WPJA.com HomeWedding Photojournalist Association

WPJA Spotlight - 2026 Round 24

Since its launch over two decades ago, the Wedding Photojournalist Association has been honoring and showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of documentary wedding photographers through its prestigious awards. Now, we are thrilled to introduce a new feature called Spotlight, where we showcase the best of the best in the industry.

A truly exceptional wedding photographer possesses a unique and creative eye. They have an innate ability to capture moments, emotions, and details that tell the story of a couple's special day. Whether it's a candid moment between the newlyweds, a stunning landscape as a backdrop, or the intricacies of carefully crafted wedding details, these photographers expertly capture it all in ways that are artistic and expressive.

The images featured in the WPJA Spotlight below embody the limitless possibilities within the wedding photography industry. Each photograph is a testament to the skill, passion, and dedication of the talented members of the Wedding Photojournalist Association from around the world. From stunning portraits to heartfelt candid shots, these images capture the essence of love, joy, and celebration that define a wedding day.

We invite you to explore this gallery of breathtaking images and applaud the extraordinary photographers who have made them possible.

At Garré Vineyard in Livermore, California, lively wedding reception details showing hands reaching for donuts hanging on pegs on a board.
Chris Shum
The ceremony on Sebago Lake, Maine, unfolds in a veil of fog, providing a dreamlike lakeside backdrop that highlights the couple’s vows and their unforgettable setting.
Jessica Weiser
A candid shot at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok offers a glimpse into the lively atmosphere and cameras in action among guests during wedding festivities.
Chaiyasith Junjuerdee
In Philadelphia, a flower girl is gently assisted by her loved ones as she gets ready for the wedding, their caring hands helping her prepare for the big moment.
John Ryan
During a heartfelt bow to their parents at home in Shandong, China, the couple’s loyal dog gently looks on, sharing in the significance of the family ritual.
Li Xiaoliang
During a winter couple session in Liorac/Louyre, Dordogne, the bride stands cheerfully despite the cold, showing her adventurous side in the chilly French countryside.
Guillaume Abello
Unique patterns of light and impressive architecture blend with palm trees in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, emphasizing the tropical elegance of the destination wedding portrait for the couple.
Andrea Martinetti
Healey Barn in Northumberland, UK, sets the scene for a gentle, intimate forehead kiss between the couple, reflecting pure affection and closeness.
Erika Tanith Davey
An intimate couple portrait from São Paulo captures the newlyweds together on a hanging foot bridge in the woods.
Eric Corbacho
On the lush banks of the Caudeau River in Liorac/Louyre, Dordogne, the couple poses together, with tranquil water and natural greenery creating a peaceful, romantic setting.
Guillaume Abello
At Columbia Hotel in London, a striking bride portrait showcases her in wedding dress, highlighted by the window light at this classic London venue.
Gyula Lovaszi
At Lavender Inn in Ojai, CA, the groom gently brushes leaves from the bride's dress as she walks toward her family, a small but caring gesture during the celebration.
Loren Haar
In Lembras, Bergerac district, Dordogne, France, a bride braves getting wet for a truly unique wedding photo filled with fun and spontaneity.
Guillaume Abello
Sunlight bathes the bride as she walks alone in a hotel park in Budapest, Hungary, her dress alight and the atmosphere serene before the celebrations begin.
Attila Ancsin
Along Caudeau River in Liorac/Louyre, Dordogne, a couple enjoys a photo session by the riverside, surrounded by lush greenery and calm water.
Guillaume Abello
At Elfrather Muehle in Krefeld, NRW, Germany, guests enthusiastically dive into slices of cake all at once, adding energy and fun to the dessert hour.
Miriam Folak
In Avignon, the bride sprays YSL perfume, adding a touch of elegance and her signature scent as she prepares for her wedding day.
Andrea Martinetti
At the ceremony venue in Shandong, a bride patiently awaits her moment, anticipation and hope shining as she stands ready to join her partner.
Li Xiaoliang
In Lyon, anticipation fills the air as a group of men gathers on a deck for a final conversation before the big wedding.
