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your love story is 
the ART
 

Millsboro, Delaware

The Clubhouse at Baywood

Bryn Awel Manor

Landenburg, Pennsylvania

We Capture YOU ...

Being totally shocked by the groom's brother during the toast.

Your first duty as a husband undoing the strap of your bride's blue shoes. 

Watching your dad and niece on the dance floor.

Chasing each other with pieces of cake.

Throwing flowers on the head of your flower girl while you sit on the floor with her. 

Finding a shot in your grooms pocket during portraits that he planned to drink to "take the edge off."

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For most couples, planning a wedding means navigating an industry you’ve likely never been part of before. You’re learning what different wedding photographers offer at the same time you’re trying to figure out what you actually need for your day—and those two things don’t always align. The truth is, many couples only realize what mattered most after the wedding is over. That’s exactly why I’m intentionally transparent about what I offer as a wedding photographer. Every part of my process is shaped by experience—both from photographing weddings and from understanding what couples often wish they had known sooner.

Below, I’m sharing what I believe the industry standard for wedding photography should be—not from a sales perspective, but from an advocacy one. These are the things that protect your day, your memories, and your peace of mind. My goal is to help you make informed decisions so you don’t find yourself learning through regret. Whether you hire me or another photographer, you deserve clarity, honest expectations, and coverage that truly supports your wedding day from start to finish.

Industry Standards

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

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Training Plus Experience

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I’m a Type A creative, which means I’m prepared to capture you beautifully in a poorly lit bathroom mirror, indoors when the weather doesn’t cooperate, or in spaces lit only by small lamps. Posing a single person, directing large groups, working within an eight-minute portrait window, and adjusting challenging lighting conditions isn’t something you leave to your “aunt with a fancy camera.” Training combined with experience results in photographs that last a lifetime—images that remind you exactly why you planned this celebration of love.

​Engagement Sessions

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Engagement sessions are your insurance policy. These sessions give you and your partner the opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera while working with me as your wedding photographer. You’ll receive your engagement photos fully edited—just like all of the images you see throughout my portfolio—so you can experience exactly what your wedding photographs will look and feel like. Think of it as a trial run, including my one rule: you can’t do anything wrong in your photos. Promise. After your engagement session, you’ll understand that all you need to do on your wedding day is be yourselves and soak it all in. I’ve perfected the art of prompting individuals, couples, and families in a way that creates naturally occurring, authentic photographs.

Booking

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To secure your wedding date, a signed contract from both of us and a paid retainer are required. After you inquire through my contact form, we’ll schedule a virtual consultation to discuss your vision, your secured vendors, and answer any questions you may have. Following our call, I’ll send over your wedding photography contract and electronic invoice for review and completion.

Gear and Lighting

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For every part of your wedding day, I carry two full-frame cameras, each recording simultaneously on dual memory cards. I also bring a third backup camera along with multiple lenses. Beyond gear, lighting is essential to creating professional, portrait-quality wedding images. I’m highly experienced in controlling light using off-camera flash from the start of your day through your final photograph. This includes lighting your dance floor with multiple off-camera flashes while also carrying an on-camera flash to capture guests who aren’t on the dance floor.

Why Wedding Photography?

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My business plan was always focused on family photography—never weddings. Until I realized that weddings are the most “family” experience you’ll ever have. Your family (especially the ones you’ve chosen) shows up to celebrate you in a way that never happens again. At one of my first weddings, the bride caught her reflection in a hallway mirror and said, “I never knew I could be this beautiful.” It’s those small, fleeting moments that unfold naturally and are preserved forever through photographs.

Full Day Wedding Coverage

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Documenting weddings is what I do, regardless of the length of your ceremony. Most couples choose full-day wedding photography coverage, which is typically eight hours. Your ceremony usually falls somewhere in the middle of that timeline, allowing the full story of your day to be told. My wedding photography packages include planning support, preparation guides, consultations, and your engagement session—everything you need for a seamless experience.

Editing, Sneak Peeks, & Gallery Delivery

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All final images are delivered as portrait-quality photographs, which includes professional editing such as distraction removal, head swaps when needed, and image enhancements. Editing takes approximately two to three hours for every hour of photography coverage. Many couples receive sneak peek images as early as the night of their wedding. Your full wedding gallery is delivered in an online gallery approximately two months after your wedding day.

Half Day Coverage

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Some couples prefer fewer hours of wedding photography coverage, and I do offer that. However, it’s important to understand that even with five hours of coverage, couples still want all of the most important moments documented. This means I actively manage your wedding day timeline to ensure everything runs efficiently. Because those key moments still require full editing, the post-production time is often very similar to longer coverage.

Venues

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I have zero interest in photographing the same venue weekend after weekend. My passion lies in the details that make your wedding uniquely yours—your grandma as the flower girl, someone ugly crying during the ceremony, butterflies representing a late parent, the first moment you feel your wedding ring, or your dog trying to steal the spotlight. The only time prior experience at a venue truly matters is when that venue has extensive photography rules or restrictions.

Hello

Welcome to a place where love is documented on your best days; proposals, wedding days, newborn photos, annual family clients or a first time family client. My goal is to capture you with your favorite people in your favorite place so your photos spark memories for years to come.

I love all things dessert and wish every session started and/or ended with sweet treats.

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Weddings

Capturing your wedding, one memory at a time.

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Families

Where art is made and love is captured.

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©2022 Shannon Ritter Photography LLC​

Serving Couples in Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, & Pennsylvania

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