Wondering if you really need a second shooter for your wedding? The truth is, it depends on your guest count, your comfort level, and what moments matter most to you. A second shooter can capture extra angles, reactions, and details, but it’s not always necessary. Sometimes one intentional, experienced photographer is all you need to document your day with care.

Choosing an independent wedding photographer means more than booking a service, it’s investing in personal connection, creative consistency, and intentional storytelling. Unlike big-box companies like EPIC or JOY, independent photographers offer hands-on care, direct communication, and a heart behind the lens. Your wedding deserves more than standard coverage, it deserves someone fully present for every moment.

From hidden gardens in DFW to dream destinations across Texas, this curated list of engagement and portrait locations reflects the warm, cinematic style of SHOTS BY LC. Whether you're dreaming of golden fields, historic charm, or a bold desert backdrop, you'll find options to match your story plus travel tips, location notes, and a few places I don’t recommend (and why).

The best wedding photos are rarely the ones you planned. Discover why trusting your photographer leads to real, emotional, unforgettable moments—and how candid wedding photography captures the memories you never want to lose.

Capture the real, unscripted moments of your wedding day with authentic photography that tells your unique love story. Book today!

Ensure your wedding photographer captures every moment beautifully without distracting your guests. Here's how to strike the perfect balance