Dad, you do the candid photographs and possibly the video of the service. But, please, it's your Daughter's wedding, contract with the Pro for the rest. I don't doubt your capabilities, but let me share my story.

We got married about 40 years ago in my Mother-In-Laws backyard (first mistake). Her boyfriend was a "great Photographer" and would do the wedding photos (second mistake).
My Wife's father was there, and his ex and he were very taken by the ceremony and were quite affectionate with each other. The Mother-In-Laws' Boyfriend was so pissed off by this that he took absolutely abominable pictures that were just unusable. So, I have nothing to show and remember our wedding by.

I wish I could have stood up to Mother-In-Law (final mistake) and insisted on a hired Photographer.

We had a pro photograph my son’s wedding, but I took my FF (5D3), just one lens - an 85 f1.8 (wanted something light, fast with a little reach and a complimentary portrait lens - could have also used my 135 f2) and no flash. I met the pro and told him I’d stay out of his way and not use a flash. In the end, it worked out well. I took about 300 shots, edited down to about 75, and the bride’s mother liked mine better than the pro’s. He was actually much better than me, shot a pair of D750s with only occasional use of flash. Indoors, well lighted, but still required ISO 3200-6400, but not an issue - shot typically 1/200-1/250, wide open to f2.8 depending and let the ISO float on auto ISO. Developed a great relationship with the pro, learned some things (I have shot maybe a dozen weddings previously solo with no second shooter, but always 2 of everything in terms of equipment). For me, it didn’t spoil the experience because I didn’t have the prime responsibility so I could relax. Hope it works out well for you. Consider yourself an adjunct and let the pro take the stress - just stay out of his way and be careful using flash (if at all) while he’s shooting.

Dear Fellow Hogs,

As in the past, you’re my first “go-to” advisors on photography matters. This one relates to my daughter asking that I be her wedding photographer. I’m an average amateur plus if things go afoul, the last one you want to complain that her wedding pictures are junk is your daughter.

The wedding takes place at the Coco Cay beach (Caribbean) during a cruise with family and friends. She contracted a photographer from the cruise line. However, she still insists that I take pictures of the wedding. She thinks my shots will be better and more candid. I’m not keen about getting in photographer’s way. That’s a no-no. However, I can take some shots before, during and after the wedding. I’ve never done weddings as a “job”. I’ve taken fashion shots of a granddaughter for a contest. So, whatever advice I get from you folks will be appreciated. Advice requested encompasses, pre-event prep, equipment, use of flash, settings, cameras, poses, and whatever else you believe to be important if I want to make every shot a “keeper”. (Not likely, but good to think positive.)

I have two months to practice.

I have 3 go-to cameras: Nikon D610, Sony a7R, and a Fujifilm X100F. Lenses are somewhat scarce.

My preference is for the Nikon D610 with a Nikon 35mm-70mm 2.8D and Nikon SB-700 Speedlight (image quality, long-lasting battery, versatile lens). As a backup, I would have the Fujifilm X100F (fixed 23mm lens). And that’s it.

I’m not considering the Sony a7R. Nice camera but all I have is a 28-70mm 3.5-5.6 kit lens, and a Samyang 85mm 1.4 all-manual lens. Plus, battery life is shorter than that of a fruit fly. Have no speedlight for this camera.

Due to reduced travel gear, I haven’t considered a tripod nor light reflectors. But I will if your advice is to do so.

The wedding is a day event; before noon. So, light may be ok. Hopefully, no rain.

I’m one of those that’s intimidated by speedlights and TTL or manual adjustments, so I better get some practice in before the wedding.

Well, seems like a lot. Sorry. But would greatly appreciate your insights.

Best to all. Val