Your wedding day is a once in a lifetime event. No two are the same, EVER. I’ve learned that different couples choose to prioritize different parts of their wedding, but no matter what investing in your photographer is SO IMPORTANT. I’m so honored to be trusted with so many memories, and I can’t wait to celebrate with you.
Because I’m real. Because I’m experienced. Because I work hard. Because I’m passionate. Because I value a great experience. Because I like to laugh. Because I will be on the dance floor right beside you. Because your crazy families don’t scare me. Because I know how much you’ve poured into this day.
“Because I care. I care a lot. It’s kinda my thing.”
-Leslie Knope, Parks + Rec…but also me.
I’m not like a regular photog, I’m a cool photog.
Not only do I have sweet dance moves (no I don’t), I pour my whole heart into each + every wedding. I interned with MY wedding photographer for eight months in 2017 to gain experience, and before January 2019, I worked a full time job as well as being a full time photographer. It was hard, I definitely made some sacrifices, but the joy I feel in doing something I truly love after working retail since I was 16 is indescribable.
I am constantly investing in continuing education to provide the best experience for my couples, I value everyone’s time + money during the entire process, and most importantly, I don’t try to be someone I’m not. At my core, I’m just an average, ordinary person who works hard + loves a damn good love story. <3
Is that okay? IS THAT OKAY? Of courseeeeee. If that wasn’t okay, no one would get to photograph anyone! I totally feel you. I am so awkward in front of a camera, and my wife is actually worse than I am- and we do multiple photo sessions a year!
I don’t expect you to be models. I don’t expect you to “know what to do.” That’s why you hired me, after all! I will totally guide you + help you along the way. The only thing I cannot do is make you have a good attitude about it, so just keep an open mind, bring the joy, + I’ll take care of the rest.
A signed contract + non-refundable $1k retainer fee secures your date, regardless of what package you choose. EVERYTHING, from signing the contract to paying, is done online. (BLESS!) You can pay via your client portal using PayPal or a card, mail a personal check, or we can meet up in person if you’d like to pay cash! One rule: I don’t accept payment through a third party. So if someone else is gifting you photography for your wedding day, they need to gift you the money so that you can pay your fees directly. (I don’t mean to be a hassle, it’s just to protect my biz! <3)
For sure! There are links to more than five recent wedding galleries in your custom proposal I send over after you inquire.
Of course not. No one NEEDS anything except air, food, sleep, + caffeine. (Just being real.) But I HIGHLY recommend it!! First of all, it gives us time to get to know each other more. More importantly, it allows us to address the elephant (er, camera) that will be in the room on your wedding day. Most people aren’t super comfortable getting their photo taken, and an engagement session helps us see how we all work together so that we NAIL it on the big day!
I am more than comfortable shooting your wedding solo, and I’ll even admit that sometimes I prefer it because I like having my hand on EVERY. SINGLE. PHOTO, even if it means I work longer + harder on your wedding day. It helps your gallery be more consistent + I can be sure that everything is completely up to my standards! However, I’m going to be 1000% transparent with you… There are definitely times when a second photographer is needed.
If you’re having a super large wedding, a second is a must! If we have to travel in between venues, having a second photographer definitely comes in handy. If you + your partner are getting ready separately, I can be with one of you while my second is with the other. Running a little behind on time? I can’t be in two places at once, but with two people we can each be doing different things to get us back on track. Are you having a cocktail hour + want portraits but we still need to do wedding party photos? Guess what? (You see where I’m going with this, right?)
Even if you think you don’t need a second photographer, just think how nice it is getting more photos, different angles, and images from different lens focal lengths!
My right hand man is Taylor of Taylor Tartera Photography, but if he’s unavailable then I am so fortunate that Memphis has an AMAZING group of photographers! I know many other full time photogs, and we all take turns seconding for each other as our schedules allow. I would absolutely NEVER hire a second who I did not trust. In the case of a destination wedding, there are many wedding industry groups that I am part of + have lots of connections across the US!
Absolutely! I am a certified, bonafide, real-deal legit business! If your venue requires documentation I can definitely send them over my info. I have all of my gear insured as well as liability insurance. Honestly, even if you don’t choose me as your photographer, PLEASE make sure who you do choose has these things! Its as much for your protection as it is theirs.
First things first (I’m the realest – DAMN YOU IGGY AZALEA) I have never had anything happen where I was unable to photograph a wedding. (Knock on wood.) However, life happens + one day something may arise that prevents me from fulfilling a commitment.
If you hire a second photographer, they will step into the role of main photographer + I will find a replacement for second photog. As mentioned previously, I only work with people I 100% trust can shoot your wedding just as good (if not better) than I can. Most of the seconds I use also run their own photography businesses + have the experience of running a wedding. If a second photographer hasn’t been booked, then I will select another photographer to stand in for me.