Andrea Martinetti
Creative close-up photography highlights the wedding rings in Kaifeng, China, artistically showcasing these meaningful symbols of love and commitment.
Xie Tian
At Villa Celincordia in Cesena, Italy, the bride holds her mother’s hand, featuring intricate wedding henna designs, creating a meaningful and emotional connection between generations.
Caterina Errani
The bride stands alone in the grapefruit fields of Bergerac, Dordogne, France, her dress and the autumn scenery creating a display of seasonal beauty.
Guillaume Abello
During the ceremony in Zuid Holland, a playful moment unfolds as a young guest can’t resist tasting the ring candy, enjoying the treat in the midst of the celebration.
Stefan van Beek
In Limoges, France, the couple pauses before the ceremony to chat with a child, while a witness helps adjust the wedding dress for the special moment ahead.
Alexis Lang
In Castiglioncello, Livorno, Italy, a candid black and white shot reveals an authentic preparation moment between the bride and groom before the celebration.
Caterina Errani
Intimate moments from pre wedding ceremony at a private residence in San Jose, California, reflect the emotional and meaningful moment the bride exits the car in all red.
Chris Shum
The wedding venue in Zuid Holland provides a creative backdrop as the bride and groom are artistically framed through red wine bottles in an imaginative composition.
Stefan van Beek
Wedding guests make their way up the rain-soaked path to Oundle School chapel, umbrellas in hand, braving the weather to celebrate the special day.
Sarah Vivienne
Moments after the ceremony at Castello di Macello, Italy, the bride shares an intimate, emotional pause with a family member.
Alessandro Vargiu
In Bergerac, Dordogne, France, the couple enjoys a portrait session, the autumn grapefruit fields providing a romantic natural backdrop.
Guillaume Abello
During portraits in Camarillo, CA, a groomsman indulges in a fast food snack, sneaking a playful bite and adding a humorous touch to the wedding festivities.
Loren Haar
At Newton Hall in Northumberland, UK, the couple share a tender kiss at sunset, glowing against the vibrant evening sky.
Erika Tanith Davey
A detailed close-up at La Factory in Thizy-les-Bourgs, Rhône, France, shows the groom’s tattooed hands as he prepares in his sleek all-black suit, ready for his wedding.
Pierre-Luc Delage
At Garvan's in New Paltz, New York, the mother of the bride laughs wholeheartedly as an unexpected piece of cake ends up on her face during the lively cake-cutting festivities.
Michelle Arlotta
At Villa Bria in Turin, Vlada and Alessandro share a portrait as newlyweds, the elegance of the Italian venue perfectly complementing their joy and connection.
Alessandro Vargiu
At Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia, a girl sprints toward her father, who carries her wandering sister.
Carl Bower
At Parc Coulassy in Nègrepelisse, France, the couple exits their secular ceremony beneath a cascade of flower petals, marking the start of their celebration surrounded by nature.
Cyril Langeard Montauban
Along the Caudeau River in Liorac/Louyre, Dordogne, the bride ends up a bit wet after the couple’s session, adding a playful twist to their romantic riverside adventure.
Guillaume Abello
The Festive Portrait at The Athenee Hotel Bangkok features the couple radiating happiness, surrounded by celebratory tea lights, bokeh, and décor suited to the venue’s elegant atmosphere.
Chaiyasith Junjuerdee
During the ceremony in Tulum, a symbolic offering is made to the goddess of the ocean, illustrating spiritual themes and connections to nature within the wedding celebration.
Andrea Martinetti
A bw close-up photo at a ceremony in Zuid Holland highlights the intricate details of hands as rings are exchanged, signifying the couple’s bond and promises.
Stefan van Beek
At home in Fujian, friends and family play traditional wedding games, filling the celebration with laughter, joy, and lively competition as part of the festivities.
ZhiChen Ruan
During a civil ceremony at Hotel Engelsburg in Recklinghausen, Germany, the couple’s dog sits attentively in the front row beside wedding guests, sharing in the special occasion.
Nadine Lotze
In South Lake Tahoe, California, a bride takes a quiet, reflective moment, peeking out with anticipation before making her entrance and stepping forward on her wedding day.
Kimmi Cranes
At Chateau de Santeny in Val de Marne, Ile de France, the groom and his best man share quiet smiles at the piano moments before the ceremony, reflecting their close friendship.
