Guides

Every guide here answers one question in the first paragraph, then explains what actually happens on the day, based on the weddings we shoot.

Guides: 12
Written by: The people shooting
Covering: LA and beyond

Two hands reach toward each other and clasp in warm daylight, against a soft-focus garden of green leaves and pale blossoms.

The haldi ceremony

What a haldi ceremony is, what happens, what to wear, and how to photograph it without getting in the way. Written by a wedding photography and film studio.

A pair of wedding rings set inside a small ornate gilded frame, resting on a cluster of white roses and eucalyptus beside a pair of ivory heels.

Persian wedding traditions

The sofreh aghd, the knife dance, the honey, and how a Persian wedding ceremony is structured. A photographer's guide to what happens and when.

A group in deep red satin gowns stands together in a bright dressing room, beside a gold-cloth table holding bouquets.

Vietnamese wedding traditions

The le an hoi, the tea ceremony, the red lacquer boxes and the ao dai. What happens at a traditional Vietnamese wedding and how it is photographed.

A Mexican American wedding celebration photographed by VowDeLune

Mexican wedding traditions

El lazo, las arras, the padrinos and the tornaboda. What happens at a traditional Mexican wedding and what a photographer needs to be ready for.

Two people stand apart in a long stone arcade of white arches and columns, a brass lantern hanging overhead.

Courthouse weddings and elopements

How a courthouse wedding actually works, what it costs, what you can and cannot do inside, and how to photograph one properly.

An engagement session photographed by VowDeLune in Los Angeles

Where to take engagement photos

How to choose an engagement session location, the best times of day, and what actually photographs well. Practical advice from a wedding studio.

A wedding day photographed by VowDeLune in Los Angeles

How to choose a wedding photographer

The questions that actually matter when hiring a wedding photographer, the answers to watch out for, and what to check before you sign.

A Los Angeles wedding venue photographed by VowDeLune

How to choose a wedding venue in Los Angeles

A practical guide to choosing an LA wedding venue by type, light, and timeline, plus the questions to ask before you book and how it shapes your photos.

A couple walks between rows of gold chairs beneath panels of red draped fabric and greenery, guests standing on both sides.

Chinese wedding traditions: the tea ceremony, the red, and the banquet

A working LA wedding filmmaker's guide to Chinese wedding customs: the tea ceremony order, door games, the qun kua, red symbolism, and the banquet.

How much a wedding videographer costs, and why

What wedding videographers charge, the four things that drive the price, and how booking film with photo from one team saves you money.

Wedding day photography timeline: how much time each part really takes

A working LA studio's real wedding day timeline: how much time getting ready, portraits, family photos, and golden hour actually need, plus the traffic math.

A couple stands cheek to cheek between pale stone columns, the bride's veil and lace sleeves catching the light.

Armenian wedding traditions, and how to photograph them

Armenian wedding traditions explained: the khosk kap, church crowning, honey and lavash, breaking the plate, and what photographers and filmmakers prepare for.