How did you get into photography? Are you self-taught or formally trained?
My father practiced photography and my uncle is a traveling street photographer/poet. I feel like I grew up in the world of photography, I am a mix of self-taught and trained. I never stop learning. I always say, “when you stop learning, you stop progressing”.
Describe your style in one sentence.
A bright, warm connection.
What’s been your favorite experience as a wedding photographer?
I think watching love blossom. I love watching my brides and grooms the day of their wedding and seeing all the secret hugs and kisses they share. I get to see the love and feel their love when it’s the strongest.
What do you love most about photographing weddings?
The friends and continued clients I make from them! Not only do I get to capture the beginning of their love story, but I also get to share when they find out they’re pregnant, when they bring that beautiful baby home, and all the moments to follow.
Why do you photograph weddings in particular?
I’m a sucker for all things love. I adore love movies and romance novels, so capturing weddings fits right into that!
Where is the most interesting or unique place you’ve photographed a wedding? Was there anything especially challenging about it?
Last year I got to travel to Missouri and photograph a beautiful wedding right on the Mississippi River, which was pretty awesome! Every wedding comes with its struggles, but as long as your confident in your craft and you stay calm no matter the situation, you can overcome any struggle.
Do you have a favorite, must-capture moment for every wedding?
When the groom sees the bride for the first time and the father, daughter dance.
As a photographer, what has been your biggest wedding day challenge?
Feeling like you have captured everything. Every secret kiss, every hug, every little detail the bride worked on. That’s why I love always having a second shooter.
What piece of advice would you give brides and grooms to ensure that they get wedding photos they love forever? (This can include tips about preparation, choosing a photographer, or anything else.)
Hire a photographer that you feel you mesh with. I always tell my brides and grooms, “I’m going to be following you around like the paparazzi, make sure you like me”. Another big one is to hire a wedding planner or day-of coordinator. They take so much stress off the big day!
What are your favorite wedding trends to photograph right now?
Unusual cakes. I had one couple offer mini pies, which the bride and groom’s mothers spent the afternoon making together. It was their favorite little pies for their big day. I felt like that was such a sweet moment for the moms to connect and do something super personal for their babies!
How do you think an app like Joy can help make weddings better?
Joy helps alleviate stress! Brides and grooms get so stressed during this time, anything that will help them feel more at ease is a win.
If you weren’t a wedding photographer, what would you be doing?
I don’t think I could live a life without it, but if I had to pick, I would say a Health and Nutrition Coach, like my husband. He owns his own gym and trains about 60 clients a week. We actually met at the gym and it’s what I did part-time while I was growing my photography business and still do. I love helping people better themselves and their bodies, I’ve actually published a cookbook filled with delicious healthy balanced meals for the whole family!
At Joy we believe that even though a wedding lasts a day, joy lasts forever. What does that mean to you?
Every day, take a second to show your partner how much you love them and how much joy they bring to your life.
