Through the Lens of a Celebrity Wedding Photographer

A Glimpse into Celebrity Weddings

by Photographer Charles Maring

Star Jones making a fun and fashionable grand entrance to her wedding ceremony aboard Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas. PHOTO ©CHARLES MARING

As a photographer specializing in capturing the essence of love on one of the most important days in a couple's life, I've had the privilege of witnessing and immortalizing countless celebrity weddings throughout my career. Each event is unique, with its own story to tell and its own magic to capture. From intimate affairs to lavish spectacles, here's a glimpse into the world of celebrity weddings through my lens.

Celebrity weddings are often surrounded by an air of excitement and anticipation unlike any other. With the eyes of the world upon them, celebrities approach their big day with a mixture of nerves and excitement, knowing that every detail will be scrutinized and every moment immortalized. As their photographer, it's my job to capture the raw emotion and unbridled joy that comes with saying "I do" in front of loved ones, the media, and the public eye. It’s also my job to handle extreme pressure, bring a sense of calm and trust to the event, and meet critical and media outlet deadlines with grace.

One of the most rewarding aspects of photographing celebrity weddings is the opportunity to work with couples who are not only deeply in love but also unapologetically themselves. Whether they're exchanging vows in a lavish ballroom or a secluded garden, there's an authenticity to their love that shines through in every photograph. From stolen glances to tender embraces, it's these intimate moments that make celebrity weddings truly special.

Of course, celebrity weddings also come with their fair share of challenges, and we have to be on our A-Game from start to finish. From navigating the paparazzi to coordinating with security teams, there are logistical hurdles that must be overcome to ensure a smooth and successful event. Yet, amidst the chaos and commotion, there's a sense of magic that pervades the air – a palpable energy that infuses every photograph with a sense of excitement and anticipation.

Artful and etherial photograph of the couple’s first dance. PHOTO: ©CHARLES MARING

A wedding photojournalist bears witness to emotion through a detailed lens, and then has an opportunity to review the feelings of the photographs for hours on end in the post production process. In a way, wedding photography is a lifelong study of love, body language, and human emotion. We see the world up close in a way that guests, friends, and certainly the public cannot. It’s partly what makes being a celebrity wedding photographer so special. It’s a detailed inside look at the inner workings of relationships whether it be the couple themselves or parents, children, and extended family. The trust it takes to find a photographer that cares deeply about getting it right can’t be overstated when it comes to high profile events.

One of the most talked about celebrity weddings I've had the pleasure of photographing was that of Donald and Melania Trump. Hailed as The Wedding of the Century by the media due to its celebrity driven invite list ranging from fashion icons to pro sports stars, artists, musicians, and Presidents alike this would be a media frenzy on the outside while myself and my team was on the inside seeking perform our best for our couple. From the stunning venue of Mar-a-Lago to the exquisite floral arrangements designed by Preston Bailey, every detail was meticulously planned and flawlessly executed. Yet, amidst the opulence and grandeur, what stood out most was the love shared between the the couple, and their families alike.

Another celebrity wedding that warms my heart was the wedding of Star Jones and Ricardo Lugo. The couple hosted a weeklong celebration aboard Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas cruise ship. It wasn’t just the wedding itself that made this an amazing experience for ourselves and their guests. Every single day the couple hosted a special event in some part of the cruise ship. The couple was beaming with love the entire week. It was truly a spectacular celebration that we will hold dear in our hearts.

Star Jones and Ricardo Lugo wedding portrait… PHOTO: ©CHARLES MARING

Celebrity weddings are an opportunity to learn from the couples we photograph, and we often make lifelong friendships and personal connections as well. Over the years we have photographed several books from cover to cover for entertaining expert David Tutera. We’ve appeared as guest experts on his television shows, and so much more. We were thrilled to be alongside him and his partner Joey to capture their love, and a lavish post ceremony wedding celebration at the famous Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles.

A First Dance embrace at a Celebrity Wedding of David Tutera and Joey Toth. PHOTO: ©CHARLES MARING

As photojournalists we are open to telling authentic stories for couples from all walks of life, with different ideas, backgrounds, and beliefs. Our goal is to shine a light on everything that is right with the world, and love is most certainly the pinnacle of what our life journeys are about.

These are just a few examples of the numerous celebrity weddings and private events we’ve had the honor of covering. As a photographer, my goal is not just to capture beautiful images, but to tell a story – a story of love, laughter, and happily ever after. Whether it's a celebrity wedding or an intimate elopement, I approach each event with the same sense of reverence and respect, knowing that I have been entrusted with capturing memories that will last a lifetime.

In the end, celebrity weddings are not just about the glitz and glamour, but about two people coming together to celebrate their love in front of the world. And as long as there are celebrities saying "I do," I'll be there, camera in hand, ready to capture the magic of love in all its forms.