Those who are new around here might not know that I photographed my sister’s wedding this past January. Yes, pre-COVID! Thank goodness she chose January…

Whenever I mentioned to people last Autumn that I was going to be the main photographer for my sister’s wedding, 90% of people were horrified. And I mean legitimately horrified. Photography Facebook groups are riddled with other ‘togs advising people to never ever photograph a sibling’s wedding.

5 Reasons Why You Should NOT Photograph Your Sister’s Wedding

(according to ALL THE PEOPLE)

1. You won’t have any fun.
2. You’ll miss everything!
3. Your sister will be a bridezilla.
4. There will be family drama.
5. You won’t get to eat or drink!

Let’s dissect this popular feedback!

I. You Won’t Have Any Fun

I am here to tell you that photographing my sister’s wedding did not impede on my fun. If you’re a hardcore partier, I can see why this might be challenging for you. I’m a one-drink kind of girl who does photography in my spare time so this was ALL THE FUN for me. Imagine getting that same high-on-photographing-wedding-emotions feeling while also being surrounded by your entire family the entire time. Laughing and joking and socializing while also doing something you love. Fun, CHECK.

II. You’ll Miss Everything!

Of all the feedback I received, this response made me laugh the hardest. Miss everything? I literally had a front row seat to the entire day. The day of her wedding, I woke up at her apartment. I experienced all the emotions right by her side. The anticipation as she got ready and the nerves before she went down the aisle. The tears from my Dad as he saw her for the first time. I chatted with my Uncle as he practiced the ceremony flow. My kids walked down the aisle towards me and I cried behind my camera. I got to experience her wedding in a way that no one else got to.

III. Your Sister Will Turn Into a Bridezilla

Guys, not every bride turns into a bridezilla. As much as the media makes it seem that way, it’s not the case. I knew my sister wouldn’t be a bridezilla and she was the furthest thing from one. She and my brother-in-law cared about two things: marrying each other and experiencing it surrounded by their closest friends and family. Period. With no bridal party, a small guest count, and everything taking place at one adorable venue: there was no stress as their photographer. I knew she loved my style and that I had her confidence to capture the moments of the day however I saw them.

IV. There Will Be Family Drama if You Photograph Your Sister’s Wedding

Maybe other families are different, but there was no photography-related drama. We are a loud, opinionated, Italian and Irish family but no one had any opinions on photography. They left that to the expert ;).

V. You Won’t Get to Eat or Drink!

With a gourmet taco bar, margaritas flowing, and a doughnut truck…there was no way that I was not going to eat or drink. Nor was there any way my family would’ve let me not eat or drink! I was frequently spotted with a drink or taco in one hand and a camera in the other. Eating on a “regular job” feels kind of taboo but when it’s your family– all food is fair game!