Helping engaged couples feel comfortable in front of the camera and creative businesses grow with purposeful brand imagery.

a Wilmington, NC-based photographer for Weddings and Brands

hi! i'm dakota

Helping engaged couples feel comfortable in front of the camera and creative businesses grow with purposeful brand imagery.

a Wilmington, NC-based photographer for Weddings and Brands

hi! i'm dakota

see more

see more

see more

Weddings

Brands

Seniors

Select Your Experience

I'm an entrepreneur at heart, an encourager by nature, and live to make others feel beautiful, comfortable, and appreciated. I believe the core of every good photography experience is friendship and trust, so getting to know each other is a HUGE priority for me!

I am so excited you’re here!

meet dakota

Fast Facts

Most likely to be:

waiting for more dessert

Enneagram:

2w3

Go-to beach snack:

chicken salad blt

I'm obsessed with:

my dog, dune

favorite peleton coach:

alex toussiant

Favorite podcast:

the toast

Join me on YouTube to get even more personal and hear all of my thoughts on getting the most out of your wedding experience, how to grow your business online, and keeping up with me away from the camera!

and a Look into my Life on YouTube

more planning tips

a few kind words

2020 dakota hersey Birde

“My husband and I honestly can’t say enough positive things about Dakota, our photos and the experience we had working with her.

Our photos, both engagement and wedding, are better than we could have ever dreamed possible.

Hiring Dakota was one of the best decisions we made in the wedding planning process.”

Katelyn Bowie

2020 dakota hersey senior

“Dakota did my UNCW senior/ graduation photos. Seriously the best experience ever.

I have never felt natural in front of a camera and Dakota made me feel COMPLETELY comfortable!!

My nerves were gone after the first few photos! She told me exactly how to stand, where to put my hands, and where to look. My photos turned out amazing!! Highly highly recommend Dakota!!”

hannah walsh

2019 dakota hersey Bride

“I’m still getting compliment after compliment from my guests on how beautiful my pictures are.

I will never regret my decision to choose Dakota as my photographer for my wedding day - she is experienced, flexible, fun, accommodating, and so sweet.

She made me feel beautiful and I have SO MANY pictures in my album! Thank you, Dakota! #dakotaherseybrides for the win!”

Jordan Evans

2020 dakota hersey Bride

“When looking for a photographer I had to ensure I could find someone that could take charge of a 20 person bridal party, keep it fun and light-hearted for my husband who isn’t a fan of photos, and someone who made us feel comfortable every step of the way.

Dakota accomplished all of these things and more!”

Casey Schimelfineg