What to Look for in a Wedding Photographer: A Guide for Houston-Area Brides & Grooms
Photographer websites are attached to the individual Photos in this Post!
After booking your venue, I always encourage brides to focus on their next most important vendor — the photographer. Your wedding day will go by in a beautiful blur — filled with laughter, joy, and moments you’ll want to relive forever. That’s why choosing the right photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your planning process.
At Brandt 1910, we’ve worked with some of the most talented photographers in the Fulshear and greater Houston area, each with their own unique style and approach. Your photographer will be the one preserving every emotion, every detail, and every smile — so finding the perfect fit is key.
Whether you’re newly engaged or planning your 2026 wedding, here’s what Fulshear-area couples should look for when choosing a wedding photographer, plus a few of our trusted local favorites who know how to capture Texas love stories beautifully.
1. Choose Local — They Know the Light, the Landscape, and the Vibe
There’s a real advantage to working with a local photographer who understands the unique beauty of our area — from the rustic backroads of Wallis to the rolling fields near Fulshear and the historic downtowns of Richmond and Sealy.
Local photographers know exactly how to capture the soft golden light of Texas evenings and can make the most of both indoor and outdoor spaces like Brandt 1910’s ballroom and garden courtyard. They also know the best portrait spots nearby — from tree-lined country roads to charming small-town streets.
Some of our favorite local photographers include:
Heather Purvis Photography
- Known for light-filled, natural images that beautifully highlight authentic emotion.
Heather and her team have captured some of our favorite wedding photos, including many that are highlighted on our Facebook page.
Always Photogenic
- Masters of capturing candid, joy-filled moments that make every photo feel alive.
- Love seeing this woman at work! She’s a true artist and sees beauty in everyone.
Veil & Vow
- Elegant, editorial-style photography perfect for brides seeking a modern-meets-romantic aesthetic.
Take a look back at a post we did back in April for photos she took at Brandt 1910 that are absolutely stunning!
Samantha O’Neal Photography
- A favorite among Houston brides for warm tones and genuine storytelling.
- I love using Samantha for our own family photos, too.
Willow Birch Photography
- Beloved for soft, timeless images that feel straight from a magazine spread.
- Brittany did a fantastic job shooting our niece's wedding at Brandt 1910 last year!
By choosing someone local, you’ll get the benefit of experience, familiarity with the weather and light, and a personal touch that feels more like collaboration than transaction.
2. Check Reviews and Full Wedding Galleries
Before you book, take time to read reviews and browse full galleries — not just highlight reels or styled shoots. Real weddings show you how a photographer handles unpredictable lighting, family portraits, and fast-moving timelines. Look for mentions of professionalism, punctuality, communication, and whether past couples felt at ease in front of the camera.
Photographers like Heather Purvis and Veil & Vow consistently deliver full wedding galleries that tell a complete story from start to finish, not just pretty portraits, but emotional, unposed moments that bring your day back to life.
3. Ask for Referrals — Your Wedding Venue Team Knows the Best of the Best
One of the easiest ways to find a great photographer? Ask your venue or other local vendors for referrals.
At Brandt 1910, we’ve seen firsthand how much a great photographer can elevate a wedding day. We’ve loved working alongside teams like Always Photogenic, Willow Birch Photography, and Samantha Oneal Photography — all professionals who make couples feel comfortable while capturing everything from quiet first looks to packed dance floors.
When you ask for referrals, you’re getting more than a name — you’re getting insight from people who have actually seen those photographers in action.
4. Schedule an Engagement Session Together
An engagement session is the perfect “trial run” before your wedding day. It helps you and your photographer build trust and get comfortable in front of the lens.
You’ll learn how your photographer directs you, whether you prefer posed shots or candid prompts, and what types of photos you naturally gravitate toward.
Photographers like Samantha O’Neal Photography and Heather Purvis Photography have a gift for turning engagement shoots into relaxed, joy-filled experiences that double as a date night — with gorgeous photos to show for it.
5. Know Your Wedding Style — and Theirs
Every photographer has a signature look. Do you prefer bright and airy, true-to-color, or moody and dramatic? Spend some time browsing portfolios and notice what resonates with you.
If your wedding is taking place at Brandt 1910, a photographer who embraces warm tones and natural light will complement the vintage wood floors, exposed brick, and glowing evening ambiance of the ballroom.
Tip: Ask to see full albums from both indoor and outdoor weddings to ensure you love their editing style across different lighting situations.
6. Look for a Wedding Photographer Who Feels Like a Friend
You’ll spend more time with your photographer on your wedding day than with almost anyone else — from getting ready in the morning to your grand exit. That’s why chemistry matters.
You want someone who makes you feel comfortable, confident, and calm — someone who blends seamlessly into the background while capturing every genuine moment.
Photographers like Veil & Vow and Always Photogenic are known for creating that easygoing energy couples love. The result? Photos that feel relaxed, joyful, and truly authentic.
7. Understand What’s Included in the Package
When comparing packages, look beyond just the price. Ask questions like:
- How many hours of coverage are included?
- Will there be a second shooter?
- How long will it take to receive your gallery?
- Are engagement photos included?
- Do you receive printing rights?
Every photographer structures their packages differently. By reviewing the details carefully, you’ll avoid surprises and ensure you’re getting everything you want from your photography experience.
8. Choose Calm Under Pressure
Weddings rarely go 100% according to plan, and that’s okay! Your photographer should be someone who thrives under pressure, adapts easily, and keeps the mood light.
Whether it’s a sudden Texas downpour or a lively wedding party, professionals like Willow Birch Photography bring calm energy and creativity to every situation. That composure ensures your photos stay beautiful, no matter what the day brings.
9. Book Early — Especially for 2026 Dates
The best photographers in the Fulshear and Katy area book up quickly, especially for spring and fall weddings. Once you’ve secured your venue and date, reach out early to your top choices.
Photographers like Heather Purvis Photography, Veil & Vow, and Always Photogenic often fill their calendars a year or more in advance. Booking early gives you time to plan engagement photos and coordinate your timeline with your venue.
10. Trust Your Gut — It’s About Connection
At the end of the day, your connection with your photographer matters more than anything. When you meet someone who listens, understands your vision, and makes you feel seen, that’s your person.
The right photographer doesn’t just capture how your wedding day looks — they capture how it feels.
Capture Your Story Beautifully at Brandt 1910
Your photos will tell the story of your love, your laughter, and the moments that make your wedding unforgettable. At Brandt 1910, we love seeing couples choose photographers who align with their vision and bring that story to life with artistry and heart.
From the sunlit garden ceremony space to the glow of the ballroom’s chandeliers, Brandt 1910 offers a backdrop full of character — and these talented photographers know how to make it shine:
Heather Purvis Photography • Always Photogenic • Veil & Vow • Samantha Oneal Photography • Willow Birch Photography
Ready to Begin Your Wedding Story at Brandt 1910?
Schedule your private tour today and see why Fulshear-area couples fall in love with the vintage charm, elegant spaces, and southern hospitality that make Brandt 1910 so special.
Our team is happy to connect you with trusted local photographers who know our venue inside and out — helping you plan a picture-perfect day from start to finish.
Book your tour at www.brandt1910.com or email info@brandt1910.com to start planning your 2026 celebration.
(979) 217-1772
info@brandt1910.com
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our photo gallery, pricing details, or testimonials from happy couples who’ve walked down the aisle at Brandt 1910. #Brandt1910, #Brandt_1910