Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of wedding photography—but not just any wedding photography. We’re exploring the art and skill it takes to capture stunning images at some of the most beautiful, complex, and high-pressure events imaginable. From celebrity weddings to intimate celebrations, weddings are packed with stories, surprises, and moments you only get one chance to preserve.
In today’s episode, I’m speaking with celebrity wedding photographer Gigi de Manio. We’ll discuss everything from how photographers and planners collaborate to create a seamless experience for couples to handling unexpected challenges.
Plus, we’ll take a behind-the-scenes look at high-profile and celebrity weddings. Whether you’re a wedding professional, an aspiring photographer, or someone who simply loves hearing about what goes into creating those breathtaking images, you won’t want to miss this. Gigi’s insights are incredible, and I can’t wait for you to hear this amazing interview.
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EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
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[00:00]: The Art of Wedding Photography
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[06:04]: Collaboration Between Photographers and Planners
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[12:06]: Navigating Family Dynamics and Special Requests
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[17:46]: Managing Timelines and Expectations
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[23:57]: Weather Contingencies and Backup Plans
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[26:48]: Post-Wedding Discussions and Expectations
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[27:45]: Efficient Turnaround Times in Photography
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[28:15]: Social Media Expectations and Best Practices
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[30:11]: Vendor Meals and Team Morale
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[31:59]: The Dynamics of High-Profile Weddings
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[37:05]: Building Relationships with High-Profile Clients
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[42:23]: Maintaining Passion in a Long Career
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[44:41]: The Journey of Creating a Retrospective Book
Who is Gigi de Manio?
For more than twenty-five years, acclaimed wedding photographer and author, Genevieve “Gigi” de Manio has worked in the world’s finest venues, photographing events in New York, Boston, the Southeastern United States, and Europe.
In September 2024, Goff Books/ORO Editions published SILVER: Moments into Memories, a twenty-five year retrospective of Gigi’s wedding photographs. The coffee table-styled book is 240 pages and features immersive color and black & white images. SILVER includes a foreword by noted art historian Theodore E. Stebbins, Jr. and Gigi’s own story—an intimate recounting of her journey to become a leading wedding photographer. Named in recognition of her 25th year as a photographer, this silver anniversary is a visual celebration of a notable career filled with moments all can enjoy. Readers will find celebrity weddings, touching stories, and a close up view into life's most romantic milestone.
Gigi’s work has appeared in People, Us, Martha Stewart Weddings, Boston Weddings, Modern Bride and Grace Ormond’s Wedding Style. Her photographs have been published in Grace Ormonde Weddings, The Art of Celebration, and Vera Wang On Weddings. Her work has taken her to bucket list destinations, photographing weddings of notable stars and heads of state for the past 25 years including Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky, Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent, among others.
Celebrities and private couples alike are drawn to her ability to capture genuine, tender moments, transforming them into timeless memories with every click of her camera. When not photographing weddings, Gigi resides in Carlisle, Massachusetts and is a wife and mother of three grown children.
How did you get started as a photographer for celebrity weddings?
It’s funny because photography wasn’t a lifelong passion for me—it actually started as a college requirement. I was a psychology major and needed to take an art class to graduate. Photography was the class I chose to check that box, and when I did, I realized, Oh my God, this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.
A friend told me about a school to pursue after undergrad, so I enrolled in a program focused on advertising photography. After two years there, I moved to New York to work with fashion photographers. I loved it, but something felt missing. I wasn’t sure what it was. Later, I moved to Boston and continued assisting photographers. It wasn’t until my twin sister got married that everything clicked.
As a gift, I shot a few rolls of film at her wedding, and it was an aha moment. Weddings are so powerful. At that point, I’d worked on everything: documentary, fashion, product, architecture—every type of photography imaginable. I realized I was using all those skills at a wedding. You have to move fast, tell a story (documentary), capture portraits, shoot details like tabletops and settings (product photography)—everything comes at you quickly. It felt like a culmination of all my experiences, and I loved it. It was so rewarding.
At the end of the day, I had created something meaningful, not just a disposable ad destined for the trash. These were moments that mattered to people, even generations to come. That realization was transformative for me.
I started shooting weddings without ever assisting another wedding photographer, just meeting planners in the Boston area and working on incredible events. One thing led to another, and I built my network of planners and clients. That’s how I found my passion. So, yeah, that’s my story! It’s a long answer, but I love it—and honestly, just talking about it gives me chills.
When working with celebrity weddings, how important is collaboration between vendors?
It’s so incredibly important—I can’t stress this enough. The more you share with your photographers and videographers, the better the images will be for everyone. This isn’t just for us; it’s for you, too.
