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I’m Dakota, a Wilmington, NC-based photographer helping engaged couples feel comfortable in front of the camera and creative businesses grow with purposeful brand imagery.

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Behind The Scenes of Dakota Hersey Weddings 2021

February 7, 2022

I am so thankful that I have created a business that allows me to do something I love while serving couples on one of the most special days of their life.

Being a photographer is so much more than beautiful images. I am the one who stays by your side for the majority of the day, more than anyone else. I am responsible for making you look beautiful and FEEL beautiful, keeping the day moving, and making sure all of the things that are most important to you are captured.

I am here to make your guests smile for photos, your bridal party laugh, keep your family organized, and make sure that the happiness everyone is feeling is preserved through images.

I tell all of my couples that I believe photos are obviously extremely important, but the EXPERIENCE is what matters. No one will love looking back on a photo where they remember missing out on dancing with their friends or feeling like they didn’t feel their best self. So my job is to keep the balance of experiencing and documenting for you.

There was so much magic made this year…though it’s not always glamorous getting to the final product. There are lots of dress buttons, sweaty days, freezing fingers, squats, running across fields, carrying flowers, tripping over my own feet, tearing up at vows, getting rained on, and more.

So here is my annual insight into what my weekends look like, my favorite people to work with, and everything in-between.

Now on to another very important part of the Dakota Hersey Photography team… Weston and Evan, my second shooters!!!! I am so incredibly thankful for them. I couldn’t photograph weddings without their help! They not only capture additional images, they also carry bouquets, fluff dresses, throw veils, pose for test lighting, carry bags, run in the rain, keep the grooms entertained…whatever you need. You name it, they’re there.

I’m looking forward to adding more go getters to the team this year who will love on my couples just as well as they do!

Weddings magic isn’t just created by your photographers. We love all of the vendors that make up your wedding team! We work the most closely with videographers and planners/coordinators and we worked with the best of the best this year (not all pictured here but this is just a sample!). If you need recommendations, let me know!!!

Last but not least…if you’re a Dakota Hersey couple, you know what this is 😉 My favorite part of the night!!!

I am so thankful to work with some of the best couples on the planet and it is such a joy to serve them. I can’t wait to work with my 2022 couples!!!!

hello!

I’m Dakota, a Wilmington, NC-based photographer Helping engaged couples feel comfortable in front of the camera and creative businesses grow with purposeful brand imagery.

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