I will still be the one to edit ALL of your photos in either of these scenarios! However, you have 100% approval. If you are not comfortable with any of the alternatives available, you will receive a full refund minus any fees for services already provided (like an engagement session.)
Um YES. LOVE THAT JOURNEY FOR ME. (Please tell me you watch Schitt’s Creek??) I am definitely down to travel. I am available for anywhere in the US + most places outside of the country as well.
In full transparency I will be up front + let you know that I am NOT a rule breaker when it comes to permits, so we’ll have to make sure all the proper paperwork is in place.
No, but we will absolutely discuss it before you officially book to make sure we can stay within your budget! I will book all of my own accommodations with the retainer fee once it is paid. I’m gonna keep it real, travel can get expensive. Airfare, Ubers, meals, hotels… it adds up quick! I do try + ease the burden a bit by offering 10% off of the package total to offset those travel costs, though, so don’t shy away. Let’s talk about it!
Truth time? I didn’t even know my camera did video when I first got it. (WHOOPS.) So in case that didn’t answer your question, I do not offer any video services. Videography is vastly different from photography, even if we do use the same gear! So I’ll leave it to the professionals. I am very happy to give you some recs of amazing videographers in the Memphis or Nashville areas, though!
Imma be real, asking for RAW images is like going to a bakery + asking for the eggs, flour, milk, and sugar that goes into a cake instead of an ACTUAL cake. What sense does that make?! (Also I am a terrible cook so I honestly don’t know what all goes into a cake. Just roll with it.)
All of your delivered images will be hand edited in my current editing style. As a general rule, editing can take up to four hours for every ONE HOUR of photographing, and I pour everything I have into making sure you receive an absolutely gorgeous gallery. Unedited and RAW images will not be released for any reason.
You will receive your final images via online gallery! From there, you’ll be able to download your photos, share the link with whoever you’d like, as well as order prints + albums.
You are more than welcome to print wherever you would like! I can provide a print release if needed. However, I cannot guarantee the colors will match any lab other than the one I print from. If you have any questions, we can definitely talk about it more!
An unplugged ceremony is when you ask your guests to not use any cameras, cell phones, iPads, gaming systems, or anything else these youngsters may have that can take a photo. In today’s society, we are all sooooo guilty of living our lives behind screens (myself included!) But your wedding ceremony is special + should be watched in real time!
I highly suggest having an unplugged ceremony. If you do, I would be sure to have some signage as people enter the ceremony area, and bonus points if your officiant can make an announcement before the ceremony begins. If you don’t like the idea of this, that’s okay! I know there are some circumstances where people have their phones up for legitimate reasons (like FaceTiming family members who can’t be present!)
However, most of the time I cannot remove any of the devices from the photos without creating a noticeable discrepancy (like chopping off someone’s arms, haha.) So any that are photographed will be there forever!
Of course! This is a day of celebration + I know your friends and fam cannot wait. However, you + your partner have made quite an investment into photography, and I want you to get the absolute best.
During formal portraits, guests are welcome to take photos from the side so long as they remember everyone should be looking at me. If someone isn’t looking in your final image, there’s nothing I can do!
Also, I don’t recommend having anyone present for first looks or couple portraits. These are often very intimate + private moments, and I will go full Mama Bear on anyone who is distracting you guys from each other. If we need someone to help with dresses or veils or anything else, we’ll grab ONE member of your wedding party to tag along + help!
I absolutely LOVE doing fun, natural, candid portrait sessions with a lifestyle approach. Basically what this means is that I don’t have a studio + I don’t offer any props. I like the focus on YOU, and I like going to places that might have meaning to you or are just plain beautiful. If you don’t have any specific locations in mind, we can work together to find one!
Yes! While I love photographing families with littles, I don’t do “newborn” photography like you see on Pinterest. I don’t have a studio but (more importantly) I don’t have the patience or experience to do those super posed baby shots! I have done lifestyle newborn sessions though, in clients’ homes in their nurseries!
Absolutely! If you want to see more than what I have on my site, I can send you more when you inquire.
Very similar to weddings! A signed contract and a non-refundable retainer fee of $100 is required to secure your spot.
All of my galleries are digital! You’ll have access to download all the high resolution images, as well as purchasing abilities for physical products through my online store front. You are welcome to print wherever you’d like! However, I only guarantee color matching through prints ordered through your gallery.
Portrait sessions are scheduled Monday-Fridays. Since I’m primarily a wedding photographer, my weekends are reserved for those as well as family + rest time! If you absolutely HAVE to have a weekend date, there is an additional $200 fee.
My turn around for sessions is typically 3-4 business weeks, but I do give a sneak peek of a few images to hold you over!
Listen, absolutely no one would consider me a fashion guru (I live in leggings and tees, ha!) I am willing to give you tips + my opinion on what photographs best, though! But above all, please do not feel like you have to look or dress a certain way for me to take your photo. Realness is the most beautiful thing you can wear! <3