Vendor Spotlight: Olivia Witzke Photography

How did you get into photography? Are you self-taught or formally trained?

Out of high school, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go to school for music or photography, those were my two loves. I took a year off and after that year I found that I was really leaning toward photography… and it started there! This is a funny one because I went to school for photography for two years. I am a hands-on learner so I learned most everything I know through trial and error, going out there and doing it myself and assisting others in the business. Through school, I did meet some of my best friends also learned the basics, I’m definitely thankful for that.

Describe your style in one sentence.

I’d say whimsical, fun and romantic.

What do you love most about photographing weddings? Why do you photograph weddings in particular?

Going into every wedding is like walking into a styled shoot for me. Everyone is dressed up, you get to shoot in different venues and lighting, and it keeps you on your toes. I love that it changes with every wedding and I get to meet so many amazing people!

Do you have a favorite, must-capture moment for every wedding?

I’m a huge fan of a first look, the bride and groom get to see each other and have a moment just to themselves before the ceremony. Of course, I would never force anyone to do one if that’s not what they wanted, but I always love it! It’s such a special and exciting moment and to have that in private instead of at the ceremony in front of everyone. It gets rid of some of those jitters and is just so special, and it results in some amazing photos too.

As a photographer, what has been your biggest wedding day challenge?

I had an experience a long time ago before I got Lasik eye surgery. (This is actually what pushed me to get it done, haha!) During a wedding, one of my contacts (which happened to be in my main shooting eye) ripped and went up in my eye somewhere. So there I was, not being able to leave, shooting “blind” and trying to hide the fact that my eye was super red and watering. Oh what a day, but don’t worry, I’m a professional! The photos turned out great, I knew what to do even when I couldn’t see correctly, and I had an amazing second with me as well. All was well and it’s now a funny story to tell!

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.)

It’s so, so, so important that you click with your photographer. They’re with you on such a special day and it’s important that you feel comfortable with them and trust them. This will allow you to be present on your day which is so important, leave the job to them and just enjoy the day! Also, make sure what they offer, the style they shoot, their filters, etc., are what you are looking for. Those final photographs you get will have the specific style that you chose in your photographer, make sure it is exactly what you wanted!

What are your favorite wedding trends to photograph right now?

I love getting creative and kind of weird with some of the photos. (Weird as in good weird, haha!) I like double exposures, reflections, and interesting shadows, all that fun stuff. Of course, I still cover everything a wedding day includes but adding those extra creatives is exciting for myself and the couple too.

How do you think an app like Joy can help make weddings better?

Any bride or groom knows how much planning goes into a wedding, there are so many details to think about it can get overwhelming. Having everything in one place is so helpful. Joy can help you stay organized with every aspect of your special day!

At Joy we believe that even though a wedding lasts a day, joy lasts forever. What does that mean to you?

A wedding day will come and go so fast, it really is a whirlwind. That being said, you’ll always have the memories to look back on of that day through the photos and videos. They will bring you right back into those moments and remind you of the meaning behind that day, why you made that decision together. I really think it’s an amazing thing to remind you of your love even when life happens and times get rough, which will happen to anybody, it’s special to look back on the reasons “why” to get you through. Love is Joy.

Contact Olivia Witzke Photography here, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.