I'M DAKOTA, A DOCUMENTARY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

When I first started photography, I thought I had to do things a certain way — lots of posing, making sure everything looked “just right,” constantly managing every moment. Eventually, I realized that chasing perfection didn’t feel like me — and it definitely didn’t feel like you.

What I really love is storytelling. Letting things unfold naturally and capturing the actual moments — the laughter, the tears, the quiet, the chaos, the way your hand finds theirs when no one’s watching. I’ll gently guide you when needed, but for the most part, I’m there to help you stay present and feel it all. Because years from now, I want your photos to feel like memories — not just pictures.

I’ve always been drawn to connection and story, which led me to study Communications in college. But everything changed when I met my husband while he was serving in the military. Somewhere between handwritten letters and late-night calls, we built a life rooted in love. He’s the one who encouraged me to pick up a camera in my junior year — and by the time I graduated, I knew photography was what truly fueled me.

Now, with our son and a heart full of gratitude, I get to do what I love every day: tell stories that feel true. This work has taken me to so many beautiful places and introduced me to the kindest humans. Being invited into your story — even for a day — is something I’ll never take for granted.

I’m all about capturing real love and real moments — rooted in emotion, connection, and all those tiny in-between glances that usually say the most. But it wasn’t always like this. When I first started, I thought I had to do things a certain way — lots of posing, making sure everything looked “just right,” constantly managing every moment. Eventually, I realized that chasing perfection didn’t feel like me — and it definitely didn’t feel like you.

What I really love is storytelling. Letting things unfold naturally and capturing the actual moments — the laughter, the tears, the quiet, the chaos, the way your hand finds theirs when no one’s watching. I’ll gently guide you when needed, but for the most part, I’m there to help you stay present and feel it all. Because years from now, I want your photos to feel like memories — not just pictures.

I’ve always been drawn to connection and story, which led me to study Communications in college. But everything changed when I met my husband while he was serving in the military. Somewhere between handwritten letters and late-night calls, we built a life rooted in love. He’s the one who encouraged me to pick up a camera in my junior year — and by the time I graduated, I knew photography was what truly fueled me.

Now, with our son and a heart full of gratitude, I get to do what I love every day: tell stories that feel true. This work has taken me to so many beautiful places and introduced me to the kindest humans. Being invited into your story — even for a day — is something I’ll never take for granted.