Walking into the couple’s prep locations and feeling like I am already a part of the group is something I push for with every client. It is so important to have relationships outside of just photographing because it helps me blend into the wedding and gives me a leg up on documenting real moments with no worry. There is nothing worse than guests or clients being fully aware of where I am at all times and turning on the “look and smile” every time they see me hold up the camera. It takes away from the actual storyline of the day.

Jess and Tyler were refreshing AF and there was so much planning that went into their day. They both got ready at The Roosevelt but did not want to do a first look. This made timeline planning strategic and we had no time for wiggle room. My second shooter Victoria and I crushed it on all levels. They each had time on the pool deck for photographs. The guys were party rock non-stop and I love that Victoria rolled with it and let them cut loose, drink, have cigars and bullshit together. That is what it is all about! I know we have to get certain posed shots but you have to have time to have fun with your people. We aren’t here to kill your vibe we enhance it! Jess and the girls were equally as fun and we even made one of the most badass instagram reels together. I played hide and seek with Em the flower girl and once we got to the pool deck, she pretty much gave up and laid with a stuffed dog they called sammy, since their cute pup couldn’t actually be there, so freaking cute.

One of the most important elements to the day were to get Jess and Tyler to have a first touch and take a moment to be with her father. Her father passed away in 2010 and it was a non-negotiable to let her pause to feel him with her that day. Her dad has a dedication brick in the courtyard at St. Joseph’s Church and Tyler even proposed there. I was really was stressing because their ceremony started at 6:30pm and at 6:05 they still weren’t at the church. At 6:20pm, yes 6:20pm ten minutes before go time, we quickly placed them back to back so they could talk and take a second to be with him. you 100 percent know i cried. they had a boutonniere placed in the front pew under a sign with his photo so he had a place at the wedding too. I actually can’t tell you the amount of times I cried this day because Tyler is so supportive and never does anything without honoring him. jess’ mom is also the sweetest women and their bond is something i aspire to have with my own daughter.

during their federal ballroom wedding reception, her and her mom shared a first dance and there was not one dry eye in the building. at one point i had to pause because i was so emotional i couldn’t see. along with being super talented, i am also an extreme empath and really emotionally invest into my relationships. i will never forget how sweet her mom was comforting her during their dance and i know her dad was just looking down and beaming the entire day. switching gears to a more raging party vibe, damn this crew danced! we had it all, air guitars, glow sticks, crowd surfing and they even iced each other! if you are unfamiliar, you surprise someone with smirnoff ice and you must kneel and down it, no questions. i hope you all enjoy these photos and i just can’t get over how lucky i am to find these incredible couples.