Your wedding day is more than a celebration—it’s a story, full of emotion, beauty, and unforgettable details. The way that story is photographed depends on the style of wedding photography you choose. From timeless portraits to candid laughter, from dreamy fine art images to dramatic cinematic frames, each style shapes how your memories will look and feel for years to come.

At Maloos Photography, I believe no two love stories are alike, and neither should their photos be. As a Chicago wedding photography studio, I’ve seen how different approaches bring out different moods. Let’s walk through the most popular wedding photography styles used by couples today and explore how they might fit your vision.

Traditional (Classic) Wedding Photography

This is the style many people first imagine when they think of wedding photos. Traditional photography focuses on posed portraits, family groupings, and the key wedding moments captured in an organized way. The result is elegant, timeless images that you’ll cherish for generations.

If having polished portraits of your family and wedding party is a priority, this style ensures no one is missed. Many couples combine traditional photos with candid ones to balance structure and spontaneity. For tips on pairing structure with emotion, explore our guide to planning a wedding in Chicago.

Documentary (Photojournalistic) Wedding Photography

In contrast, documentary-style photography captures your day as it unfolds naturally. Instead of posing, the photographer steps back and documents genuine moments—the tear during the vows, the laugh during speeches, the glance you share when no one is watching.

The goal is authenticity: your story told truthfully, with all the in-between moments that make it unique. With this style, your album will feel like reliving the day as it really happened. You can see more about how candid moments shine in our romantic rainy wedding photos.

Editorial Wedding Photography

Do you love the look of magazine spreads? Editorial photography gives your wedding images a stylish, curated feel. Think dramatic lighting, intentional poses, and glamorous compositions that could belong in Vogue.

An editorial approach is perfect if you want a few “wow” shots alongside your natural moments. It turns wedding portraits into statement pieces while still telling your love story with elegance. Many couples also pair it with cinematic wedding photography for even more dramatic storytelling.

Fine Art Wedding Photography

Fine art photography transforms your wedding into soft, luminous, almost painterly images. Using natural light and delicate tones, this style emphasizes beauty, romance, and artistry.

Your dress, florals, and details are photographed with extra attention, often arranged to look like works of art. If you dream of ethereal, glowing images with a timeless elegance, fine art might be your match.

Lifestyle Wedding Photography

Lifestyle photography blends candid storytelling with gentle direction. Instead of stiff posing, I might ask you to walk together, whisper something sweet, or share a laugh. The result is natural photos that still feel polished.

This style is wonderful for couples who want their personalities to shine but appreciate a little guidance in front of the camera. If you’d like to see how relaxed, guided prompts work in real life, take a look at our engagement photography in Chicago.

Light and Airy Wedding Photography

This popular style is all about soft light, pastel colors, and dreamy romance. Photos are bright, glowing, and full of joy.

Light and airy photography works beautifully for outdoor weddings, garden venues, and sunny Chicago afternoons. It creates a timeless, fairytale-like feel that never goes out of style.

Dark and Moody Wedding Photography

For couples who love drama and depth, dark and moody photography embraces shadows, rich tones, and cinematic lighting.

Rather than chasing brightness, this style highlights contrast and atmosphere. The result is emotional, artistic images that feel like stills from an indie film intimate, soulful, and timeless. Learn more in our full guide to dark and moody wedding photography.

Cinematic Wedding Photography

Cinematic photography makes each photo feel like a scene from a movie. It combines storytelling, dramatic light, and intentional composition to create powerful, emotional images.

From sweeping wide shots that showcase your venue to close-ups that capture the smallest details, cinematic photography is immersive and expressive. If you want your wedding gallery to feel like your own personal film, our guide to cinematic wedding photography will inspire you.

Blending Styles for Your Unique Story

The truth is, most weddings aren’t photographed in just one style. Many photographers, including me, use a hybrid approach. I might capture the ceremony with a documentary eye, guide portraits with an editorial touch, and use cinematic light at sunset.

This blend ensures your gallery reflects the full spirit of your day: authentic, beautiful, and personal.

Conclusion

Every style of wedding photography tells a story in its own way—whether classic, candid, glamorous, dreamy, moody, or cinematic. What matters most is finding the approach that feels right for your love story.

At Maloos Photography, I’ll help you discover the perfect balance of styles so your photos feel true to you timeless, emotional, and unforgettable.