When you think back on your wedding day years from now, it won’t just be the big moments you remember — it’ll be the in-between glances, the laughter, and the tears that caught you by surprise. That’s why candid photography is such a huge part of how I document love stories here at Storyteller Collective Photo Co. As a Des Moines wedding photographer, I believe the unscripted moments are often the ones that become the most meaningful.

Here are five candid wedding moments you don’t want to miss:

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1. The Getting Ready Anticipation

There’s a certain magic in those quiet hours before the ceremony — your wedding party buzzing with excitement, your mom buttoning your dress, your best friend laughing as they attempt a tricky bow tie. These are the moments where the anticipation and joy really shine through, completely unposed.

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2. The First Look (Or First Reaction)

Whether you plan a private first look or see each other for the first time down the aisle, the emotions in that split second are unrepeatable. Tears, nervous laughter, wide-eyed smiles — those natural reactions are the heart of the story.

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3. The Ceremony Emotions

From your parents’ faces in the crowd to the flower girl’s silly wave, candid photos during the ceremony capture the atmosphere in a way posed portraits can’t. The little things — like a hand squeeze at the altar — become some of the most cherished images.

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4. The Reception Joy

The best dance floor photos always come from the wild, carefree moments — your college friends singing at the top of their lungs, your grandma busting a move, kids twirling until they’re dizzy. These candid captures show the celebration in its truest form.

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5. The Quiet In-Betweens

Some of the most powerful images happen when you don’t even realize I’m taking them: you sneaking a kiss during sunset, sharing a private laugh during portraits, or simply taking in the day together. These are the photographs that feel most like you.

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Why Candid Moments Matter

At the end of the day, wedding photography is about more than perfectly posed portraits — it’s about preserving how your day felt. The candid, unscripted moments are the ones that bring you back to the laughter, the nerves, and the love that surrounded you.

If you’re planning your wedding in Iowa and want photographs that tell the real story of your day, I’d love to be there to capture it all. Reach out and let’s create something timeless together.