Bella Vita Campaign

Editorial at Mallard’s Croft

Maggie Louise Bridal Boutique

Branding Shoot at Orion Hill

A Simple Timeless Wedding on the Collierville Square

My consult meeting with bride Julianne

Planning a wedding is a big task and choosing the best photographer for yourself can feel daunting. "How do I pick a style? Which photography collection is the best fit? How do I start a photo timeline?" When I meet with someone about wedding photography I try to put all these questions at ease. 

I met with Julianne and her mom to get ice cream. That's one way to take the wedding stress away! They contacted me and I always think an in-person meeting is a great way for us to find out if we're on the same page, I can deliver what you're looking for, and if our personalities are compatible. I feel like the three of us hit it off.

Julianne and fiancé Will were planning a family wedding around the Collierville Square. They had concerns about a photographer being too over-the-top, pushy, or controlling with their group. They were looking for a photographer that would make little to no interference with their wedding ceremony and time with their family. "Unobtrusive" Julianne and her mom kept saying. "Respectful of the moment. Candid. Put their guests at ease."

I told them that I was very happy with those descriptions because I knew I could deliver that for them. In journalism school I was taught to be the observer, the recorder, not the center of attention or to stir up the moment. If my classmates or I had done that for a story it would have been unethical and not a reflection of the actual events. I continue to take this approach on wedding day. 

Wedding day should be focused on the couple and their love story. It's the first day of their marriage and life together. Why would any photographer want to change the essence or meaning of those wedding day moments? We were all in agreement and ready for Julianne and Will's big day!

Morton Museum Collierville

The cutest little church is just on the edge of the Collierville Square. The Morton Museum can now be rented for events and parties but was once a Christian church. I love the white Gothic design, the huge stained glass windows, the way it sits on the corner, and that is has been there since 1873. It is the perfect quaint church to have a wedding ceremony.

Getting Ready Photos

Julianne is very close with her mom and sister. When we talked about the wedding day timeline she knew she wanted to get ready at home with their help. It was very relaxing being there. I always think it's a great idea to minimize stress however possible on wedding day. Being at home in a familiar place, not worrying if you forgot lipstick because you can just run upstairs and grab it, wake up and shower in your own place- there's a calmness of routine to that. It was a nice way to start a Saturday. And of course the family pet came to hang out too.

Bridal Portraits in the Garden

Julianne's dad has a major green thumb and his shade garden is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. Julianne wanted to continue hanging out at home and take her bridal portraits there. The landscaping, the hydrangea blooms and rock paths made me so happy. I think the setting was the perfect compliment to Julianne's bridal look and was a meaningful place to her.

Groom Portraits at the Church

For Will's groom portraits I met him at the church. I love the structure of his suit with the structure and shape of the stained glass window. It felt very gentleman-ly to me. And of course the white outside walls created the perfect backdrop for more casual photos.

The Wedding Ceremony

The inside of the Morton Museum is just timeless. Warm hardwood floors, painted glass, crystal chandeliers, the feeling of history all around you. I wonder how many wedding ceremonies have taken place there over the past 100 years?

The stained glass window was the perfect focal point for the wedding ceremony. Because of the amazing details and symmetry no other decorations were needed. It felt very clean and Old-World. Julianne and Will's ceremony was so warm and glowy.

Reception at The Quonset

After family photos everyone was invited to The Quonset, also just near the Collierville Square. Dinner by candlelight and tons of sweet treats were waiting for their guests. I learn a lot about a family during reception time. The amount of love for each other, who has travelled the farthest and would never miss out, which groups of cousins grew up together, who the jokester is, who the matriarch or patriarch is... I love watching family dynamics. 

Reception Exit

At the end of the day we all lined up outside to send off the newlyweds. Another classic touch- rose petals as they walk into their new life together. Lots of love to Julianne and Will!!

How To Choose Your Wedding Photographer

Planning a wedding is a full time job that no ones tells you about, no one pays you an hourly wage, and outsourcing this once in a lifetime opportunity sounds like the worst idea ever for us type-A personalities (ahhhh!!!). BUT it's the chance for you and your fiancé to create a day that focuses totally on you as a couple and celebrate your marriage! The planning definitely pays off the moment you're walking down the aisle, you lock eyes with your soon-to-be spouse, and everything else around you fades. Oh I get chills thinking about walking down the aisle! Nothing else matters after that. Making sure you planned well up to this moment and have a great vendor team to back you means that you can focus on the day. Let the professionals take care of all those little details that you don't need to stress about anymore! Professionals = peace of mind.

where should i look for wedding photographers?

