One thing I love about being a wedding photographer is giving the gift of tangible memories.

For the most part, memories live in our minds. And, unfortunately, become distorted over time. But when a couple has a collection of pictures to look through from their wedding day, they get to relive the moments in almost perfect detail. 

This is one of the big reasons couples choose to hire a professional photographer for their wedding day. Kayla and Joel were no exception.

They knew the right professional wouldn’t miss a thing. They would have an eye for detail. And would make sure to capture everything they wanted to remember so they could look back and relive all the beautiful moments.

They also wanted to find a photographer whose style and personality meshed with their own. So when they came upon the elegant, bright, and unique style of photos I provide through film photography – they knew they had found someone worth considering.

But the journey finding me wasn’t exactly smooth sailing for Kayla and Joel. 

The Importance of Feeling Comfortable with Your Photographer

Before hiring me, Kayla was scared that she wouldn’t be able to find a photographer she loved – as all of the local photographers were already booked on their wedding day. And this was two years prior! 

But even amongst the local tribe, they also hadn’t found someone they felt truly comfortable around.

I was on their list of potential photographers, but because I wasn’t local to the area, Kayla feared I wouldn’t be able to make the journey. Fortunately, for all of us, I was!

I was also a little out of their price range. But Kayla understood the importance of these photos and how she wanted to remember her day beautifully. So, she decided to spend a little more than initially budgeted.

Looking back through her photos and remembering the day now, Kayla said:

“I am so grateful now that the few who I had contacted previous to Sheri weren’t available as I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else. Sheri is amazing!”

I couldn’t ask for kinder feedback!

Unique Details

One of the things I loved best about Kayla and Joel was their personalities. Mainly how much they love to celebrate!

The morning of the wedding, as both sets of the wedding party were getting ready, Kayla had delivered the gift boxes she put together for Joel and his groomsmen. Inside each box was a belt, a tie, a tie pin, beer-themed socks, and an engraved rocks glass. 

What better way to make sure the groom/groomsmen have everything they need to wear than by gifting it to them the morning-of?! Brilliant!

Because she had done so for the guys, naturally, Kayla also put together custom gift boxes for her bridesmaids. Each one included pearl earrings, a piece of Thomas Sabo jewelry, and Ferrero Rocher chocolates.

But the best detail of all was how Kayla, Joel, and their wedding party just couldn’t wait to start celebrating after the ceremony. And why should they!? Rather than wait to have a celebratory drink, they decided to take it with them for formal portraits. And it turned out to be the most fun wedding party photography session.

How I Became More Than Their Photographer

Kayla knew she needed help making her vision a reality. So with the help of a wedding planner, I helped guide and direct her when styling the reception space. 

It was important to her that we got her vision just right. But having never planned a wedding before, she also needed someone to run ideas by. And I was more than happy to help Kayla with this (like I do with all of my couples!) 

As we were planning the timeline, I suggested a moment to her that she came to describe as one that ended up meaning the most to her. This was a private reception reveal before all of the guests were invited into the reception space for dinner. And from the expression on her face, as you can see in the pictures, you can tell just how much she was blown away by the decor and her vision coming to life. 

When Family is Everything

Sadly, Joel’s mother passed away some time before the wedding. And as you can imagine, for any groom (or bride), this makes an already emotional day even more so. 

Joel and Kayla planned the most personal and beautiful details to remember his mum by – including a custom trinket for Kayla to hold with her bouquet, a tie pin for Joel, and a memorial candle for them to both light during the ceremony. 

Kayla also had a daughter before meeting Joel. As a symbol of his kind and loving character, Joel took her in as his own. And to show how united they are as a family, Kayla’s daughter gave the most emotional and moving speech in honor of him that moved everyone to tears. 

Their kids also wanted to be included in almost every moment of the wedding day, such as crashing the end of the first dance, along with other big moments. But no one seemed to mind — just one more example of how family means so much to them.

Thank You, Kayla & Joel

When I asked Kayla what her experience meant to her, she left me the kindest review:

“Amazing! Need I say more? From start to finish, from the first email & phone call through to the days leading up to the wedding & the day itself, Sheri was there! She was extremely helpful, supportive & so easy to get along with. She made sure we didn’t miss the opportunities of getting particular shots & within
a couple days she sent me a few beautiful photos she captured
which I very much appreciate. The best decision we made
was to choose Sheri to capture our wedding!”

Thank you, Kayla, for the kind words. You and Joel’s contagious love was a joy to witness. And even more, to photograph.

If you’re looking for the same style of bright, elegant, and unique photos like Kayla and Joel, please reach out!
Almost nothing brings me greater joy than capturing tangible memories for couples that are head-over-heels in love.

See Kayla & Joel’s Full Gallery HERE.