SMJ Photography

Greta and Joe’s first look at Excelsior was one of those moments where two completely different stories were happening at the same time.

Joe was waiting, smiling, trying to hold it together.

Greta was walking toward him, tucked just out of his view, carrying all of that nervous excitement with her.

And that’s exactly why a second photographer matters.

During a first look, one photographer can stay with the person waiting while the other follows the person approaching. One angle catches the reaction. The other catches the anticipation.

Together, the couple gets a fuller version of a moment they only lived from one side.

Greta didn’t get to see Joe waiting before he turned around.

Joe didn’t get to see Greta walking toward him.

Now they both can.

That’s the value. Not just more photos. More memory. More perspective. More of what the day actually felt like.

Venue:
Planner:
Photobooth:
Florist:
Videographer:
Dress:
Suit:
Rental Decor:
Hair/MUA:
Signage:
DJ:
Live Music:

Kristin’s dress at The Barn at Silverstone deserved its own quiet little moment.

Sometimes the universe does the talking for me.

I noticed the reflection in the mirror, the words above it, and it all just clicked.

These are the kinds of details I’m always watching for. Not just the dress. Not just the room. But the little connections that make the story feel like it was already waiting to be photographed.

Venue:
DJ:
Bakery:
Caterer:
Dance Classes:
Dress Boutique:
Florist:
Hair/MUA:
Rental/Decor: .events
Live Painter:
Dog Handler:

Taylor and Mike’s wedding party understood the assignment.

Loud cheers, big energy, zero awkward “what do I do with my hands?” moments.

This is why I love wedding party photos when people actually lean into them, because the best ones are usually not the perfectly still, everyone-smile-at-the-camera version.

They are the ones where everyone is cheering, laughing, clapping, yelling something ridiculous, and making the couple feel like they are walking through the best kind of celebration.

The Cork Factory Hotel gave us the backdrop, but Taylor and Mike’s people brought the energy that made these photos feel like them.

Venue:
DJ:
Live Music:
MUA:
Hair:
Florist:
Dress Boutique:
Dress Designer:
Draping/Lighting:
Stationary: .to.rose