In August of this year, I received the email that said,
“Congratulations! This email is your official invitation to submit to Rangefinder’s 30 Rising Stars of Wedding Photography competition. You are receiving this email because you were nominated by an industry professional or someone on the Rangefinder team.”
It was such an honor to submit my images into this competition for a second time, and Id like to share parts of my application and the 30 images I submit with you all.
I was asked to share about my growth as a photographer: “
I am almost to the end of my third year as a wedding photographer, and I feel like I have finally moved from the stage of “creatively copying” to a place where I am creating images and experiences that are unique to me, my style and ultimately my clients story. Since the Covid-19 pandemic especially, I have spent more time brainstorming ways to capture more meaningful images for my clients rather than more creative images for my portfolio.
I use to feel like I had to be in control of the timeline and schedule in order to get the best images, but now I simply lean into the day and document. I confidently embrace a portrait session scheduled during the brightest time of the day. When a reception is lit solely by hot pink lights, I don’t freak out and automatically run to grab my flash. I recognize that they intentionally chose those lights to compliment their decorations and I adjust my normal way of shooting so that they can have images that truly reflect their experience. (Shout out to you Aryana).
2020 has been a big year of remembering its not about being seen or liked by the larger photography community. I’ve had to push through drama and understand that at the end of the day being a wedding photographer isn’t about me at all. It’s about documenting honest and meaningful images that provide couples with a tangible legacy they can pass down and have for a lifetime.”
I am so appreciative to all the couples and vendors I have had the pleasure of working with over the past few years, and I can’t wait to see how things change and grow in 2021.

Venue: Race and Religious raceandreligious.com

Vendors:
Bridal Store: Bliss Bridal
Gown Designer: Lillian West
Hair and Makeup: Jessica Humerick
Florist: The Nouveau Wedding
Ceremony Venue: Anthony Chapel
Reception Venue: Pine Hill Hot Springs
Wedding Planner: Becky Lamp at Spanish Oak Events
Videographer: Alex Moreno
Cake: Sweet Lavender Bakeshop
Groom’s Suit: Luca Falcone

Vendors:
Bridal Store: Bliss Bridal
Florist: Etsy
Ceremony Venue: Thorncrown Chapel
Violinist: Lori Fay

Vendors:
Bridal Store: Bridal Parlour
Florist: The Nouveau Wedding
Ceremony Venue: Thorncrown Chapel
Reception Venue: The 1886 Crescent Hotel
Wedding Planner: The Vintage Souls Events
Cake: The Bride

Vendors:
Florist: Flower Patch
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Weathered Wisdom Barn
Wedding Planner: Autumn Walker [email protected]
DJ: Alfie Kass [email protected]
Cake: Back Porch Bakery

Vendors:
Bridal Store: Inverness Bridal Couture
Gown Designer: L’Amour by Calla Blanche
Florist: William’s Florist
Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Barn With Southern Charm
DJ: Tuned-N Event Services
Cake: Smith Donuts in Fort Smith
Groom’s Suit: Beau’s Tuxedos NWA

Vendors:
Bridal Store: Low’s Bridal
Florist: Northwest Arkansas Florist
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Record Downtown
DJ: Brock Entertainment
Videographer: French Film Co
Cake: The Cake Occassion

Venue: Race and Religious

Bridal Store: A & Be Bridal Shop
Skirt Designer: W Too
Florist: Vase & Vine
Ceremony Venue: Chapel of the Ozarks at Top of the Rock
Reception Venue: Wine Cellar Event Room
Wedding Planner: Maddie Ward with Sonnet Weddings
DJ: Live Events Missouri
Cake: Ricks Bakery
Invitation, Signage & Champaign Wall: Courtney Newell from Paper Supply Co.

Venue: New Orleans Pharmacy Museum


Bridal Store: BHLDN
Florist: Zuzu’s Petals
Ceremony Venue: Chapel on the Creeks
Reception Venue: Bocca Italian
Wedding Planner: Becky Lamp at Spanish Oak Events
Videographer: Sheila of The Dogwood Collective
Cake: Rick’s Bakery

Bridal Store: Gracie’s Bridal
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Greenhouse Two Rivers

Vendors:
Florals – Twisted Willow
Catering – Holly Berry Catering
DJ & Photo Booth – Rockstar DJs
Day of Coordinator – The Bridal Butler
Wedding Cake – Dierbergs
Bundt Cakes – Nothing Bundt Cakes

Florist: NWA Florist
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Ratterman Ranch
Videographer: Lepard Photography & Videography
Groom’s Suit: Luca Falcone

Dress: Danielle’s Bridal
Florals:Stem and Leaf
Venue: ProPak Corporation
Cake: Confectionately Yours







Bridal Store: Unveiled Little Rock
Veil: Joon Bridal
Hair and Makeup: Kari Wein MUA
Florist: Rose of Sharon
Ceremony Venue: Venue 718 (closed now)
Reception Venue: Parents Back Yard
Wedding Planner: Meredith Events
DJ: DJ Bear
Cake: The Cake Occasion
Catering: Catering Unlimited NWA
Gala Garage
Light Works Events
Intents Party Rentals

Bridal Store: Davids Bridal
Veil: Galina Signature
Venue: Air BnB
Catering: Chuy’s






Bridal Store: Joon Bridal
Gown Designer: Made With Love Bridal
Florist: Vintage Soul Events
Ceremony Venue: Thorncrown Chapel
Reception Venue: Melonlight Ballroom
Wedding Planner: Vintage Soul Events
Videographer: Sheila of The Dogwood Collective
DJ: Hi-Fi Productions
Cake: Cravings by Rochelle

If you’d like to take a look at the winners this year, here is the link!