Another classic annual blog post – the behind the scenes of making the magic happen!!! While our days are spent focused (literally) on our clients, I do try to be intentional about capturing moments for myself along the way, whether that’s appreciating the beautiful spaces I get to photograph, my fellow vendors doing their thing, or the many faces of Weston posing for my test shots.

This year was full of beautiful couples and thoughtful design…and it was also full of HEAT and RAIN.

I had FOUR July weddings and even shot a wedding in a tropical storm!! I had my first Charleston, SC wedding that just so happened to be with my best friend as the planner, so we got to make a weekend out of it. Weston got really good at running and holding umbrellas and I got really good at moving VERY efficiently to make the most of every second.

This was also a huge year for expanding the Dakota Hersey Couple family and seeing previous and future couples at each other’s events.

t makes me so happy when I feel like the relationship runs deep. I even had two brides book me (they were in each other’s weddings) and didn’t find out that they were both working with me until they posted engagement photos! Great minds think alike 😉

I revisited venues I love (looking at you, Wrightsville Manor, Bakery 105, St. Thomas Preservation Hall, Highland Country Club, Maylew Farm, and Cornealius Properties) and crossed a few off my bucket list (Airlie Gardens, The Elia, Brooklyn Arts Center, Charleston). We worked SO many of my favorite vendors and made relationships with new dream teams.

One of the things I’m thankful is the fact that while my couples are all similar in values and what they are looking for in their photographer and wedding day, their styles are all so different.

It’s nice when I get to walk into a familiar venue with a team I work with often, but I do think it keeps me sharp and creative to have things switch up.

Very little stresses me out now as a photographer. I can work in big open fields, traditional churches, historic brick buildings, newly constructed open air chapels, outside in full sun, and under dark cloudy skies. I can have bridal parties of 20+ people and some with just a maid of honor and best man. I can coax the shy flower girl to show off a little and also keep the over-zealous groomsmen at bay (while still letting him be himself).

It is possible to have a well-run, efficient wedding day that still feels like you’re able to experience it rather than forcing the timeline to happen.

The biggest compliments we will ever receive come in the form of how we made people feel…

Whether it’s the bride and groom themselves, their parents, their best friends, or simply just a guest observing it all.

Thank you so much for choosing us to serve you and capture your biggest moments!!!!

Weddings are a TEAM event – we love our vendor friends!