Elopement Wedding at a Riverside Courthouse - Sarah and Bobby

Here is a little glimpse (behind the scenes) of how I'd photograph an elopement of a couple at a courthouse. We spent 1 hour together. And my partner Brett filmed and edited this video.

Sarah started talking about how her mom Monica had to endure the toughest time of her life - when her mother died and then, Sarah "died 4 times" and didn't know she would be able to walk again.

Sarah and Bobby eloped with Sarah’s mom, aunt and granpa, and got married at a Riverside Courthouse, vowing to be with each other forever and ever. I was so fortunate to witness their love.

Some love stories are straight out of a fairytale - others are written with grit, strength, and a radiant smile that defies all odds. Sarah has been battling a rare disease which doctors are still trying to understand, and yet, she radiates more joy than most will in a lifetime.

With the biggest smile and the purest heart, Sarah and Bobby reminded me that love isn't just about finding the right person - it's also about embracing every single moment, no matter how unpredictable the journey.

WeddingAnnie BangFebruary 20, 2025wedding photographer, wedding photography, wedding photojournalism, wedding photojournalist, best wedding photographer, los angeles documentary family photography, los angeles wedding photographer, elopement, elopement wedding, elopement photography, courthouse weddingComment

Documentary Wedding Photography vs. Wedding Photojournalism: What’s the Real Difference?

People often ask, “What’s the difference between documentary wedding photography and wedding photojournalism?” It’s a great question because they sound so similar. Both focus on capturing authentic, unscripted moments, but the way each photographer approaches the day sets them apart.

Let me break it down for you—and explain how we make the experience truly special.

**Unscripted. Unfiltered. Unforgettable.**

Your wedding story is beautifully imperfect—captured as it happens with no forced poses, just honest moments you'll treasure forever.

What is Documentary Wedding Photography?

Documentary wedding photography is all about capturing the real moments of your wedding day—the love, the connections, and the dynamics with your family and friends.

But here’s the key difference: in this style, there’s room for gentle influence.

For example, the photographer might say, “The light by the window is gorgeous—why don’t you stand here while you open that letter?” Once you’re there, I step back and let the emotions unfold naturally. The tears, the laughter, the joy—it’s all you. I’m just there to set the stage and capture the magic.

The only “problem” I find with this approach is that some of these wedding photos may look very similar - close your eyes and imagine photos of the bride or the groom reading letters by the windows; the photos can be more traditional.

So how do we go beyond that and create something truly personal? That’s exactly what we dive into in The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Photography Styles. Inside, you'll learn how to make your wedding photos feel raw, real, and uniquely you.

Grab your free The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Photography Styles

What is Wedding Photojournalism?

A wedding photojournalist adopts a stricter “hands-off” approach - similar to a news photojournalist. They blend into the crowds and scenes, observing and documenting the wedding day exactly as it naturally unfolds.

There’s no interference, no awkward posing, no influence—just pure, raw documentation. This allows them to be more creative, find their unique perspectives to the wedding story narratives, and focus on all small and big moments.

The Key Difference: Influence vs. Authenticity

Here’s the simplest way to understand it:

Documentary photographers might gently direct or create opportunities for moments to be naturally captured; the emotions are real, but people may remember that it was the photographer's idea to “act” or show those emotions.

Photojournalists emphasize authenticity and accuracy above all. They avoid altering reality, capturing moments as-is, without interference or staging. They favor moments over perfection (in fact, imperfection is perfection) and deliver a visual narrative that may surprise the viewers later because they may not remember the photographer’s presence much.

How Annie Bang Photography Stands Out

Our approach is rooted in journalism. Here’s how we ensure your wedding day is not only beautifully captured but also stress-free and unforgettable:

Helping You Be Present
Your wedding day is meant to be lived, not performed. We help you stay fully present in the moment, so you can relax, enjoy, and let the emotions flow.
Solving the Cookie-cutter Photo Problem
If you’re tired of the same generic, posed wedding photos, you’re in the right place. Our approach is perfect for couples who value authenticity over perfection. No awkward poses, no forced smiles—just real moments that reflect your unique love story.
Emotion-Packed Storytelling
We focus on capturing the relationships that matter the most to you. From the quiet glance with your parents to the inside jokes with your best friends, our photos tell the story of your wedding day and take you back to the genuine emotions you felt.
Exclusive, High-Quality Photo Products
We believe your memories deserve the best. That’s why we offer premium photo products that aren’t available to the general public. Whether it’s a handcrafted album or museum-quality prints, we ensure your memories are preserved beautifully.
Personalized and Caring Service
We pride ourselves on providing clear communication, friendly interactions, and a truly personalized experience. Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, and we’re here to make sure everything feels seamless and stress-free.

How We Make Your Day Truly Unforgettable

At Annie Bang Photography, we believe your wedding day should feel personal and stress-free. From the moment you reach out, we make it our mission to get to know you, ensuring every detail of your love story is captured authentically. We’re not just taking pictures—we’re there to support you, helping you stay present in the moment. This connection allows us to capture everything from the biggest celebrations to the smallest, quiet moments that speak volumes.

Why Does This Matter?

Choosing the right style of photography—and the right photographer—makes all the difference.

At Annie Bang Photography, we believe your wedding day should be about celebrations, emotions and relationships, not an all-day photo shoot. We’re here to provide you photos that are uniquely yours packed with emotions — so you can relive the magic of your day for generations.

Why is Annie Bang the perfect “Photographer” for you?

Your wedding day is filled with fleeting moments. At Annie Bang Photography, we don’t just take photos—we help you be present in the moments and preserve your unique memories for a lifetime.

If you’re looking for a stress-free, emotion-packed experience with photos that tell your story, we’d love to hear from you.

Let’s create something unforgettable.

-Annie

Say hi!

WeddingIrene MangampoFebruary 6, 2025documentary photography, candid wedding photography, authentic wedding photos, wedding storytelling, documentary photography examples, documentary photography meaning, documentary photography ideas, documentary photography wedding, documentary photography books, documentary photography courseComment

Beverly Hills Courthouse Wedding, Beverly Hills City Hall Wedding, Beverly Hills Wedding Portraits - Emily + Chris

Emily and Chris decided to elope. The reason? “We just want to be married!”

They first met in 2013, and their first date was at Westfield Century City Mall where they watched the movie “Her” - and OMG, this is one of my absolute favorite movies!

Emily is from China but grew up in Los Angeles. They’re artistic, working in the film and design industries, and it was a great honor to be able to document their civil ceremony at the Beverly Hills Courthouse, filled with genuine moments as they exchanged vows.

Following the ceremony, we originally went to go to Greystone Mansion to make some portraits, but when we applied for a photo permit for their wedding day, the area was closed due to an event… So we ventured around the stunning Beverly Hills area, capturing the essence of their joy in portraits. The architecture of the courthouse and Beverly Hills City Hall provided a picturesque backdrop, allowing their personalities to shine in every frame. We’re blessed to have captured their unforgettable memories.