Family formals: the part of the wedding day most photographers love to hate. But what if I told you these photographs are your secret weapon to building trust and access for the entire wedding day? I’m here to open the door on my process for planning, lighting, directing, and executing family and wedding party formals with confidence and efficiency. We’ll go beyond the shot list to explore the preparation that sets you up for success, how to confidently move people through each grouping, and how to keep the experience clear, friendly, and moving. And as a documentary wedding photographer, I’ll make the case for why these photographs are more than a checklist. They’re an opportunity to earn the trust of the people who matter most to your couple—and that trust can open the door to deeper, more intimate storytelling throughout the wedding day. Come learn how to plan smarter, take control, and turn the family formal from a dreaded obligation into a powerful part of your photography experience.