Black Love & Representation In High-End Publications

When my couples come to me to photograph their loves stories, they already have a pretty good sense of who I am and I always feel like I totally get them. It really turns into us just “getting” each other. It’s like I’m photographing my cousins or best friends’ wedding. We become friends and family through the connection of having so much in common! From where we grew up and went to school, to the music throwbacks that summon memories of a mirroring childhood experience. Even though all of my weddings have unique love stories, culturally they have so many elements of moments that make me reminisce about life and my own warm memories of how linked we all are in some way. That’s how I’m able to capture such authentic images for my couples. Because I understand them.

Every single part of a wedding means something so special. I’m not just taking photos, I’m capturing memories of a strong and rich family tree that will continue to grow and that’ll live forever. I take so much pride in knowing that those breathtaking moments will be seen by great-grandchildren who drop their jaws at how amazing their “granny” and “pop-pop”  looked when they were younger while searching for resemblances in their faces. Weddings are about sharing the story of love and family!

It means everything to me to be able to show the world what black love looks like in an authentic way. All the beauty, elegance, laughter, and magic that happens in a day. The excitement and interlocked arms that comes when the DJ plays “swag surf”, The pride when the HBCU Alumni get ready to swag surf or the AKA Sorors throw that pinky up as yell “skee-wee!” (HEYYY Sorors!!!) It’s all so exciting and means so much to me. 

There are tears shed, families merging, and new memories made. Who doesn’t want to be a part of that?! I wouldn’t trade my love for weddings for anything. 

This representation of black love in high-end publications is authentically worthy to be shown and I would love to see them more widespread, and not just peppered here and there. We have so many black vendors that have the quality of work that’s just as amazing as our counterparts. Thank you brides.com for showcasing us and being a part of the change we wish to see and experience.