A Day in the Life of a Wedding Photographer: Balancing Business and Motherhood

Being a wedding photographer is more than just capturing beautiful moments—it's about running a business, managing clients, and balancing work with family life. As a wife to Brachen, an incredibly talented wedding videographer, and a mom to our two sweet kids—Mila, our energetic 5-year-old kindergartener, and Cyrus, our curious 1-year-old—I wear many hats throughout the day. From client calls to editing marathons, Peloton workouts, and bedtime snuggles, here’s a peek into my daily life.

Morning: Chaos, Chai, and Kindergarten Drop-Off

My day usually starts early—because let’s be real, kids don’t believe in sleeping in! Cyrus is up first, ready to explore the world (or at least every cupboard in sight), and Mila follows soon after, excited to head to kindergarten. Mornings are a whirlwind of making breakfast, packing lunches, and making sure everyone has what they need for the day.

Once Mila is off to school, the house quiets down a bit. I take this time to sip my drink, answer a few urgent emails, and get in some snuggles with Cyrus before his morning nap.

Mid-Morning: Work Mode Activated

Once Cyrus is down for his nap, it’s go time! This is my most productive window of the day. I dive into:

Emails & Client Calls: Responding to inquiries, finalizing wedding timelines, and coordinating with brides, grooms, and planners. Communication is key in the wedding industry, and I spend a lot of time making sure everything is in place for upcoming weddings.
Editing Sessions: Wedding days are magical, but the real magic happens in post-production. I spend hours perfecting images, enhancing colors, and making sure each couple’s story is beautifully told.

This time flies by, and before I know it, Cyrus is up from his nap, ready for snacks and playtime.

Afternoon: Balancing Motherhood and Business

After lunch, I do my best to balance work and mom life. Some days, I squeeze in another round of editing while Cyrus plays nearby. Other days, we’re out running errands, going to the park, or having dance parties in the kitchen. Mila gets home from school in the afternoon, and I shift gears into "mom mode"—listening to her stories, helping with crafts, and making sure she gets all the attention she needs.

Some days, Brachen and I tag-team responsibilities, especially if he’s editing wedding films or out shooting a project. Being a husband-and-wife creative team means we understand each other’s schedules and support each other however we can.

Evening: Peloton, Dinner, and Snuggles

As the evening rolls in, I make it a priority to carve out time for myself. My Peloton rides are my reset button—whether it’s a high-energy workout or a quick scenic ride, it helps me recharge.

After dinner and bedtime routines (which involve lots of bedtime stories and extra snuggles), I wrap up any final emails or social media updates for the day. Then, it’s time for my favorite part—winding down with Brachen. Whether we’re watching a show, chatting about our latest creative projects, or just relaxing together, it’s our time to reconnect before another busy day.

Final Thoughts: The Beauty of the Hustle

Being a wedding photographer, a wife, and a mom means my days are full, but they’re also full of love, laughter, and purpose. Some days are chaotic, some are calm, but every moment is part of this beautiful journey I’m so grateful for.

To my fellow photographers, working parents, and creatives juggling it all—you’re doing amazing. And to my incredible clients, thank you for trusting me to capture your most precious moments.

Now, time to grab another cup of coffee and do it all over again tomorrow! ☕💛

Bella AlderFebruary 16, 2025salt lake