Here’s how I see it: yes, my primary clients are the bride, groom, and their families, but you—the planners and other vendors—are also my clients. Building strong relationships with you helps me create images that not only serve the couple but also enhance your portfolio. Essentially, I have two clients, and they’re equally important to me.
The key to getting the best images is sharing as much information as possible. And that starts with the obvious: the timeline—duh. You’d be surprised, though. Sometimes timelines are a bit too general. If you can provide detailed timelines, it helps us immensely. If things go off schedule, I can still mentally prepare and adjust.
For example, if the cake cutting gets delayed, I’ll know it was originally planned for a specific time and can still prioritize capturing it. Everyone’s flow is different, and having those details helps us adapt as a team.
Another thing to consider is knowing what’s most important to the client. Are they foodies? Does the menu hold special significance? If so, I need to know that so I can capture it. Some people don’t care, but others might be deeply disappointed if I miss photographing a key dish or detail. It’s the same for special people at the event—like a beloved grandmother, close family member, or best friend. If their presence is essential to the couple, we need to know that so we can prioritize capturing those moments.
Venue details are also critical. What’s the lighting like? Is the room dark, or is there ample natural light? These factors impact how I approach the shoot. Additionally, understanding the couple’s preferences for photography can be helpful.
Of course, if they’ve hired me, they likely resonate with my style, but if there’s something specific they want captured, it’s best to communicate that upfront. In short, the more details you share with your photographer, the happier everyone will be in the end. It’s all about teamwork and ensuring we’re on the same page to create beautiful, meaningful images.
How much input do you as a celebrity wedding photographer need over the timeline vs. what the wedding planner provides?
The chunk of time I’m most concerned about is from getting ready through the formals—assuming the formals are taken before the ceremony. If they’re scheduled after the ceremony, it becomes a whole different challenge because something has to give. Sometimes couples have very long wish lists for formal photos, and it’s crucial to communicate with them about what’s realistic.
There have been times when couples say, “We want the formals after the ceremony but don’t want to miss the cocktail hour.” At that point, I have to explain: You have to choose. I’m happy to work with them, but it comes down to either trimming the list or scheduling the formals before the ceremony. Communicating this can be tough, not just with couples but sometimes with planners too. If the window gets squeezed, all the pressure falls on me to capture every photo, and if the getting-ready team runs late, my time for formals gets cut short. Regardless, the ceremony will start on time, which adds even more stress.
This is why I emphasize to planners how critical that window of time is for photographers. It’s incredibly helpful if there’s an extra person on the planning team to help organize and call out groups for photos. If that’s not possible, I’ll often rely on my second photographer to take on that role. Having that support makes a huge difference. When I can focus solely on shooting, rather than managing the lineup, it’s a luxury—but one that ensures we stay efficient and capture all the important moments.
What are the best practices for coordinating with multiple vendors during key moments, like the first look, to ensure everything runs smoothly and successfully?
I like to do a run-through, and I’m all about collaboration. Often, the photographer ends up leading, but I prefer a team approach. I’ll ask, “What do you guys think? Have you shot here before? What has worked for you in the past?” I don’t claim to have all the answers. Instead, I work closely with videographers to determine the best vantage points, making sure we’re not in each other’s frames. It doesn’t work to just wing it—we need to coordinate.
I usually arrive early on the day of the event to scout the location. I prefer this over making a separate trip because the conditions on the day—like weather or the foliage—can be entirely different. For example, I recently shot a wedding in Montana where the look of the venue changed dramatically in just a few days as the leaves fell.
Collaboration, preparation, and flexibility are key. Walking through the plan together and having backup options (plan B and C) is essential because things inevitably shift, whether due to weather or the unpredictable nature of events. It’s about accommodating and adapting in real-time.
What advice do you have about weather contingency plans for celebrity weddings or weddings with a lot of logistics?
It really depends on how complicated the venue is. Honestly, you planners have the harder job—I don’t know how you do it. It must be so stressful. But at the end of the day, it’s about ensuring the guests—and we, as part of the team—have a pleasant experience. For formal pictures, having a solid backup plan is crucial.
If we can’t shoot outside due to weather, we need an alternative location. Maybe it’s the ceremony space, in front of the altar, the chuppah, or just a large room with nice lighting. It’s incredibly helpful to know in advance what the backup options are. For example, if it’s likely we’ll need to move indoors, having that heads-up lets me prepare for lighting challenges. If the backup space is very dark, I’ll need to plan accordingly.
Of course, if we end up shooting outside in the rain with umbrellas, that’s just part of the story and can create its own charm. But knowing the options ahead of time is key to making the process smoother for everyone.
What are some of the most important post-wedding discussions photographers and planners should be having?
