You’ve said “I do,” danced the night away, and woken up the next morning still glowing from the day before. But what happens next when it comes to your wedding photos?
If you’ve booked a photographer who takes a documentary-style approach—like we do at Smiling Tiger Studios—you’re probably not just looking for pretty pictures. You want the real stuff: moments you missed, emotions you forgot, and the full story of your day captured authentically.
So here’s what happens after the confetti settles…
Step 1: Backups & Curation (The Behind-the-Scenes Bit)
Before anything else, your images are backed up in multiple locations to ensure nothing is lost. This is the “safety first” stage—quiet but crucial.
Then the culling begins. Out of the thousands of frames we shoot, we carefully select the images that tell the strongest, most emotive and cohesive story. No duplicates, no blinks—just the honest, powerful stuff.
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Want to see what this looks like in action? View our real weddings for honest storytelling at its finest.
Step 2: Editing & Crafting the Story
This is where the magic really happens.
At Smiling Tiger Studios, we individually edit each selected image with our signature style—subtle, natural tones with just enough polish to enhance the emotion, never overpower it.
Our documentary approach means we don’t force a moment to be something it’s not. Instead, we let the images speak for themselves. You’ll get:
- A consistent visual story
- Images that feel like you, not a filtered version
- True-to-life colour, tone, and mood
Editing usually takes 4–6 weeks (peak season) but can often be back to you in 2-3. To keep the excitement of the day flowing we’ll send you a preview set within the first week so you’re not left wondering.
Step 3: Delivery Day (Your Gallery Goes Live!)
Once your full gallery is ready, we’ll send you a private online link where you can:
- View and download all your high-resolution images
- Share with family and friends
- Start marking your favourites for printing or albums
This is one of our favourite moments—the reactions, the re-living, the laughter (and usually a few happy tears!).
Step 4: Albums, Prints & Artwork
There’s something powerful about holding your wedding story in your hands—not just swiping on a screen.
We offer a curated range of fine art albums and wall pieces, designed to last for generations. Our albums are custom-designed with your input, so they feel exactly right for your story.
And yes—there’s always time for this part, even if you don’t decide straight away. Many couples come back to us months (or even years) later, once the dust has settled.
What Makes the Process Different at Smiling Tiger Studios?
We’re not just delivering photos. We’re telling stories—honestly, emotively, and with a quiet attention to detail that runs from the shutter click all the way to the album box.
After 15 years in photography and storytelling, we know the value of patience, craft, and connection. We don’t rush. We don’t batch. We don’t outsource. What you receive has been carefully handled, curated, and considered by someone who was there with you on the day.
Ready to Plan What Happens After Your Day?
If you’re dreaming of photos that feel real, thoughtful, and personal—let’s talk.
Let’s Make Choosing Easy
At Smiling Tiger Studios, we help couples feel relaxed, seen, and celebrated. We offer documentary-style wedding photography in Dorset and across the UK, specialising in real, unposed storytelling that captures your day exactly as it felt.
