How did you get into photography? Are you self-taught or formally trained?
I discovered my love for photography when I was just 12 years old! My childhood friend and I would get dressed up and do “photoshoots” in my backyard with my pink, point-and-shoot camera. I posted the photos on Facebook just for fun, and once high school began, people started reaching out to me about shooting senior pictures. Unknowingly, I was building a business and loving every second of it. After high school, I enrolled in Purdue University to study marketing & entrepreneurship. While being a student, I continued to shoot senior pictures and also jumped into wedding photography. Since graduating in 2018, photography has become my full-time passion. Besides some high school photo classes and a wedding photography workshop in Sedona, I’m self-taught in photography!
Describe your style in one sentence.
I would describe my style as glowy, natural, romantic, and elegant.
What’s been your favorite experience as a wedding photographer?
My favorite thing about being a wedding photographer is the connections I build with my couples. Nothing makes me happier than getting to capture weddings for family and friends and wedding party members of past couples and continue those relationships. At a recent wedding, there were four past, present, and future brides of mine all there at once! We totally got a picture together during the reception!
What do you love most about photographing weddings? Why do you photograph weddings in particular?
I love capturing weddings because of the emotion tied to the day. There’s excitement, nervousness, love, and happy tears all at once! As a photographer, these moments are crucial in capturing and telling our couple’s love stories.
Where is the most interesting or unique place you’ve photographed a wedding? Was there anything especially challenging about it?
One of the most unique chapels I’ve ever shot at was the White Chapel at Rose Hulman. White walls peak into a triangular form with a wall of glass as the backdrop behind the altar. The chapel hung over a lake and was absolutely exquisite. It was a little tricky to capture at the specific time of day the ceremony was at because there were skylights that let lots of light down the center aisle. While the light wasn’t perfectly even, it gave off a warm, glowy feel to the ceremony photos.
Do you have a favorite, must-capture moment for every wedding?
While the first kiss is obviously an important moment, I also love to look for the small moments that will be easily forgotten. The moment when the mother of the bride has tears in her eyes while her daughter walks down the aisle with her father or the moment where grandpa is out killin’ it on the dance floor with the bridesmaids, those are the moments that I think are also so important to capture.
As a photographer, what has been your biggest wedding day challenge?
The biggest challenge for me on wedding days are the tasks that go beyond photography. Often times, wedding photographers are also in charge of making sure that everyone is in the right place at the right time. Since photographers are with the bride and groom all day long, we often become seamstresses, hair and make-up artists, florists, professional gown fluffers, and coordinators when needed.
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.)
My biggest tip to brides and grooms as they plan for their special day is to make sure you can relax and just enjoy your day! It will go by faster than you know it. By delegating tasks and choosing a photographer whose personality you 100% vibe with, you will ensure a stress-free day!
What are your favorite wedding trends to photograph right now?
While everyone loves pretty bouquets, stunning venues, and jaw-dropping dresses, I love to focus on capturing the JOY and LOVE and EMOTION in each couple’s wedding day!
How do you think an app like Joy can help make weddings better?
I think Joy can help brides and grooms better plan for their special day and create not only the event of their dreams, but also the perfect atmosphere to commit their lives to one another.
If you weren’t a wedding photographer, what would you be doing?
If I wasn’t a wedding photographer, I could see myself working in branding for something in a related industry, like fashion!
At Joy we believe that even though a wedding lasts a day, joy lasts forever. What does that mean to you?
Not everything will go perfectly according to plan on your wedding day. It’s SO important to just focus on having fun and celebrating marrying the love of your life!
You can contact Cassie Howard Photography here, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