Great question. Expectations are crucial across every aspect of a wedding, and this includes how quickly clients can expect a sneak peek and the full gallery. This varies from photographer to photographer. Personally, I aim to provide a sneak peek within a week. However, clear communication is essential—if a week is too long or there’s a specific need, like submitting photos to a magazine, the photographer needs to know so adjustments can be made.
As for the full gallery, my goal is to deliver it within three weeks, and four weeks at the absolute max. Sometimes I deliver even faster. I don’t like having things linger. Even during an exceptionally busy season, five weeks is my maximum, and that’s rare. I prefer to finish quickly because everyone is eager to see the photos. Especially with the demands of social media, it feels like people are constantly waiting—and I want to meet those expectations.
Do you have any advice about posting the images from celebrity weddings?
Again, it all comes down to expectations and communication. Sometimes, the bride and groom don’t want any photos posted publicly, and that needs to be communicated clearly ahead of time. While guests might post photos on their own, the couple may not want their professional images shared on social media or other platforms. In those cases, you have to respect their wishes.
I’ve heard of some photographers charging an additional fee if they can’t share images, but I don’t do that—it’s just part of the process. What I’ve found is that if you wait until they’ve seen all the images and then politely ask to share a few, they’re often okay with it. For instance, I might say, “There are five images I really love—would you mind if I shared them?” Usually, once they’ve seen everything, they’re more relaxed and agree. Not always, but it works in many cases.
It’s also important to acknowledge that everyone has different levels of comfort regarding privacy, and you must respect that. Clear and honest communication is key. For example, if the delivery timeline is two months, don’t promise three weeks—it will only create frustration. On the other hand, if you promise two months but deliver in three weeks, it’s a pleasant surprise and a much better experience for everyone.
Let's talk about vendor meals now! What have you seen that you dislike?
I know this can be a touchy subject for planners, and some get frustrated when photographers ask about vendor meals. But from personal experience, when a planner says, “We’ve arranged a vendor meal for you during dinner,” it’s such a game-changer. We’re like, Oh my God, can we work with you forever? You have no idea how much we appreciate it.
Eating while the guests are eating is ideal for so many reasons. First, nothing significant is happening at that time, so it’s the perfect opportunity for us to recharge. Give us just 15 minutes to sit down, eat, and reset—it makes all the difference. After that, I feel rejuvenated, ready for a second wind, and fully prepared to capture the rest of the evening.
When vendor meals are delayed until after the guests are served, it can be problematic. By then, we might only have five minutes to eat, and we risk missing key moments like a new dance set or a parent dance. It just doesn’t make sense.
I don’t know why this is sometimes hard to prioritize, but it would be so helpful if vendors were given a bit more consideration in this regard. It boosts morale, energy levels, and ultimately allows us to deliver better photos. That’s my take on it—it’s such a small thing that has a big impact.
Do you feel like having done so many different weddings, are there lots of differences or unique challenges that you have to deal with when you have celebrity weddings?
In the big picture, it’s kind of the same. For example, shooting Chelsea Clinton’s wedding—it was still a family wedding at its core. But on the other hand, it was incredibly stressful. There’s a whole other level of pressure and expectation to deliver flawless images for everyone involved. The added hype and scrutiny bring another layer of anxiety.
That said, my heart pounds just as much for a backyard wedding as it does for a high-profile one. Every wedding is someone’s important day, and it’s my responsibility to capture it. Whether it’s a celebrity or a “normal” person, it’s equally significant to them, and I feel that responsibility deeply. While I place high demands on myself for every wedding, I have to admit there’s an extra layer of stress with higher-profile events.
Preparation is everything. The more information I have, the more comfortable I feel, and that applies to every wedding I shoot. For high-profile weddings, though, there are often specific expectations, like immediate deliverables. It’s all about communication—understanding what’s expected and being as prepared as possible.
I like to know everything: the lay of the land, a detailed walkthrough, and any specific requests. But I approach every wedding this way, regardless of who’s involved. Whether it’s a celebrity or a more private celebration, the preparation and attention to detail are the same.
Do you find that it's harder to build rapport with a high profile client because there's more people involved or there's barriers there?
That’s such a great point, Desiree—absolutely. You’ve highlighted one of the biggest differences when working with celebrity weddings. For most weddings, I can speak directly with the couple, get to know them, and get a sense of who they are. But with celebrity clients, that’s often not the case. I’m usually kept at arm’s length, and the planner becomes the key mediator.
In some cases, I don’t even meet the client until the day of the wedding. All the information I have comes from the planner, which makes your role incredibly important. Planners are absolutely essential in these situations to ensure I have everything I need to do my job well.
Since you've been able to do so much in your career, what advice would you give them that someone that is wanting to do a more high profile event or get into celebrity weddings?
