Okay. Picture this: Tuscany. Sun pouring over endless hills. Villa Subaglio that looks like it’s been ripped straight out of a Wes Anderson movie titled “ The Italian Dream”. Your girl, camera in hand, heart beating fast. 

I was there for an editorial styled shoot — and wow — it was a good one. Like, actually amazing. Well-organized, warm-hearted creatives, models that looked like they stepped off the cover of Vogue (and probably have), and styling to die for. Everything was as close to perfection as you can get in the wedding world.

And yet… I kinda felt out of place. 

Here’s the thing. I thought: “Let’s be efficient! Let’s combine this work trip with a little family holiday in Italy: wine for the hubby, gelato for the little one, joy for everyone.” Except… yeah, no. Turns out it’s hard to unwind when you know you have to perform soon. The mental shift from full-time-mama-mode to full-blown-wedding-photographer-in-an-editorial-dream isn’t as smooth as I’d hoped. I had my feet in two worlds and my head somewhere in the clouds.

I came home with a memory card full of beautiful images and I love them all. Truly. But I’ve been sitting with this tiny voice in my head that keeps whispering, “Was it creative enough? Was it Vogue enough?” Which is weird. Because, honestly, when did I ever want to be Vogue?

I love the imperfect chaos a wedding brings. I love being so into the moment you forget your bouquet at home. I love it when your dogs crash the first look and use your dress as a very expensive pillow. I love when your mom starts crying during your vows and then makes everyone else cry too. I love the mess of real life that swirls around weddings — and I love turning that into something beautiful.

Styled shoots are fun. No pressure (except the absurd pressure I had put on myself). They’re a great playground for creativity, and I’ll probably do more of them or organize one myself. But I had a moment of clarity in Tuscany: I’m not here to be the most editorial, fashionable, high-end wedding photographer in Europe.

I’m here for you.
Your story.
Your weird little inside jokes.
The way you look at each other when no one else is watching.
The stuff that doesn’t fit into a Pinterest board because it’s so deeply personal it can only belong to you.

I’m here for the getting-to-know-each-other call, the memes you send me on Instagram, the questionnaire where I find out that your favorite date night involves nachos and a murder documentary. I’m here for the “I’m nervous but so excited” call the week before, and I’m here for your wedding day — all of it. The nerves, the tears, the hugs, the dancefloor chaos. Especially the chaos.

So yes, Tuscany was beautiful. And if you’re getting married in Belgium, Italy or anywhere in Europe— I’d LOVE to tag along (seriously, call me 🫶). But I’m not chasing Vogue. I’m chasing you, in the most authentic way I can.

Always you.
Truly.