DIGITAL + FILM WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY BASED IN DAYTON AND THE MIDWEST.
For the real and the madly in love.
AUTHENTIC ART IS MAGICAL.
The magic doesn’t happen in shot lists and perfect getting-ready rooms. It doesn’t happen in manipulated moments and on social media feature accounts. It doesn’t happen in magazine clippings and it doesn’t happen in “Here, fix your one stray hair,” either.
The magic happens in the in-between. In the quiet and the soft and the “We didn’t know anyone was watching that!”
The magic happens when you let go of perfection. When you let yourself feel all the feelings and emotions. Don’t worry about your hair or if your bowtie is straight. Don’t worry about if you’re standing straight or if you’re laughing too loud or if you’re not smiling the way you practiced in the mirror. Don’t worry.
For some photographers, your wedding day exists for them. For their content.
For me, I exist on this day for you. For your story, for your beauty, for your chaos, for your happiness. Your love is the sun in this universe, and it’s an honor to bask in that warmth.
“YOU DON’T TAKE THE PHOTOGRAPH. YOU BORROW IT.”
One of my professors told me that in college once. There’s nothing more beautiful than knowing that these moments don’t belong to me. Your wedding doesn’t exist for me, for the ‘gram, for the features, for the clout. Your wedding belongs to you and your people and your vision and your happiness. I’m along for the ride, preserving these memories for years to come. For me, there’s no greater honor in the whole world.
HEY, I’M TESSA!
I’m twenty-six, living in Dayton, Ohio, married to my best friend Jake, mom to a sweet baby boy, andam a lover of : a good and smoky single malt Highland scotch, beautiful light, inclusivity, and punk rock. I’ve never met a dog I didn’t like (same goes for most cats). I don’t believe there’s a limit to the number of bowls of pasta one should consume. I quote television shows way too often. Cooking is my favorite activity. I absolutely love, love.
Photographing people is my greatest joy. I can’t wait to meet you and hear all about your story. Let’s get together and make some really freaking cool art.
SAY YES TO THE DAY YOU DESERVE
Reach out and let’s get to know one another! Once we talk about what you want your day to look like, the vision you have, and the way you feel about your wedding, we’ll sign a contract, make the down payment, and start planning your day together! I’m always available for a phone or facetime call at any time!
After signing on the dotted line, we’ll talk about timelines, expectations, and any other planning things I can help with (location scouting, permits, vendor recommendations, etc). You can email me any time and we’ll be in contact about once a month or so to check in!
It’s happening! Your day is here and you get to relax without the pressure of a shot list or dictating exactly how things are supposed to be. After your wedding, I’ll send you a sneak peek within 72 hours and your full gallery within 30 days. You can order an album or prints at that time, and the photos are yours forever.
The power of documentary wedding photography:
There has never before been a day like yours, and there will never be a day like it again.
What would happen if we just let go of the Pinterest boards and the magazine photos and the wedding accounts on social media, and just… felt it all?
“Where do I even begin? From engagement photos to wedding photos, Tessa absolutely knocked it out of the park! I am not a planner by nature so I essentially gave Tessa a “mood” I wanted for my photos and she completely nailed it and so much more! On top of that, she got me my photos so much sooner than I expected. Not only did she rock the photos, but she also helped to make our wedding day the absolute best. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone getting married!”
CODI + JUSTIN
“I am utterly lacking the words to articulate my appreciation. It’s rare to find someone who is so patient, kind, and eager to hear about and photograph the love of others. Beyond being a phenomenal photographer you are wonderfully kind person! No matter the distance, we will be happy to travel wherever to make it happen because we wholeheartedly appreciate you and the experience you created for us.”
SAM + BAYLEE
“When my husband and I first started dating, we had the pleasure of getting our photos taken by Tessa and she was absolutely amazing! She took us to Ash Cave in Hocking Hills and made our session so fun and intimate. So much so, that it became our special spot and the place we got engaged! You are the kindest, most creative friend and we are so blessed to have the photos you captured forever! The emotion behind each photo Tessa is something you will be looking at and cherishing for a lifetime.”
CALLE + JAKE
THE REAL IS THE HEART OF IT.
In one year or ten or fifty, you won’t be talking about the perfect table runner. You won’t remember the food or the flowers or the socks or littlest of things.
You will remember how you felt. You’ll remember how you laughed and cried and thought, “I wish this day would last forever.”
With good photographs, the day will last forever. You’ll always remember this feeling.
LET’S GET TO KNOW EACHOTHER!
