Best of 2023
A roundup post of some of my favorite images of the year

2023 was THE best year of my life. It was the year I bought a house, got married, went on the most amazing honeymoon AND photographed some of the sweetest, loveliest folks. (If you want to see my 2023 personal recap, take a look at it here!)

But in this post, we’re talking about my couples and seniors who I was privileged enough to photograph last year. Because there was so much going on personally, I only photographed fourteen weddings and elopements. (I mean I did take off all of August-October also known as “busy season” hehe). But it was SO nice to be able to focus my attention on a smaller group of folks. So now without further ado let’s take a look back on 2023 for my annual “Best Of” photography post!

And if you’re looking for a wedding photographer to capture your wedding or elopement in 2024, shoot me a message. You never know, you might find yourself in next years blog post!

Weddings & Elopements

The Portrait Session

I’m starting this post off with the bangers. I know that’s not chronological, but who cares. These are the portrait session photos– usually taken in 20-30 minutes around sunset. I always remember to squeeze in some solo shots during this time, because who doesn’t want solo photos of them looking bomb on their wedding day???

This year was all about short and sweet sessions so my couples could get back in with their guests! (If you haven’t read about my 20 minute portrait session, give it a read here!) And during their portrait session time we were all about creating a fun and easing going environment so my couples could just relax and enjoy some time with their new husband/wife.

Getting Ready & Details

2023 was yet another year of the anti-details. I’d say 95% of my couples really didn’t care about their details and didn’t want much time spent on them (which is 100% okay with me!) I am not really a detail girl. I would much rather photograph your dress on YOU than hanging on a tree somewhere BUT if my couples want it, my couples get it!

Getting ready coverage however, was super popular. Almost all of my couples requested me there in the morning while they were getting ready and hanging out with their loved ones. Getting ready was more candid than ever last year and I was such a fan. I am expecting a bit more editorial posed getting ready shots to be requested for 2024 with some trends I’ve been seeing online so I’m excited to flex that part of my brain for my upcoming weddings.

Here are a few of my favorite detail and getting ready photos from 2023.

The First Looks

Exactly 50% of my couples chose to do a First Look. I think there was a huge push in 2022 to do First Looks but 2023 was all about making the right decisions for YOU. Not doing things just because a planner (or photographer hehe) or Tik Tok or your mom said. Which I love! I hope 2024 continues that trend.

As always I am absolutely team do whatever you want, but if you’re still on the fence about whether a first look is right for you, check out this blog post!

The Ceremony

Woweeee there were some amazing ceremonies in 2023! Some were funny and lighthearted and some were incredibly heartfelt and emotional. The only constant throughout the year? Making your ceremony 100% your own. Strip away all the traditions that don’t feel like you and really make your ceremony your own.

Wedding Parties

Had some super fun wedding parties in 2023! Some were massive, others were small, some weddings didn’t even have a wedding party! But all the folks I photographed were so fun, patient and welcoming.

Reception

Dances, toasts, cake cutting, etc. My couples in 2023 nixed everything that didn’t feel like them, which lent to beautiful, authentic receptions that truly captured their essence.

Dance Floor

Dance floor was HOT during 2023. Lots of Megan Thee Stallion. Lots of light drags. And lots of fun midnight snacks.

In between moments

In between moments are some of my favorite things to capture throughout a wedding day, small touches, quick glances– these little moments tell a big part of my couples story. These moments are transition pieces and often tell the quieter parts of the day. Want to read more about my philosophy on in-betweens and candids, check out this post!

Family moments

So many heartfelt and sweet little family moments this year. My couples had such an amazing connection with their closest people. There was really a sense of community at all the weddings I photographed. Here are some of those little moments that had a big impact.

Goofy moments

My couples are folks that don’t take themselves too seriously. They are all about laughing and having a great time at their wedding. From shots (and shot-skis) to impromptu snowball fights to cardboard cutouts of a grooms face to grandpas stealing cookies from the dessert table–  here are some of my favorite moments that had me giggling behind the camera.

Portrait Sessions

Weddings and elopements are my main bread and butter, but I couldn’t do a wrap up post without posting a few of my favorite portrait sessions. 2023 was really the year of photographing proposals, while they might be stressful, proposals are some of my favorite things to photograph!

Some favorite behind the scenes photos <3

I try to take a selfie of some kind with every wedding couple. It doesn’t always happen with how busy and fast paced wedding days are, but here are some of my favorites from when I’ve actually remembered.

And that’s a wrap on 2023! Truly would not have been such an incredible year if it weren’t for all my amazing couples. Thank you all for being so rad, welcoming and unequivocally you.

Here’s to 2024!

And if you’re looking for a wedding photographer to capture your wedding or elopement in 2023, shoot me a message. You never know, you might find yourself in next years blog post!