DO NOT skimp on this!!!! Your neighbor may have a tent you can borrow, the tween you used to babysit may be able to play one song on their violin during your ceremony, but I repeat, DO NOT skimp on photography. Uncle Bob and his "fancy camera" just won't capture your wedding day the way that a seasoned pro will. (And do you really want Uncle Bob downing beers on the dance floor when he's supposed to be shooting your reception? I swear this happened at a friend's wedding when I was a guest.)

So, where should you start your photography expedition? Instagram is a good place because there are a bazillion options when you search #weddingphotographer. This approach works if you are clear on your style, what you like/don't like, and can weed through feeds quickly. What if you don't know your style preference, or you want more of a connection with the person behind the camera? My advice- ask those brides that have gone before you! Referrals are the NUMBER 1 way that I book new couples. Past brides are quick to tell you all the details of their photography experience plus it's coming from someone that you trust and has your best interest in mind. Or if you've been a bridesmaid you have firsthand experience with some photographers and how they roll on wedding day. Ask around in your circles and hear some past experiences!

what am i looking for in regards to photography style, vision, & approach?

There isn't a right or wrong answer to this. There is only "what fits you as a couple?" Be honest with yourself. You don't HAVE to book the same photographer as your sister, y'all have different tastes. Since there is a huge range when it comes to style and approach I'm just going to help with some keywords. Choose the ones that stand out to you and pay attention if a potential wedding photographer mentions your keywords on their website or in your meeting. I've highlighted my style and approach below.

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traditional natural light

photojournalistic studio light

candid dark & moody

posed light & airy

editorial true colors

dramatic retouched/ photoshopped

clean, minimalistic true to the moment

photographer directs scene photographer blends in

stylistic storytelling

things to notice when viewing a portfolio or wedding gallery

Now that we've talked about style, let's talk about photography elements in a portfolio. Again, this is also your preference and every photographer has their own shooting twist.

1. What do they concentrate on? Wide shots, close up, details, people, decorations?

1. How do they crop? Full length, mid length, close up, is anyone missing limbs or half a head in final images?

2. What angle do they shoot from? Eye-level, from the ground pointing up, from overhead pointing down?

3. Composition- are the images empty, clean, feel like they have the right amount of breathing room, or cluttered?

4. Do they use a filter on everything or change the color cast?

5. Are the colors adjusted or how they look in real life? Pay attention to the greens, oranges, and blacks.

inquire with a few photographers

Congratulations! Now you know exactly what images speak to you and what kind of photographer you're looking for on wedding day! Time to reach out.

Most photographers have a contact form on their website with the need-to-know details. Please, please answer all the questions on the contact form. It helps us get to know you and how we can serve you. Filling out all the little boxes may seem tedious but it will get you a lot farther along than leaving it blank. And we love hearing those details, it's exciting for us! Every photographer does a happy dance when they get an inquiry form. If they say otherwise they're lying....

Since you have a trained eye now I would suggest inquiring with your top 3-4 photographers to see if they have your date available. You've done your research about the best fit, you don't need 15 different quotes.

aspects of a wedding collection or photography quote

I like to work with every couple to hear about their photography needs and photo wish list. My collections are customized for each couple because I know that one size doesn't fit all. After an initial phone call with me I put together a few sample collections for us to start with and then tailor a collection to fit your budget and needs. I love my "work together" approach and knowing that my couples are getting exactly what they want! This phone call is also a great time for you to ask "what are the pros and cons of having that?"

1. engagement session

2. bridal session

3. rehearsal dinner coverage

4. bridal luncheon

5. send off brunch

6. hours of wedding day coverage

7. second photographer

8. wedding album

9. parent albums

10. guest book

book your photographer and do a happy dance!

Booking your photographer is a BIG step on the to-do list. You should feel confident and thrilled that you chose the best photographer for your wedding day! I hope this post helped you weigh through all the options and gave you clarity on who you want to work with.

