I’m Stephanie, a wedding + lifestyle photographer based in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Warrenton, Virginia. Whether I’m by the mountains of Colorado or Virginia, my soul feels at home, surrounded by rural living and the raw beauty of nature. I genuinely love what I do, and feel so passionate to share the enthusiasm and joy of these celebrations with you!

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March 26, 2015

Wedding Photographer Shoes

Wedding Photographer | What Shoes to Wear

It took me a LONG time to understand that it was not worth putting my feet in pain after running around for 10 straight hours. I love heels and dressing up in cute shoes. 🙂 However, I found myself having 90% of my weddings outside. Wearing heels in the grass isn’t the most comfortable thing especially when you are having to balance on your toes. Not worth it! If I were doing church weddings, yes, that would be appropriate. Basically, purchasing shoes as a wedding photographer can be a bit tricky! I would suggest that if you have church weddings and love heels, find something cute with some sort of padding for the bottom so there is never a chance of slipping on the church floor, something not too high and more importantly, no clicking as you walk around. 🙂

Recently, I was on the hunt of the ideal shoe for this upcoming wedding season and I am super happy with what I found! I’ll be honest, I am not a “flats” type of girl so originally I was trying to find cute and comfortable wedges. It came down to the point that since I’m already tall, I didn’t like how most wedges were 3+ inches! I don’t want to be towering over my couple. Haha! Flats ended up being the most ideal purchase for me.

Wedding Photographer | What Shoes to Wear

 

Here are a few tips:

1) Find something with a rounded toe. I tried SO hard to love one pair of flats I found but I could tell within 15 seconds that I would end up in pain due to the pointed toe. Oh well. 🙂 At least I was honest with myself because I would have bought them in a heartbeat!

2) Set a budget. I saw the CUTEST pair of flats that I loved and were made out of a luscious italian leather … not to mention pink with an adorable bow on the front … but the one pair was more than what I budgeted for the entire shopping trip. I was hoping for 2-3 pairs with my budget.

Wedding Photographer | What Shoes to Wear

3) Be realistic with comfort. I must have looked crazy walking around the store picking up every pair of flat and feeling the padding! Haha! Really though, that is super important! The Abella black flats I ended up purchasing were the most comfortable shoe I have ever found! Padding in all of the right spots, including my arches. I’m excited I won’t have to worry about my feet aching from the wrong pair of shoes! If your lovely flats do not support your feet in the right places, simply purchase some inserts to keep your feet secured for the entire day. I will probably end up inserting padding into my Audrey Brooke brown pair just in case, although they are SUPER comfortable!!!

4) Bring a second pair of shoes. When it comes time for the reception, why not switch into something that is more comfortable! If you happen to wear heels throughout the day, switch into a pair of flats or Toms. The reception is dark anyways so no one will notice if your brand is all about the heel. 🙂 Thanks Justin and Mary for the tip!!! Saved me last year!

5) This purchase is actually a tax deduction because it’s considered a “uniform” if purchasing for just photography reasons.

Wedding Photographer | What Shoes to Wear

Really, I believe this blog post can go out to anyone who has a fast paced job. 🙂

  1. Ashton says:

    These are really practical and useful tips! I love heels but hate when my feet starts to ache. I usually start my day with heels but when I need to get going, that’s when I slip in ballet flats.