LUXURY – DESTINATION
ABOUT
EMMERLEE
BASED IN EUROPE,
AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE
“Photography to me is catching a moment which is passing and which is true.”
Jacques-Henri Lartigue
Hi! My name is Emmerlee
but most people call me Em. I am a wedding, portrait and underwater photographer based in the Twin Cities.
When asked to define their “style,” many photographers (myself included) have trouble putting it into words. So, we fall back on the words we know people understand; “Documentary,” “Storytelling,” and “Fine Art” are probably just a few you’ve seen.
You really don’t need to know what kind of name is attached to the photography you see; you just have to like it!
For me, it’s about the vibe of the wedding, not the particulars. As long as love, family, and emotion are present, I’m all in.
Getting Ready
I love this part of the day.
I love the excitement that you can feel in the air and the rituals of the friends and family surrounding the wedding couple. I arrive early to take it in, blend into the scene, and start capturing the moments.
You don’t have to worry about doing a thing except getting yourself ready to get married. I’ll always be nearby, whether I am capturing details or preparations.
If for some reason, I need you to move to an area with better light, I’ll let you know. Otherwise, just enjoy yourself, and I’ll be like a friend with a camera in the background.
Detail Photos
Almost everyone brings things to a wedding that are meaningful to them. If you’ve got something that you want me to be sure to capture, like funny socks on the guys, a special flower in your bouquet that I might not see, just let me know. Otherwise, I’ll capture every detail of the day.
Detail shots can also be more of a “feeling” than a thing. The rainstorm that is happening outside your ceremony or that little kid that falls asleep at the reception is a detail that is so very personal to your wedding.
I’m always looking for those kinds of photos that tell the story behind the story throughout the day.
First Look
A first look is a totally personal choice between the couple and one I am happy to photograph for you. If you’ve got doubts about having one, then I’m always happy to talk you through what yours might look like.
I will say that I have never had a couple regret doing a first look.
As for photographing a first look, I’ll give light direction on where you should stand, and when to turn, then I stand back with a long lens and let the moment unfold.
Wedding Party Photos
After the first look is also an excellent time to knock out the wedding party photos.
Doing wedding party photos before the ceremony is a great idea because everyone generally feels fresh, in a great mood, and not being kept from the cocktail hour!
I’ll do photos of you with each of your friends, a group shot where everyone is looking at the camera, and then some more interactive images where everyone isn’t so camera aware. I try to make these fun and FAST.
Photos of the Two of You
These can be done before or after the wedding, or really, at any time of the day.
Each wedding has a different vibe and flow, so when we do them isn’t as important as the fact that you can take some time together.
I dictate these sessions entirely to your personality. If you’re not a super cuddly couple, I’m not going to put you into any position that makes you feel awkward. While I will lightly direct you, I’m looking for moments, not poses.
The end of the day is a favorite time of mine to do couple photos. It might be a nighttime shot, a sunset shot, or something I dream up that is just cool and dramatic. They are kind of my “thing,” and couples love them.
Good to Know
Ceremony
This one is easy! 100% hands-off, capturing what unfolds. I’m there to document you, everyone, who is there that loves you, and anything else in between.
Family Photos
While these photos are a bit more traditional, I feel they are essential.
When people you love gather in one place all dressed up for you, you will want a photo of them! We talk about the groupings before the wedding, and I’ll do the wrangling to get everyone in line and looking good. Again, fast and fun is the name of the game.
How this works
01
Cocktail Hour
Some of the greatest candid photos come from the cocktail hour.
I go into documentary mode, trying to be a fly on the wall and get some great moments, but don’t be afraid to grab me if you want an informal photo of you and some guests.
I might also sneak you both away from your guests for a few photos of the two of you if we haven’t already done them…this is also a nice time for you to breathe and take it all in.
02
Reception
Please sit me with guests during the dinner hour, so I eat when you eat. Then when speeches, toasts, or any other event happens, I am right there to capture them, both your reactions and your guests’ reactions.
Then the party starts, and it breaks loose, one of my favorite parts of the day. I’m right there on the dance floor with you and your guests, documenting everyone celebrating YOU!
03
Your Photos
The look and feel of your photos will be true to your day. My editing style is true to life colors and crips black and white because I want your wedding photos to be absolutely timeless.
If your wedding was wild and full of vibrant colors and people, that’s what your photos will look like. If it was a small, intimate, quiet affair with a lot of love and laughter, that’s what your photos will look like.
We’re a good fit if:
You want a photographer you can trust so you can be in the moment and live your day with family and friends.
You consider your relationship, life, friends, and family to be “eclectic.” You love diversity, fun, and not subscribing to a status quo.
You love photography. You may love shooting yourself, or you just might love the work that photographers do. Either way, you consider photography as an art.
You want a genuinely emotional narrative of your day. You want it all, from the tears shed through Uncle Joe dancing his ass off at your reception.
You want to be able to relive your wedding day and see something new every time you look through your photos.
