What draws you to weddings?
As cheesy as it may sound, it's the love in the room that gets me. I get so much out of watching parents tear up at the sight of their children exchanging vows, and grandparents giving the tightest, sweetest hugs, and friends flying in from afar to celebrate with the couple... It's so very meaningful when you gather all your favorite people in a room to celebrate with you, and it makes for very beautiful moments that I love to witness and to turn into photographs.
How do you want couples to feel when they experience your work?
When I deliver images to my couples, I want them to see how loved they truly are, not only by the person they married, but by everyone who took the time to attend their wedding. I also want them to enjoy all the silly faces the kids made, and the belly laughs during speeches, and the beauty of the florals they selected, and the tears running down mom's eyes... Weddings are magical and I capture that magic so my clients can relive their day over and over again.
Where do you find creative inspiration outside of weddings?
I'm inspired by beauty and connection. I draw inspiration from old films and 90s fashion campaigns, from admiring renaissance paintings, from listening to music, from eating a delicious meal, and from sitting at a park bench to watch the world go by. Contrary to what we're told often, the world is a beautiful place filled with amazing beauty. We just have to be open to see and to enjoy it.
What are your favorite moments on a wedding day?
It's a three way tie between the moment the dress goes on, a heartfelt speech, and the minute the dance floor opens. These three very distinct events within the wedding day are packed with joy and nostalgia, laughter and happy tears, and when all the formalities are over and everyone lets loose on the dance floor... well, there's very little that can compare.
Is there a dream location you'd love to work a wedding in?
I've been incredibly fortunate to photograph weddings in stunning locations such as the top of the highest peak of the Great Smoky Mountains, the absolutely stunning Adler Planetarium in Chicago, the pristine beaches of Riviera Maya, luscious vineyards in the rolling hills of Virginia, and most recently, the oldest residence in Mexico City, with a stunning view to El Zócalo. I've also captured celebrations in backyards, in tiny old churches, at courthouses, parks, and even at a very cute diner! That said, there are three places in my bucket list where I hope to work someday: Istanbul, Tokyo and Seville. All three places are unique and magical in their own way, and any of them would make for an incredible experience.