Pierre-Luc Delage
Inside a car in Bern, Switzerland, the groom leans in for a quiet kiss with his bride, offering them a private, intimate escape from the day’s celebrations.
Alexandre Bourguet
At Art Restaurant in Lyon, Rhône, France, a young child’s blond head is visible from above as their small hands eagerly reach for food at the freshly set buffet table.
Pierre-Luc Delage
Preparations for the big day unfold for a rural Georgia backyard wedding, where the groom gets ready in a bathroom mirror.
Cindy Brown
The couple beam with happiness after their marriage at Villa Cimena, Italy, posed together in elegant surroundings that mark the beginning of their new journey.
Alessandro Vargiu
Outside Saint Antonin Noble Val church in Tarn-et-Garonne, France, newlyweds emerge through a joyful flurry of dried flower petals, welcomed by friends and family.
Cyril Langeard Montauban
Seated together on a sofa at a church near Chateau de Lartigolle in Gers, France, the couple enjoys side by side time in the sunlight amid their special day.
Isabelle Bazin
At Sebago Lake, Maine, a bridesmaid helps the bride adjust her veil in beautiful, natural light just before the ceremony, ensuring everything is perfect for the walk down the aisle.
Jessica Weiser
In Tulum, with an ocean view in the background, a bird soars above the scene, adding a sense of freedom and natural beauty to the ceremony atmosphere.
Andrea Martinetti
Along the wedding procession route in Shandong, China, the traditional bridal sedan chair is carried, adding vibrant color and cultural tradition to the festivities.
Li Xiaoliang
At a private residence in Saratoga, California, heartfelt getting ready moments capture the anticipation and excitement shared with an elbow bump before the ceremony.
Chris Shum
In Cape Elizabeth, Maine, the bride lifts her dress as she approaches the groom blending excitement with a touch of playful elegance.
Jessica Weiser
In Kaifeng, China, a father embraces the groom with emotion after giving his daughter away, symbolizing the joining of two families during the wedding ceremony.
Xie Tian
In the city of Leiden, a wedding day sugar rush of cotton candy is delightfully captured, revealing the playful side and bright spirits of the celebration.
Stefan van Beek
Outside Normandy, France, the bride and groom share a quick, loving kiss before heading into their wedding reception dinner, savoring a private kiss together.
Samantha Moore
At Blakesley village church, a playful pageboy lays in the aisle engrossed with his toy during prayers, adding a sweet, lighthearted touch to the moment.
Sarah Vivienne
Preparations are underway in a suite at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, as the bride readies for her wedding amidst the hotel’s luxurious setting.
Chaiyasith Junjuerdee
Just before the storm in Annecy, Haute-Savoie, the atmosphere pulses with anticipation, the couple savoring a quiet, dramatic portrait session with darkening skies as their backdrop.
Elsa Radureau
During an elopement at Santa Barbara Courthouse in Santa Barbara, CA, the bride is visibly moved, her emotions evident as she experiences the ceremony.
Loren Haar
At Kasteel Helmond, the bride and groom share an intimate session by tall, grid-patterned windows, their foreheads nearly touching as daylight streams in from the side.
Elke Teurlings
Outside Savignano Church in Italy, the bride kisses the carriage horse she adores that reflects her passion for horses.
Caterina Errani
The newlywed couple walk together out of Courteenhall village church, beaming as they step into married life after a ceremony surrounded by loved ones.
Sarah Vivienne
At the German Society of Philadelphia, grooms take to the dance floor during their reception, celebrating their marriage with vibrant moves and big smiles.
Rylan Earle Lott
In a touching moment at Hilton, London, a proud father peeks through the window to catch a glimpse of his daughter before her wedding ceremony.
Milda Vasiliauskaite
In Kaifeng, China, the parents of the bride and groom sit together below the stage, attentively watching the newlyweds as they recite their marriage vows.
Xie Tian
Soft purple lights illuminate the newlyweds' faces during an intimate portrait on the dancefloor at La Factory, Thizy-les-Bourgs, Rhône, France.
Pierre-Luc Delage
The couple is portrayed together in a beautifully composed portrait at the Columbia Hotel in London in this elegant hotel setting.
Gyula Lovaszi
In Lyon, Rhône, France, the couple exchanges vows at city hall, surrounded by the applause of their guests and illuminated by the inviting glow of warm light.