Hybrid Wedding Photography

Why I can’t get away from Film

Digital & film cameras

During this time of digital improvements, technology advances, and instant gratification seeing your image on a screen, what would someone "go backwards" and photograph using film? It almost sounds like I'm fighting growth or advancements and choosing to be outdated or old-school. But for me, film photography is more about being pure and grounded.

I remember buying my first digital camera. I was a freshman in high school and had big plans to use it to document school dances, football games, and anything else I felt was important at 14 years old. I loved its screen, the menus, sending AIM attachments, and burning a CD for each year of high school memories. Everyone in my friend group was super impressed with the things it could do.

But I also remember my first film camera. I was about 8 years old and was taking a kids' summer class about photography and darkroom. I was "sent on assignment" to photograph subjects around my grandparents' yard and the lake across the street. My dad's camera and a few rolls of black and white film got me through the summer class. That film camera also helped me get accepted to 1 of 25 spots in the photojournalism program at the University of Montana. Guess which camera I still have and use occasionally.... my dad's film camera that was built before I was born.

What is special about film photography?

So what is it about film and why can I never completely quit it? Film is the original, the tried & true, the OG, the timeless and classic medium that every digital camera is based off. Manufacturers create new digital cameras every year, update or improve this or that. But when was the last time Fuji said "we're going to fix this film stock." There would be an uprising by all film shooters because you just don't mess with something that is perfect.

Film Photography is the most pure form to me. You have to be intentional. You have to be confident. You have to slow down and wait for the 1 second to come along and get the 1 frame. Film photography takes patience and connections with your subject to get the results you want. Someone can take 20 shots with a digital camera and hope that 1 turns out or they got lucky. Someone with a film camera may wait and take 1-2 frames but know that everything lined up perfectly, was real in the moment, and won't be manipulated later on a computer. The purest image.

Film is magic

I shoot film to keep me grounded. It makes me slow down. It reminds me to allow things to come together in time, connect with the moment, and not rush the magic. Film is timeless. All the editing and filter companies are trying to figure out how to market and sell making digital "look like film." My answer is to skip the middle work and just go back to the original magic and goodness.

Mixing Film & Digital during weddings

This is why on wedding day you will see me with 2-3 different cameras. I always shoot a couple rolls of film on wedding day and I love bride and groom portraits the most on film! The skin tones, colors, and just that little bit of film grit are the perfect pairing for portraits. My film camera is the perfect tool when we want to slow down the moments and be intentional. My digital camera is the perfect tool at dimly lit receptions with crazy DJ lights bouncing around. Each camera has their pros, which is why I end up mixing on wedding days. But there's nothing like hearing the film rewind in the camera after you've finished a roll and you know that little cylinder holds magic.

The Perfect Sunset Engagement at a Family Beach House

Santa Rosa Beach, 30A, FL

There's only one thing better than a beach trip with friends... a beach trip when your friends are newly engaged and everyone celebrates! Sophie and Peter live in Washington, DC so we hadn't seen each other in months. We managed to coordinate a beach trip to Santa Rosa Beach, FL along 30A this August. I talked them into doing an engagement session at the same time. We have a lot of memories at Sophie's family beach house- high school girls' trips, college Spring Breaks, graduation trips, bachelorette trips, and now the weddings and babies are coming. The beach house is currently for sale so I knew it would be meaningful and complete Sophie's memories of the decades spent down here to have an engagement session.

Friends, Fiances, and a sunset

On a Sunday night at sunset we headed to the boardwalk. This is pretty typical for us to do. We take a drink, kick off our sandals, and watch the sun paint the clouds pink. But this time we had Peter, Sophie's fiancé and newest boy addition to the group. The beach house was always a girls' zone in our teens and twenties. Not until our thirties were husbands and fiancés invited to the special place.

So with cocktails in hand and best friends by our sides we treaded the familiar path across the warm boardwalk, down the stairs protecting the dunes, and out onto the white Florida sands that mix into the Gulf. In such a beautiful and peaceful setting I don't have to interject much in the way of photography. Sophie and Peter were free to be a happy, loving, goofy couple playing in the sea salt breeze.

The rest of our friend party tagged along for comic relief and White Claw refill support. It was the perfect way to spend an evening in a place that always feels casual and welcoming. I know we'll all miss the beach house and our trips together here, but at least we had this last session.