It was a beautiful evening, and I was nestled behind my camera, capturing the laughter and joy as the sun sank over the water. The warm glow of candlelight danced across the faces of a couple surrounded by their closest friends, their love radiating in that intimate moment. As I observed the beauty of their celebration, I realized something profound: I wanted to freeze this feeling forever. There was something so magical about the way they cherished each other in the presence of just a few loved ones. Each shared glance and burst of laughter felt like a precious gift, and I knew I wanted to dedicate my craft to capturing these heartfelt stories. Today, I’m getting a little personal and sharing the journey behind my passion for intimate wedding photography, so let’s jump in!
The Start of Forever: Discovering My Passion for Wedding Photography
Humble Beginnings
From the moment I first held a Polaroid camera at the age of seven, I was captivated by the magic of capturing moments. My mom would equip me with a disposable film camera for our family vacations and summer camp adventures, and it became a delightful ritual to develop the film at our local camera shop, eagerly sharing copies with friends while we were apart. The joy of reliving those memories through printed photos sparked a passion that only grew stronger.
When my grandfather gifted me my first digital camera, a whole new world opened up; I fell head over heels in love with travel photography and portraiture, discovering that each click of the shutter was not just about creating beautiful images, but about weaving stories and emotions that resonated deeply within me. Photography became my voice—a way to celebrate life’s fleeting moments and connect with others in a profound and meaningful way.
Fast forward to my teenage years, I found myself navigating the challenges of careers and college, yearning for something that would allow me to express my creativity and run a business that aligned with my values. So, I bought a camera and started tinkering with it, diving deep into learning everything I could as quickly as possible. I jumped straight down the rabbit hole of real, professional photography, and I’ve never looked back!
Hours and hours of shooting, learning how to do business, mastering my craft and taking as many courses as I could, I was officially a “photographer”!
Transition Into Wedding Photography
However, I realized that my own personal experiences with professional photography often left me feeling disconnected; the photos were stiff and awkward, lacking the warmth and authenticity I longed for. Over time, I found my passion in wedding photography, particularly in capturing those intimate connections during special occasions. It’s the essence of family, love, and shared experiences that drew me in. Every wedding, no matter how small, tells a unique story worthy of being beautifully captured, and I am dedicated to making those moments last a lifetime!
As I transitioned into wedding photography, I noticed a prevailing notion in the industry: grand weddings with unattainable standards became the norm. While I appreciated the excitement and glamor of those larger celebrations and the style shoots that inspired them, I soon found that my heart was drawn to something much deeper.
I fell in love with the intimacy of smaller gatherings, where the focus is on connection and storytelling rather than spectacle. In intimate weddings and elopements, each moment feels more genuine, and the love shared between couples shines brightly. The details matter here; they allow me the freedom and flexibility to showcase the couple’s unique story in a way that is sincere and true. I cherish the opportunity to capture those quiet, meaningful moments—the shared glances, the laughter, and the tender touches that speak volumes about their love.
Every wedding, no matter the size, has its own essence, but intimate weddings provide the perfect canvas to highlight those beautiful details that reflect the couple’s personalities and values. It’s in these moments that I truly feel I am fulfilling my purpose as a photographer.
Luxurious Details in Small Weddings
Many people think that intimate weddings mean skimping on the elegance, but I’m here to tell you that’s simply not the case! Intimate weddings shine in the details that enrich their visual narrative. Personalized decor, like custom signage and family heirlooms, reflects the couple’s journey, while thoughtfully designed invitations set the tone for their day. Meaningful florals can express their aesthetic and values, and capturing candid moments—such as shared smiles during the ceremony—highlights the authenticity of their love.
By focusing on these elements, I aim to create a visual story that not only documents the wedding day but also embodies the couple’s unique love story. Each detail contributes to the overall narrative, allowing couples to cherish their memories for years to come.
A Quick Reflection On My Journey as a Wedding Photographer
As I look back on my journey, I’m filled with gratitude for the path that led me to intimate weddings and elopements. They remind me that love isn’t about how many people attend, but about the depth of connection shared. No matter the size of your celebration, every wedding is a perfect wedding, filled with love, joy, and the unique story of you and your partner. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a grand gathering, it’s those heartfelt moments that truly matter.
If you’re soon-to-be Mrs., send me a note and I’d love to chat about the vision you have for your very own wedding day! Don’t forget to check out the resources I have curated just for brides like you. 🙂
Hugs,
Shannon
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