I’m having a bit of a love affair with the “documentary” side of wedding photography. Every wedding is so very personal and unique to each couple, it deserves to be approached without preconceived ideas of what a wedding SHOULD look like. It deserves to be documented and honored for who each individual couple is. It should reflect their personalities and relationship.
The following set of images are from three wonderful small weddings and elopements photographed over the the past two years.
Bubbling Wells Oasis, a magical wedding venue:
Light, shadows, and the dress waiting its turn and the bride gets a few final touches
The day starts quietly, before anyone is dressed or ready.
Flower girl amidst all the big girls
Groomsmen pre-gaming at Bubbling Wells Ranch
Custom wedding day shirts, designed by the groom
Ring bearer gets some love from his favorite uncle
So sharp!
Retro camcorder adds authenticity
Celebrity sighting! The one and only Darth Vader
Groom calms his nerves
Joshua Tree Intimate wedding on a cold stormy afternoon:
Chic wedding guest in Joshua Tree
Stormy wedding day in Joshua Tree
Quite possibly the cutest ring bearer
Beautiful bride
Loving these organic pre-ceremony moments
Beautiful, casual wedding ceremony in Joshua Tree
Family!
Sweet, organic and casual wedding portraits
Chic boutique Palm Springs Hotel wedding
Documentary wedding photography is wonderful because it lets your day unfold exactly as it’s meant to—no pressure, no performing, no stopping to “do it again.” It’s about real moments happening in real time: the way someone laughs when they’re nervous, the quiet hand squeeze before the ceremony, the kids underfoot, the inside jokes, the pauses. These images don’t just show what your wedding looked like, they show what it felt like. Years from now, you won’t be remembering whether everyone stood perfectly—you’ll remember the connection, the energy, and the people who showed up for you.
What makes documentary photos really stand the test of time is that they reflect who you actually are. Personalities, relationships, and family dynamics don’t go out of style the way trends sometimes do. A genuine laugh, a meaningful hug, or a moment of calm in the middle of a busy day will always feel honest and familiar when you look back on it. Instead of images that feel overly controlled or posed, documentary photographs give you a visual memory that grows more meaningful with time—because it’s rooted in truth, not perfection.
So if this style of wedding coverage resonates with you, if it speaks to your aesthetic, I’d love to chat with you about what I can offer you for YOUR unique wedding photos!
email: chris@christinearnold.com or text: 760-485-1893
Bubbling Wells Oasis
Joshua Tree National Park
The Skylark Hotel, Palm Springs
Weddings with Pam Olson
Artisan Events and Floral Decor
Makeup by Keturah
Hair by Robyn Tornabeni
Your photographer: Christine Arnold Photography