Tamara and Alex: A look Back

A way to go deeper into a few of my favorite images, each one reflecting a piece of the journey so far. The photos I’ve chosen for the banner of my website are there because they carry a certain weight; they tell a story that’s close to the heart. There aren’t many that make it to that banner—just a handful, really—but each image represents something I strive for in my work. Alongside these select shots, I’ll be sharing a few more from each session, offering fresh moments to the couples who welcomed me into theirs. It’s exciting to bring you along for this first journal entry, to revisit one of my most recognizable images: Tamara and Alex.

It’s a story I’ve told before, but Tamara and I met back in college. Later, I got to know Alex, and eventually, they asked me to come back to Tennessee to photograph their wedding. I remember the feeling—flying back, returning to familiar streets, this time as their photographer. It’s a memory that shaped me as much as it documented them. Tamara and Alex have since built a beautiful life, filled with new places and children, but when I look at these photos, I see the heart of who they are: a couple who brought people together, who built a community around them. And though I no longer spend much time in East Tennessee, my appreciation for those early friendships and the way they grounded me hasn’t faded.

This wedding took place in a familiar downtown venue, a historic Bristol building with warm brick walls and an unpolished beauty that made it feel timeless. I shot it on my Sony a7 II with a 55mm f/1.8—a simple setup, especially in the days before dual SD slots or backups became standard. With just one camera, a few memory cards, and perhaps one extra lens, I leaned into the simplicity of the process. Looking back, that restriction shaped my approach, grounding it in patience and focus, two elements that still define my work today.

Each image from that day carries the energy of that place and the warmth of the people who filled it. The venue, with its exposed brick, lent a natural warmth to the photos, a texture that felt like part of the couple’s story. There’s a restaurant just down the street that’s a local gem, and it became part of the experience that day, bringing its own charm and flavor to their wedding story. The environment encouraged a storytelling style that captured the depth and quiet intimacy of their connection.

These images and the stories behind them. For me, each journal entry isn’t just a look back but a way of reconnecting with what matters most in this work: the moments, relationships, and places that have shaped the way I see. Thank you for being part of this journey, for allowing me to share the meaning and memories behind each frame.