Pierre-Luc Delage
In São Paulo, the bride is elegantly portrayed in a beautiful and timeless portrait in the woods.
Eric Corbacho
A timeless portrait of the newlyweds is taken under a large tree at a private residence in Conegliano, Italy, capturing their loving expressions as they celebrate their new life together.
Alessandro Di Noia
During a backyard ceremony near Normandy, France, a family member, tasked with handing out petals, gets a playful surprise as others dump a few on his head for fun.
Samantha Moore
At Logis de la Montagne in Dordogne, the bride gathers close friends for a spontaneous selfie, filling the scene with laughter and lively energy.
Alexis Lang
Caught in a loving kiss, the couple in São Paulo shares a moment filled with romance and happiness during their outdoor wedding ceremony under large trees.
Eric Corbacho
In Meinerzhagen, Sauerland, NRW, Germany, the groom and his groomsmen gather under the entryway to the church, staying dry and relaxed just before the ceremony in the rain.
Miriam Folak
Before guests enter Beech Ridge Barn in Scarborough, Maine, quiet anticipation lingers in the beautifully decorated space, awaiting the start of the wedding celebration.
Corey Butler
At Castello di Duino, Duino, Trieste, Italy, the bride’s delicate shoes rest gracefully on a windowsill, their placement offering a stunning view overlooking the sparkling sea.
Lisa De Domenico Pacor
The bride walks alongside her father at Château de Fléac, with guests turning to watch as she makes her way forward during the ceremony.
Alexis Lang
At Orleans House, newlyweds announced as a just-married couple, their excitement and happiness clear against the classic backdrop.
Milda Vasiliauskaite
At La Valle Agriturismo, the delicate wedding veil becomes the focus in a portrait that celebrates romance, rustic charm, and the beauty of Italian countryside traditions.
Matteo Originale
Early in the morning in Liorac/Louyre, Dordogne, the couple braves the winter chill together, bundled close for warmth while sharing affectionate glances in the quiet countryside.
Guillaume Abello
Along the scenic Golfo dei Poeti in La Spezia, Liguria, a portrait session of love blooms at the port, where the couple enjoys the stunning waterside vista together.
Matteo Originale
At Regale Winery & Vineyards in Los Gatos, California, cherished moments unfold during the wedding ceremony amid the scenic views of the vineyard as the flower girl lost her way.
Chris Shum
While enjoying a drink in Gummersbach, Rheinland, NRW, Germany, the bride finds herself humorously watched by a singer on the TV behind her, creating a playful scene.
Miriam Folak
In Philadelphia, a silhouetted figure pauses quietly, the interplay of light revealing a mix of nerves and anticipation just before the wedding begins.
John Ryan
An attempted breadstick toss humorously misses its mark at Domaine de Vavril, Beaujeu, Rhône, France, adding an unconventional twist to the wedding celebration.
Pierre-Luc Delage
Wedding guests outside at Rittergut Störmede in Geseke, Germany, joyfully shower the newlyweds with flower petals, marking the start of their celebration during the congratulatory moment.
Nadine Lotze
On Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland, UK, the couple embraces tightly on the rugged, windswept shore, their bond evident against the wild coastal backdrop.
Erika Tanith Davey
Guests at Schloss Heeren in Kamen, Germany, delight in watching the couple cut out a heart-shaped design from a bed sheet, enthusiastically celebrating their union with laughter and cheers.
Nadine Lotze
At a Chinese church, guests and family gather to witness a traditional Chinese wedding celebration, full of meaningful rituals and cultural pride.
ZhiChen Ruan
In Fribourg, Switzerland, the bride shares a spontaneous kiss with her partner while riding a bicycle together, capturing a feeling of freedom and pure happiness.
Alexandre Bourguet
A detail shot of the bride holding her shoe at Columbia Hotel in London focuses on the textures and refined elements that bring sophistication to the wedding day.
Gyula Lovaszi
Through the open door of Olney church, there's a warm glimpse of the couple and their guests gathered outside, sharing in the joy after the ceremony.
Sarah Vivienne

Pages

WPJA contest judges have been recognized by their industry peers, winning top awards as staff picture editors, staff photojournalists, and newsroom mentors while working for these and other leading publications and journalism organizations.