When couples think about wedding photography, they often focus on the big day itself—the ceremony, the portraits, the reception. But there’s a part of the wedding experience that’s just as meaningful and often overlooked: the rehearsal dinner.

The night before the wedding is a time when emotions run high, excitement fills the air, and loved ones come together in an intimate, relaxed setting. It’s a chance for couples to soak in the moment before the whirlwind of the wedding day begins. And that’s exactly why having photography coverage for your wedding rehearsal is so important.

The Magic of Rehearsal Dinner Photography

Your rehearsal dinner isn’t just another dinner—it’s a celebration of your journey with the people who mean the most to you. While wedding days can feel fast-paced and structured, the night before is often more relaxed, full of heartfelt toasts, candid moments, and deep conversations. Having a photographer there ensures that these fleeting moments are beautifully captured, preserving the emotions and excitement leading up to the big day.

Here’s why wedding rehearsal coverage is so valuable:

Captures Genuine Emotion: The day before the wedding is full of nerves, laughter, and love. It’s often one of the last quiet moments before the wedding day, making it extra special.

Celebrates Your Loved Ones: A rehearsal dinner gathers your closest friends and family—those who have supported your love story. It’s a time for meaningful interactions, heartfelt toasts, and emotional embraces.

Preserves the Beautiful Details: From florals to décor, rehearsal dinners are often beautifully designed. If you’ve put effort into creating a gorgeous setting, why not document it just like your wedding day?

Tells the Full Story of Your Wedding Weekend: Your wedding album should reflect more than just the wedding day itself. The rehearsal dinner adds depth to your story, showing the lead-up to your “I do’s.”

Liz and Thida’s wedding rehearsal at St. Francis Winery in Sonoma, California, was the perfect example of why capturing this part of the wedding weekend matters.

Liz & Thida’s Vibrant Wedding Rehearsal at St. Francis Winery

Set against the rolling vineyards of Sonoma, St. Francis Winery was the perfect location for Liz and Thida’s wedding rehearsal dinner. The golden-hour light spilled over the landscape as guests arrived, setting the stage for an evening filled with warmth, joy, and anticipation.

The couple, known for their impeccable design sense, infused their personalities into every detail of the evening. Their table settings featured an explosion of color, thanks to the breathtaking floral arrangements by Eucharis Studio. Vibrant blooms were artfully arranged alongside fruits and vegetables as centerpieces, creating a lush, organic, and visually striking tablescape that felt both elevated and welcoming. Peaches, citrus, and heirloom tomatoes added a playful, farm-to-table feel, bringing a sense of abundance to the evening.

To add an even more personal touch, Liz and Thida designed their own paper goods, from the dinner menus to handwritten place cards. Their thoughtful designs tied together their love for aesthetics and storytelling, making each guest feel like an integral part of their journey.

As guests enjoyed a family-style meal paired with St. Francis Winery’s renowned wines, laughter and heartfelt toasts filled the air. Their closest family and friends shared stories of the couple’s journey—how they started as best friends in college and quickly fell in love, building a life together filled with love, adventure, and creativity.

A Night to Remember

Right before the sun dipped below the horizon and the string lights twinkled above, Liz and Thida took a quiet moment together, holding hands and taking it all in. This was the calm before the beautiful storm—the last night before they officially became wife and wife.

For them, this night was about more than just rehearsing logistics—it was about celebrating the people who shaped their love story, honoring their journey, and soaking in the magic of the moment. And thanks to having their rehearsal dinner photographed, they’ll be able to relive these cherished memories forever.

Final Thoughts: Should You Have Your Wedding Rehearsal Photographed?

Absolutely. If your rehearsal dinner is filled with meaningful moments, stunning design, and the people you love most, it deserves to be captured. These photos will serve as a reminder of the joy, the love, and the anticipation leading up to your wedding day.

So when planning your wedding weekend, consider extending your photography coverage—it’s one of the best decisions you can make. Your wedding day is just one chapter of your love story. Why not document the entire weekend?

Are you considering rehearsal dinner photography for your wedding? Let’s talk about how to make sure every beautiful moment is captured!