Why I Offer Free Rehearsal Dinner Photography With Every Wedding Package. And It's a Very Selfish Reason
Okay, confession time.
Every wedding package I offer includes complimentary rehearsal dinner coverage.
And not because I'm feeling extra generous (though hey, I do love a good celebration).
It’s because I’m selfish.
Yup. You heard that right.
I do it for me.
Here’s why:
The rehearsal dinner is where the magic starts. It's the warm-up before the big show—the night where nerves melt into laughter, inside jokes fly across the table, and your favorite people finally meet. It’s intimate. It’s emotional. And it’s real.
And that is what I live for.
But wait—there’s more. Here are 5 more reasons I choose to show up early and photograph your rehearsal dinner for free:
1. I Want to Know Who Matters to You
When I meet your people—your dad who hides his emotion behind sarcasm, your best friend who tears up every time she talks about your love story—I start to understand your story better.
This makes your wedding day photos ten times more meaningful.
2. Your Guests Warm Up to Me (Fast)
Showing up the day before breaks the ice. Uncle Joe doesn’t squint at me on the wedding day wondering who the camera guy is. I’m already part of the crew. That comfort? It leads to better photos—natural, unguarded, full-of-feeling photos.
3. You’re Not in Wedding Mode Yet (Which Is a Good Thing)
The rehearsal dinner is usually more relaxed. You’re not running on timelines. You’re being present. That’s when some of the most beautiful, unscripted moments happen—and I’m there to catch them.
4. I Get a Sense of the Emotional Landscape
Which sibling is the softie? Which friend is most likely to drop a surprise toast?
This helps me anticipate moments on the wedding day, so I never miss the ones that matter most.
5. It Tells the Whole Story
Your wedding story doesn't start when you walk down the aisle. It starts when you raise a glass the night before, surrounded by the people who built your world.
If I’m going to tell your story honestly, I want to start at the beginning.
So yeah... it’s a little selfish.
But it’s also rooted in love, connection, and the kind of storytelling that moves you when you look back years from now.
If you’re into photos that don’t just look good—but feel like your people and your love and your weekend—then we’re probably a good match.
With love,
Lalo
