In the wedding photography industry, fashion and function go hand-in-hand. Your wedding day wardrobe needs to look good, but also carry you through a long and strenuous day. Being in this business, I know a thing or two about the essentials needed—and today, I’m sharing my five favorites to add to your closet.
It is so important to feel confident, comfortable, and showcase our personal style on wedding days. After five years as a wedding photographer, I’m here to tell you that yes, comfortable and cute shoes actually exist. There are high quality bags out there that hold your gear and do not resemble large backpacks. And, I like to think I’ve perfected the easy outfit, without having to re-wear the same thing or regret wearing jeans mid-ceremony.
Wearing a great outfit that promotes functionality sets us up for success. So, let’s dive into my tried and true favorites list that have made all the difference for me—and will hopefully help you out, too.
Lo & Sons - The O.G. 2
The name says it all—the smart features and timeless design make The O.G. 2 a multi-purpose, highly functional bag built for any kind of situation. It’s lightweight, but well constructed, so you won’t have to worry about it losing steam over time (and even if it does break down, their customer service is unmatched!).
I’ve used this bag since day one to hold my most-used cameras and lenses on wedding days, plus all the other little odds and ends you need. But I have to say, the best part of this is the shoe pocket built into the bottom. So when your feet start inevitably throbbing and you’re ready to switch shoes, it’s super easy to make the swap.
Oh, and like every great thing, it has pockets. So. Many. Pockets. There’s a padded laptop compartment so you can bring your laptop along if you wish, store essentials in the easily accessible front pockets, and even tether your keys on the attached leash. Plus, if you travel, it’s a great carry-on bag for the plane. It will fit right under the seat in front of you, and has a pass-through sleeve to slide onto suitcase handles.
One thing to note is that the O.G. 2 is technically not a camera bag, so it doesn’t include padded divider inserts. I’ve simply added my own to keep my lenses separated and protected.
Rothy’s - The Sneaker
The Rothy’s slip-on sneaker will change your wedding day footwear game. There’s nothing better than a crisp white sneaker—unless it’s a washable white sneaker. It still looks professional with a streamlined design, and most importantly, they are comfortable with no break-in period. For reference, I sized up a half size (because swelling on wedding day is no joke!).
I’ve never been a flats girl—my feet just don’t agree with them. But after trying these sneakers, I’ve been browsing Rothy’s other cute styles and patterns, and especially love these cinnamon red pointed Mary Janes, for when you want to bring a little extra spice. It’s worth taking a look through their site!
For the sustainable, Rothy’s is a mission-focused company, keeping our planet top of mind. Their signature thread is spun from plastic water bottles, and they use marine plastic, recycled materials in every single product they make.
Petal & Pup - Phaedra Jumpsuit
I truly believe you can’t beat a black jumpsuit for wedding photography. Jumpsuits are the perfect outfit because they are one piece—there’s no tucking in, pulling up, buttons or zippers to deal with, nothing jabbing at your waist. Plus, they usually have a pretty high neckline, which offers full coverage and eliminates the worry when you bend down to fix a gown.
The jumpsuit pictured is from a little known Aussie shop, Petal & Pup, and is one of my favorites. It’s classic, comfortable, and, best of all, it has pockets. I also love the big bow at the front for a feminine touch!
Similar options: ASOS | Old Navy | Anthropologie
Holdfast Gear - The Skinny Money Maker
The Holdfast Money Maker is so popular with photographers right now, and for good reason! Although it may sound cliché, I couldn’t live without this holster. Previously, I was shooting weddings with one camera body on a single strap, but it was always slipping off, hurting my shoulder, or just inconvenient. Now, I love the benefit of having two camera bodies at the ready and not having to spend extra time switching out lenses or running to get my other camera.
This allows you to be hand-free, which is definitely the biggest perk. You can quickly adjust a dress, hold a veil, or just take a breather without having to put anything down.
There are two strap sizes. I first had the original Money Maker which has 1.5” wide straps, but later purchased the Skinny and found it to be much more comfortable. I’ve had this one for three years now, and the leather is as soft as butter. For reference, I’m 5’7” and have it in a size small.
Apple Watch
Simply put, my Apple Watch is a saving grace. Wedding days can be incredibly fast-paced, and the last thing you have time for is checking your phone for texts, calls, timeline information, addresses, etc. It’s so nice having all of this on your wrist for easy and immediate access.
A few things I use my Apple Watch for:
Reference my timeline and addresses
Check off shot list items
Quickly send a voice text to my second shooter if I need to alert them of something
Check golden hour timing and weather (powered by the Lumy watch face)
Reference prompts and poses when I’m feeling stuck
Scan for missed calls or texts from home (so important now that I’m a mom!)
Track my steps and calories burned throughout the day, as we are typically on our feet 10–14 hours straight
Over the years, I’ve really developed my own wedding day style and what works best for me—and you will too. I hope these items inspire you to work smarter, not harder and help you to feel fresh as we head into our busiest year yet.
xx Erin