That’s a tough question. For photographers like me, it’s really about building relationships—working with planners whose work and personalities we admire. But for planners trying to break into high-profile events, I think it comes down to the circles you keep.
Brian Rafanelli once shared some great advice about this: he suggested positioning yourself in the environments where the people you want to work with spend their time. For example, he talked about going to the Four Seasons and having breakfast there regularly, week after week, to connect with that audience. It’s about being present in the right spaces, whether that means joining boards, attending events, or simply surrounding yourself with those in the same sphere. Essentially, it’s about immersing yourself in the environment of the people you want to collaborate with.
You've had such an incredible career after 25 years in the industry, how do you feel like you've maintained your passion for what you do?
I still absolutely love the entire process—the creative collaboration with everyone involved. Even though I work alone most of the time, traveling allows me to reunite with incredible people I’ve built relationships with over the past 25 years. It’s so much fun, and I truly enjoy exploring new destinations and venues around the world. Every wedding is unique, which keeps things exciting.
While the outline of the job remains the same—shooting a wedding with its various elements—the location, the people, and even the creative teams bring something new each time. It’s also wonderful to reconnect with vendor teams I’ve worked with before. The mix of familiarity and novelty is really special, and I never get tired of it.
Every wedding feels like Christmas morning the next day. I can’t wait to download the photos, see what I captured, and experience that thrill of success when I nail a shot—or the moments of reflection when I think about how I can improve. It’s that constant pursuit of growth that keeps me inspired.
In any creative industry, if you stay open-hearted and open-minded, there are always new possibilities to explore. That’s what makes it so exciting—it’s always changing. I feel incredibly lucky to have such an amazing and fulfilling career. I love it.
I wanted to congratulate you on your new book, which is amazing, which I mentioned in the intro. But can you tell us what inspired this retrospective of your career and what it means to you personally and professionally?
Thank you for bringing that up! This was quite a project. My husband had been suggesting it for years, but it never felt like the right time—10 years, no; 15 years, no; and then finally, at 25 years, it felt right. The idea of calling it Silver came naturally since the 25th anniversary is traditionally associated with silver.
He always emphasized, “When your career is over and your website comes down, what will you have to show for it?” That really resonated with me. It was the perfect time to reflect on my work and compile my favorite images. The result is a book called Silver, divided into three chapters: Stillness, Energy, and Connection. Each chapter features images that speak to those themes. It’s truly a picture book, not a how-to guide.
Growing up, I loved getting lost in the Time Life books my parents kept on the coffee table—flipping through the images, wondering about the people and their stories. I wanted to create something similar, with images that make people feel or think. The book is about 240 pages, and it was such a rewarding project to put together.
I have to ask: I can barely pick my 50 favorite photos from a single wedding, let alone 25 years of work. How did you choose the images for the book? That must have been so difficult!
It was definitely a challenge! Looking back, I feel like if I did it again, I might include 250 entirely different images. But there are certain photos that really speak to me—whether because of the memory of how challenging it was to capture that shot, the connection I felt with a particular couple, or just the emotions the image evokes.
Each photo had to resonate with me in a meaningful way—whether it reminded me of the day, the couple, or the overall experience. Narrowing it down was tough. I had to make a lot of hard decisions, like cutting images I loved simply because I already had too many from a particular wedding. For some weddings, I could have included 30 photos, but of course, I couldn’t. It was a process of tough love, and while it wasn’t easy, it was incredibly rewarding.
Reflecting on the 25 years you've been in the industry, is there one thing that you're most proud of or what excites you the most about the future of wedding photography?
Oh boy. Questions about the future always stump me. When someone asks, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” I honestly don’t know. I’m just not that person. I focus on today and tomorrow—I’m not the biggest long-term planner. I enjoy living in the moment, and I think that’s why I love what I do. When I’m in the moment, I feel everything so deeply, and I want to capture that. Looking back, those images bring everything flooding back to me.
There was a real pinch me moment during Chelsea Clinton’s wedding. It was when the ceremony was set and ready to begin. I had this freak-out moment thinking, Oh my gosh, what if I screw this up? I can’t screw this up. I started spiraling, but I managed to hold it together. I did it. There was a lot of pressure, but everyone involved felt it—it wasn’t just me. I also knew that these photos would be how everyone remembered their work, too. You can’t dwell on that too much, though, or you’ll psych yourself out.
I’m really proud of the relationships I’ve built in this business. It’s an incredible group of people—vendors, couples, families. When clients come back to me and say, “We still look at these photos all the time,” it means the world to me. It feels so rewarding to know I’ve made a difference.
Photography lets me capture something truly important, and that feels amazing. It’s a great reminder that I’m doing something meaningful. I love it.
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