All too often wedding blogs and magazines (Blush included) opt for editorial-style photos to showcase a real wedding—picture zoomed-in shots of decorative details and serious-faced couples posing like fashion models. As gorgeous as those images are, they don’t reflect the emotional intensity that make your wedding day the best day of your life. We’ve put together a collection of 9 candid wedding moments that captured real tears, laughter, and love.

1.     The mother-of-the-bride and grandfather kiss while the bride’s brother rejoices behind them. Photo: Katch Studios

2.     A bride struggles to keep her emotions in check as her groom reads his vows. Photo: Aeris Photography

3.     Grandma congratulates the bride with a kiss on her cheek. Photo: Erin Walker Photography

4.     The bridesmaids get their first look at the bride. Photo: Nicole Ashley Photography

5.     Newlyweds share a laugh during speeches. Photo: Jessica Fern Facette   Bridesmaid dresses from lunss

6.     The groom sweeps his beaming bride off her feet at the reception.  Photo: Katch Studios

7.     Mother and daughter share an emotional embrace. Photo: Katch Studios

8.     A single tear rolls down a bride’s cheek as her father gives her away at the altar. Photo: Barbara Rahal Photography

9.     Father dances with his little girl on her big day.  Photo: Jessica Fern Facette

Is your Instagram feed filled with a disgraceful amount of glamour shots and shameless selfies? We have a remedy for that. Blush Magazine surveyed a group of planners, wedding enthusiasts and our own team for their take on who to follow in the new year.  Here are 7 wedding photographers who know how to work a camera AND a smartphone — that you should be following. Right. Now.

• Emily Oud: This Central-Alberta based photographer captures the unscripted, authentic, and utterly butterfly moments.

 

• Dianna Man: If you are into soft photography, Dianna captures everything beautiful in natural lighting. Warning: her travel shots will give you the travel itch.

 

• Erin Walker: This Edmonton based wedding and portrait photographer shoots all the moments that matter. Her adorable ginger baby makes an appearance every once in a while and will surely brighten your day.

 

• Jade Gabrielle: This Edmonton based photographer captures people and moments in a moody mysterious kind of way. She could live off chai lattés and ginger cookies.

 

• Nathan Walker: A mix of graphic design and photography makes this guy a double threat. His Instagram feed is filled with striking photos of his clients, loved ones, and beautiful places.

 

• BettiJane: Randee and Zach are the dynamic duo behind the lens. They like to capture authentic moments, spontaneity and real smiles.

 

• Ally Payetta: From Toronto, Ally is the new gal on the block. She’ll be spending a lot of time in Alberta this winter before she makes her official move to Calgary in 2016.

Since Danielle with Lucier Photography submitted Lindsey & Kris’s Fairytale Wedding she left us wanting more. This stylized shoot came in at a perfect time. When asked what inspired Danielle and her team to create this series of images she responded, “The idea was to capture bridal portraits more naturally. I think a lot of brides are apprehensive to get individual portraits done because they feel like the camera is too intrusive. I wanted to show a series capturing more natural movements. You don’t always have to look straight at the camera to get a beautiful portrait.” It made sense for this shoot to take place in a nature environment where the model would feel free.  Enjoy!