A behind-the-scenes look at how Lancaster, PA wedding photographers support couples and preserve their biggest moments.
In the fast-paced world of Lancaster, PA weddings and Lancaster wedding photography, it’s easy for couples—and honestly, even for photographers—to get so wrapped up in chasing the “perfect shot” that they forget the heart behind it all. This week on The Preferred List Podcast, we sit down with Heather Leicy of Heather Marie Photography, a talented Lancaster, Pennsylvania wedding photographer whose journey into the industry started with an unexpected moment on her own wedding day.
I’m James, a wedding filmmaker based in Lancaster. After years of filming wedding days and working alongside incredible vendors, I started this podcast to highlight the people who truly make weddings unforgettable. Whether you’re a couple planning your big day or a vendor deep in the industry, these conversations are packed with honest insight, real stories, and a whole lot of heart.
Heather’s Story
Heather’s story is one that so many creatives can relate to. With a background in architecture and a love for landscape photography, she never imagined she’d become a wedding photographer. But during her reception—surrounded by family, dancing with her new husband—she realized something profound: this exact group of people would never be gathered in one place again. Seeing her photographers capture that once-in-a-lifetime moment lit a spark in her. She immediately understood the power, responsibility, and privilege that comes with being a wedding photographer in Lancaster, PA.
What Heather believes truly sets great photographers apart isn’t just good composition or a killer edit—it’s creating an experience that lets couples be fully present. As she puts it, “I literally want to feel like another friend or another bridesmaid on your day.” That mindset transforms the photographer-couple relationship from transactional to deeply supportive.
Heather’s Approach
For many couples in Lancaster who choose not to hire wedding planners (which Heather says is extremely common), the photographer often becomes the unofficial timeline manager and day-of guide. To give couples the smoothest experience possible, Heather builds generous buffer time into every part of the schedule. “If we get behind, you won’t even know it,” she says. “You’re still getting all the photos you want without feeling rushed.”
One of her most thoughtful practices is creating intentional pauses throughout the day. She makes space for 30 quiet minutes before the ceremony. She builds in slow, meaningful moments during sunset portraits where the couple can simply walk together, talk, breathe, and take everything in. “It’s my little way of pausing the day,” Heather shares—and couples cherish it.
Heather’s Advice
Heather also breaks down the reality of running a successful photography business: only about 20% of the job is actually shooting. The other 80%? Marketing, client communication, editing, content planning, bookkeeping, and all the behind-the-scenes tasks that create a consistent and trustworthy client experience. To avoid burnout, she recommends that photographers dedicate one monthly “CEO day” to tackle the business side intentionally.
Her wedding-planning advice for couples is just as practical: try “Wedding Wednesdays.” Instead of overwhelming yourself with big planning weekends, choose one task every Wednesday night. Over the course of a year, that’s 52 tasks completed—stress-free.
For vendors, especially those working many Lancaster and Central PA weddings, Heather stresses the importance of communication. She sends a unified timeline email to every vendor involved roughly two weeks before the wedding. It ensures everyone’s on the same page and minimizes the chances of miscommunication or day-of hiccups.
At the end of the day, Heather’s perspective is a powerful reminder of what Lancaster wedding photography is really about: gorgeous images matter, but the real magic is giving couples an environment where they can fully experience their wedding day—knowing their memories are being preserved with intention and care.
Heather isn’t just a photographer. She’s a guide, a calming presence, a timeline architect, and a storyteller. And for so many Lancaster couples, that makes all the difference.
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