A Sentimental
Strategist
About Stephanie Michelle Photography
I was always leaving things behind. Photos were the gift that allowed me to hold on to my memories.
Growing up in a military family, I’ve always been acutely aware of a memory’s ability to fade over time. My childhood often felt like a blur of moving boxes and new faces. Hello, goodbye, repeat. My first camera, made by Crayola and gifted to me for Christmas circa 1990-something, didn’t change that cycle. But it did give me a way to hold on to the people and places that meant something to me in the midst of all that transition.
Developing film was expensive and time consuming, meaning there was always a huge gap between shooting the picture and seeing my finished product come to life. My room, our backyard, an old classmate from long ago—the feeling of joy when I got to revisit those moments is indescribable.
Two decades later, and I’m still as obsessed with that concept as I ever was—it’s been foundational to my approach since I started my photography business in 2017. Because, if there’s ever been an occasion that demands the remembrance of every single detail…it’s your wedding day.
There’s a lot of pressure wrapped up in capturing a wedding. All your favorite people. Hundreds of carefully-considered details. A day that truly deserves the “once in a lifetime” label. The stakes couldn’t be higher. But not only can I handle the responsibility—I cherish it.
With equal parts emotional intuition and give-it-to-you-straight guidance, I’ll use my camera to capture the moments you’re already dreaming of—and the ones you don’t yet realize will matter most. I can’t wait to place precious memories into your hands, so that you can hold on to them for a lifetime.
From Our Couples
She captured
everything
perfectly
“On our wedding day, she captured everything perfectly—from the big moments to the small, intimate details. Our wedding photos turned out better than we could have imagined. Looking through our gallery feels like reliving the entire day all over again, and we are so grateful to have those memories preserved so beautifully.”
“On our wedding day, she captured everything perfectly—from the
big moments to the small, intimate details. Our wedding photos
turned out better than we could have imagined. Looking through
our gallery feels like reliving the entire day all over again, and we
are so grateful to have those memories preserved so beautifully.”
- Rebecca, Bride
A Legacy
of Love
the memories we carry
shape the stories we tell
What “Love Is” Looks Like
Before my papa passed away, he spent years clipping “Love Is” comics from the newspaper, each of which he delivered to my grandma with a red rose on Sundays. It’s a picture of how devoted he was to my grandma, and such a special part of my family’s remembrance of him.
Because, when it comes down to it, that’s exactly what love is, isn’t it?
It’s seeing someone. Knowing them. Then looking for intimate, intentional ways to show them that they’re seen and known…and doing that again and again over the course of a lifetime. For better or worse, in sickness and health, through seasons of boundless adventure and the blur of the mundane, until suddenly you’ve spent forever together.
That’s the example of love I’ve grown up watching and learning from. It’s also the reason all of this matters so much to me. I’d love nothing more than to document what “love is” looks like to you—and to give you the gift of tangible memories you’ll return to for a lifetime.
From Our Couples
She listened to my vision
“My top priorities were feeling confident, capturing both posed and candid moments, and ensuring the photography reflected our personalities—and Stephanie nailed it. She listened to my vision from the start and somehow brought to life not only what I had imagined, but moments I didn’t even realize I wanted captured. She also stood out with her spunky yet authoritative energy, which was exactly what we needed to wrangle our wedding party and keep things moving while still getting stunning, thoughtful shots.”
- Ashley, Bride
WIFE • MOMMA • FOUNDER • ARTIST • STRATEGIST • TRAVELER • DREAMER
A Heart for Connection
As your wedding photographer, I prioritize human connection above all else—and it takes forming a genuine relationship with you to capture that on film. That’s why, from the moment you inquire, I’ll invest deeply in your story. Here’s a little jumpstart to help you better understand mine!
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New York on my mind
Dallas has been home for more than a decade, but New York is always on my mind. No lie, it’s been my biggest source of inspiration since the first time I saw Home Alone at age 10; still the only place in the world where I feel completely alive and totally invisible at the same time. I’m there multiple times a year for work and play. Either way, my day always starts in Central Park with Ralph's coffee in hand (make it a dirty chai if you really love me).
If you feel that same magnetic pull toward the big city, you’re my people + I’m yours. Let’s create the portraits of your dreams in the city that never sleeps.
I Can Buy Myself Flowers
Whenever I need a creative refuel and reminder that big dreams are still worth chasing (even and especially in the midst of my current season of motherhood), I go back to my heart-home of New York City and date myself. It’s a recurring “I Can Buy Myself Flowers” moment, minus the relational angst—and I go after exactly what I want. A candlelit restaurant with a live pianist. A seat in the coziest corner booth, perfect for day-dreaming and sipping the most expensive cocktail on the menu. 10/10 recommend.
Ask me for a list of my go-to haunts and hideaways in NYC!
Keeper of Memories
I was born in East Chicago, where my grandma still lives. Because she’s there, Chicago has always been an anchor for me. Ice cream by the fountains in Millennium Park. Sitting on the beach off Lake Shore Drive, just enjoying the waves. I have so many incredible memories from the summers my siblings and I spent there as kids with all our cousins, but digging through grandma’s photo albums surpasses them all. She’s truly our family historian; the keeper of memories who introduced me to the power of staying connected to our lineage.
Every time I curate an album, I feel like I’m following in her footsteps—and nothing makes my day like seeing couples enjoying their memories in tangible form.
(so go ahead and tag me in those Instagram stories!)
At Home on the Road
As a military kid, travel has always played a major role in my life. Back then, I was just along for the ride. Now, it’s something I joyfully choose. Wanderlust, photography workshops, and destination weddings have led me to explore 130 cities in 11 different countries (and counting). Paris, London, and Lake Como are my all-time favorite destinations…but I’m always up for a new passport stamp!
Still on the hunt for your dream destination wedding venue? I've got a few ideas for you!
Shooting Straight — From the Heart
As an artist who also has an extensive professional background in the corporate world of technology, I’m constantly drifting between two planes of expression: straight shooter and sentimental softy. (*Makes note to explore this with therapist*) I’d say I traded my spreadsheets for magazine spreads when I started my photography business, but the truth is I still love a good Excel doc. What this means for you: Ultra-streamlined systems, realistic timelines that account for every contingency, and the assurance that if something doesn’t look good, I’ll level with you—then direct you toward comfortable interactions resulting in natural imagery.
I care way too much about protecting your vision to do otherwise.
From Our Couples
Creating images of the best day of people's life is where her heart is
“She doesn’t just take photos. She gets to know you, she cares about you, she becomes your friend. She made it easy for us to be in front of her camera and just enjoy our day as she captured every moment. Creating images of the best day of people's life is where her heart is. And that pours into what an incredible job she does for her couples.”
- Shelby, Bride
