HEY THERE, I’M TESSA!
I’m twenty-seven, living in Dayton, married to my best friend Jake, a mom to the sweetest baby boy, and 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 Letterkenny way too often. Cooking is my favorite activity. I absolutely love, love.
I’ve been photographing weddings for over six years now. Before love called me to this beautiful job, I studied photojournalism in college. The very first bullet point in the photojournalism code of ethics is to respect truth, however it presents itself and however it plays out.
Respect truth. Isn’t that just so beautiful? I’ve always thought that’s what photographers should do. In my six years of wedding photography, I’ve found so much of the industry only focuses on the pictures that get the most likes, the ones that are the most trendy, the ones with the most money, the ones with the biggest names behind them. That shouldn’t be the center of one of the biggest days of your life.
Love, should be the center. Honestly and truth and authenticity and freedom — those are the center of your wedding.
A wedding where you put yourselves first allows you the freedom to be yourselves in a places that makes you feel truly alive. Whether in Yosemite National Park or in your backyard, putting the things that are important to you at the forefront make the perfect day. It reminds us of what’s really important in this life — not the superficial, the decorations, but the real and true things.
You, with the person you love. That’s what matters. I’ll be here to document your day with honesty and trust and authenticity. Whatever makes you feel that magic, I’m here for it. I’m here for you. Let’s do this.
VALUES + BELIEFS
PROTECTING THE EARTH
We only have one planet, and it’s our job to protect it. While being able to photograph so many amazing events outdoors is a joy, it’s a privilege as well and an honor I don’t take lightly. I photograph all events following Leave No Trace principles and educate all clients on LNT as well.
INCLUSIVITY
All people all welcome here, regardless of race, gender identity, sexuality, religion, physical or mental abilities, or any other defining factor. This includes making sure that all client guides include inclusive language, options for low-mobility during location scouting, and so much more. You are welcome and loved here.
LGBTQ+ RIGHTS
Love is love, and that’s the end of the conversation. I promise to photograph you and your loved one with respect, honesty, and genuine love for your story. All language in client materials is affirming and gender-neutral, and I’m happy to do whatever you need to make this an amazing day.
INDIGENOUS RIGHTS
Native sovereignty is an important column in outdoor ethics. All location guides, scouting, and planning will take into account the native history of the area, sacred locations that are off-limits for ethical and religious reasons, and the impact on the native communities many outdoor weddings happen near.
What clients have to say:
“While she was super professional, I was so comfortable with her it felt like having an extra friend at my wedding.”
“She has a way of making you feel so comfortable in front of the camera but capturing the most special moments.”
“Tessa interacted with myself, my dogs (who doesn’t want dogs in their wedding?) and my bridal party like family.”
How I like to get involved:
I passed the Leave No Trace Course For Elopement Photographers and use it all the time with all my couples! Protecting the environment we love is one of the most important things to me on a wedding day! Reach out to me any time if you have questions about how to practice LNT on your own wedding day and I would LOVE to share with you!
I’m a member of Nature First: The Alliance For Responsible Nature Photography, a group that supports education, ethics, and responsibility for photographers in the outdoors and promotes the sustainability of nature over artwork itself.
Any and all organizations that support individuals with Down Syndrome is near and dear to my heart! I’ve worked with the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio, the North Canton Down Syndrome Association, and other families with individuals with DS. My nephew has DS and is one of my favorite people in the entire world, so I like to be involved in his community as much as possible!
Serving Ohio, traveling worldwide.
2023 TRAVEL
February: Montgomery, Alabama
June: Saint Lucia
July: Ocean Isle Beach, NC
August: St. Louis, Missouri
September: Montgomery, Alabama
BUCKET LIST
The Dolomites, Italy, Norway, Iceland, Scotland (going there in 2024!), the coast of Normandy in France, and wherever else your love story takes you.
Contact me if you’re traveling to any of these areas! I have a special deal for you to thank you for bringing me on your travels!
A few of my favorite things:
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I became a punk rock fan in junior high (yes, at the height of my angst) and I’ll be a punk rock fan until I die. In general, if my Spotify app is playing, you can bet there’s a classic punk playlist queued right up!
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Glacier will forever be my favorite national park. Montana stole my heart and it’s both one of my favorite places to visit and my favorite national park to shoot in! I do also love Badlands and Cuyahoga Valley because I think they’re so underrated! I’ve never visited a park I didn’t like!
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Anywhere with an adventure! I love the beach for a relaxing vacation, and I love the mountains for the solitude and the sense of wonder. I go to Ocean Isle Beach every summer with family, and on a more adventurous exploration with my husband later in the year!
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Top five, because I can’t pick just one: 1) Outlander, 2) The Good Place, 3) New Girl, 4) Friends, 5) The Office
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I’m ALWAYS chugging water. Favorite drink. Besides that, you can find me with a single malt scotch (preferably from the Highlands with lots of peat), neat. My favorite bar drink is an Irish Slammer (previously an Irish Car Bomb).
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I could have tulips in my house every single day. I love all flowers!
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Pasta all day, every day. I love fresh fruits and veggies but there’s really nothing better than a hot bowl of carbs!
