop?

At Moon and Palm Photography, we believe your love story deserves more than just pretty pictures-it deserves to be felt. Photography isn't just about looking good; it's about capturing the connection, the energy, and the story behind every touch, every glance, and every fleeting second. The best photos aren't the ones where everything is perfect-they're the ones where everything is real.

We had an engagement session recently where the couple showed up feeling a little nervous. They kept saying, "We're so awkward in photos," and "We don't know how to pose, this is our first professional photography experience." But as we continued our trek in the snow covered mountains, something changed. They started focusing less on the camera and people around, and more on each other. They whispered inside jokes, twirled in the snow, made snow angels, had a snowball fight, and completely forgot they were being photographed. When they saw their gallery, they told us, "These photos feel like us!" and "OHMYGOSH we didn't even see you capture this! That's us?" And that's exactly the point-your love story isn't about perfect poses. It's about the way you love, and that's what makes your photos truly beautiful.

In today's world of Pinterest-perfect wedding boards and Instagram feeds, it's easy to think that beautiful photos are all about looking flawless. The perfect dress, the dream location, the golden-hour glow-it's tempting to believe that if everything looks perfect, your photos will feel perfect too. But here's the thing: the most breathtaking photos aren't the ones where everything is meticulously posed. They're the ones where you see the love-the stolen glances, the uncontrollable laughter, the way your hands reach for each other without thinking, the dancing 'till your feet are numb moments.

When couples focus too much on achieving a perfectly curated image, they risk missing out on the real moments. I've seen it happen-brides worried about a stray hair instead of the way their partner is looking at them, couples trying so hard to "pose right" that they forget to simply be together. The result? Stiff, overly polished photos that feel more like a magazine spread than a reflection of their love story. The truth is, perfection isn't what makes a photo meaningful. Emotion does. When you look back at your engagement or wedding gallery, you won't care if your dress had a little windblown movement or if your laughter crinkled your nose in an unplanned way. What will matter is that your photos captured the feeling of that day-the joy, the excitement, the intimacy, the love. That's why at Moon and Palm Photography, we don't just aim for "pretty." We aim for real.

So, if perfect poses and polished moments aren't the secret to great photos, what is? The answer lies in capturing what's real-the in-between moments, the emotions, the unfiltered connection between you and your partner.

Here's our three keys to a truly meaningful photo:

1 Emotion Over Perfection

A perfectly posed photo might be beautiful, but a photo filled with genuine emotion is unforgettable. It's the way your partner looks at you when you're not paying attention, the tearful laughter that sneaks up on you, the moment you instinctively reach for their hand. Those are the things that tell your love story-not whether your dress is falling just right or if every hair is in place.

One of our favorite weddings was with a couple who were facing multiple challenges on their big day. The Groom's pants didn't fit right and the closest store was too far to be reached in time. In true MacGyver fashion, he made himself a zip-tie belt that he rolled his too big waist band around to secure it. This alone could've really put a damper on the day, but instead? The bride laughed at the pure hilarity of it all. The best part? Their wedding gallery came out absolutely perfect. Why? Because in every shot, every image, it's just them and their undeniable love for each other. Even amidst fashion catastrophes, we captured some of the most heartfelt, joy-filled images we've ever captured-photos that felt like them.

2 Movement and Interaction

Some of the most stunning images come from movement-the way a dress flows in the wind, the way you naturally pull each other closer in the cold, the way you twirl without even thinking. Stiff, overly structured poses don't tell your story-movement does. That's why during sessions, proposals, and weddings, we encourage you to interact with each other. Walk, dance, wrap each other in a tight hug, playfully brush hair out of each other's faces-whatever feels natural. These little moments of movement create photos that feel alive rather than staged.

3 Location and Atmosphere Matter

Where you take your photos should feel like you. Maybe that's standing on a rugged coastline at sunset, hiking through golden fields, or tucked away in the woods with just the sound of the trees around you. The setting you choose plays a huge role in how your story is told, which is why we help couples find locations that feel meaningful and true to them. With the help of our curated location guides and recommended vendors, we are sure we can find all our lovebirds the perfect spot to say their "I DO's". A breathtaking location isn't just about aesthetics-it's about atmosphere. It's about how the setting makes you feel (catching a theme?) in the moment, and how that feeling translates into your photos.

At the end of the day, meaningful photography isn't about looking perfect-it's about capturing you. The little things, the big emotions, and the moments that make your love story one of a kind. That's what we focus on here at M+P, because when you look back at your photos years from now, we want you to feel the moment all over again. At Moon+Palm Photography, we don't just aim to take "nice" photos-we aim to capture you. Your love, your energy, your story. Every couple has a unique connection, and our goal is to document that in a way that feels authentic, effortless, and true to who you are. When you invest in photography, you're not just booking a session or coverage for your big day; you're preserving the way this moment in your life feels.

So let's create something that truly reflects you. Whether it's an adventurous session in a wild, scenic, landscape, or a quiet, intimate moment in a cozy studio, we're here to document your story as it unfolds-naturally, beautifully, and with all the heart behind it. Sounds like your kinda jam? Let's capture something real together.