Weddings & Elopements, Couples Photography. Portraits for the wild and romantic
(16)
Been super busy lately which means naturally, I disappear from the internet 👻
The next few months are shaping up to be insane, so I’m working really hard to get caught up before then, which means you may see less of my face, but there’s lots at work behind the scenes ✨🤍
Captured while working with the talented & lovely
The leaves have begun to turn on the tree in my front yard and it’s been very gloomy this week. And while it’s still v hot, it feels like fall is on the horizon 🍁🍂 I’ve got a packed schedule this fall and I’m super excited for all the autumnal weddings & sessions 🖤
HMUA
Florals
Videography .creative
I just got a new camera this past week and it has me reflecting on how far I’ve come over the years ✨
I had just graduated college, gotten married, and left my home state of California for the first time in my life to move across the country. I wasn’t doing theater anymore, which was a huge part of my identity, and my husband was at a stressful point in his career which meant he was almost never home. I was lost, alone, and unsure of what the future looked like for me.
We spent the summer in Virginia Beach, living in a hotel while my husband completed a training before we were to move to Japan. Which meant I had nothing to do all day since I left my job in CA before the move.
I knew that everything about my life was changing and I found myself craving an artistic outlet. Since I wasn’t doing theatre, I fell back on my first love of film 🖤✨
Other than making movies in my backyard, I didn’t know much about cameras, or still photography, but I saved up $500 from odd jobs to buy a little Canon Rebel and taught myself the basics by taking self portraits and practicing on my friends. That Canon Rebel went on to be the camera I started my business on.
I think back on that summer when my only job was to explore, experiment, and immerse myself in a new medium, and I think that version of myself would be proud of where I am today.
I’ve grown a lot since then, both in my quality of work and philosophy on photography, but also within myself; Because that was the summer that I learned that it doesn’t matter if it’s the stage, page, or hanging in someone’s home… I was meant to tell stories. And I’m so lucky I’ve had the opportunity to tell so many beautiful love stories over the years.
I’ve always been drawn to love stories and by the end of the summer I knew that was what I wanted to do. I treasure every story couples trust me to capture and am so thankful that this is my job 🤍
Thank you to everyone who has supported me in my creative journey along the way ✨🤍🖤 the best is yet to come.
Photos you didn’t know you wanted, but you definitely do: The signing of your marriage license 🖋️
Your day is going to be filled with moments big and small, and while signing a document may seem like the small, its a great time to slip away from the bustle of guests and have a moment alone with the people closest to you. Have a close friend or family member sign as witness and enjoy a few moments away from it all as you make it official.
Even the small moments can be special 🤍✨
Shot while working with the incredibly talented 🤍
*Docs have been blurred out obviously, don’t even try ya creeps *
Private Vows 📖
One of the things couples regularly express to me is nervousness about speaking in front of all their friends and family. About wanting to express things to their new spouse meant only for them. Private vows can be a great option for couples who want some extra alone time on their day, are uncomfortable, or want to have a deeper experience when sharing their vows to one another.
If you are having a first look, it often can help your timeline run smoother, keep your ceremony shorter, and help build more one on one time into your day as well.
The biggest thing to keep in mind when planning your wedding day is what will make you the most comfortable, fulfilled, and connected with your partner. Finding ways and moments to ground yourself with each other in the reason you are celebrating can help you slow down and savor every moment 🤍✨
Why can't you stay 29
Hell, you still feel like you're 22
Turn thirty, 1990
Bang! You're dead
What can you do?
I had planned this Tick, Tick, Boom inspired self portrait shoot for my 30th birthday and the day I planned to shoot it everything fell apart 🙃 the location I had in mind was a construction zone, my wardrobe wasn’t working, it was hot as hell.
So instead I threw on some jeans, bought some roses and took these in front of a Whole Foods ✌🏻✨🤍
Hold me close and don’t let go ✨🤍
Deep in my editing cave today and gearing up for all the fall weddings and elopements on the horizon 🤍✨
First dances and marrying the girl of your dreams 🤍✨
I loooove dancing photos. They are one of my favorite parts of the day to capture. You just said I do, and you finally get a moment to slow down, hold each other, and connect over a special song. Don’t be surprised if you see me grinning like a big goon on your day while I document your dance, they never fail to make my heart full and bring a smile to my face 🤍✨
Captured while working with the always lovely 🤍
✨Dress shots ✨
Let’s talk about dress shots, folks either love em, or hate them. So much so that I hear them affectionately called, “floating dress shots” “Ghost dress” and “the haunted bride” 👻
I personally love a good dress shot, and here’s why I always make it a point to take a few on your wedding day:
1.) I’d rather my couples have extra lephotos that they don’t end up to displaying than be missing photos they wanted. I take a lot of time to get to know my couples, but I can’t know everything. So even if it’s something that I, as their photographer, might not be excited about, I’d rather over deliver images than under.
2.) I also think of the dress the same way I do with other details like vow books, shoes, or jewelry. I think there is a story in the items people chose to get married in, and there is always a fun artistic challenge to capture that story without the wearers being in the shot.
3.) And in the end… I’m a little spooky anyway 👻
What are your thoughts on the ghost dress shots? Love em, or hate them?
Still obsessing over this beautiful day with these beautiful souls ✨🤍
Just a reminder to those of you planning to elope that you can still have traditional and ceremonial events while still keeping true to who you are and what you want out of your day. I tell couples all the time that the best part of choosing to elope is that you now get to make the rules. Your day should be filled with things that bring you joy and that will mark a special chapter in your love story, so you get to write what those things are 🤍✨so keep what’s important and meaningful for you and don’t worry about the rest 😉
Getting ready to leave on a little vacation tomorrow, so I’m catching up on work things today ✨
My 2024 dates are booking super fast, particularly for fall and summer, so if you haven’t booked with me yet don’t wait to reach out! My prices will also be increasing next year, so it’s a great time to lock in my 2023 packages now for 2024/2025 weddings & elopements ✨
✨30 ✨
I turned 30 today, sounded by good food, good company, and good vibes ✨
It’s a rainy day here in Baltimore 🌧️💧This weather always makes me want to curl up in my home and be cozy with loved ones.
I’ve always been a bit of a homebody and find I’m my most creative when I have a safe place to be myself with my family and friends. It got me thinking about this special session I did with thse two before all of us moved back from Japan. They wanted to not only remember their home… but the way it made them feel. In-home sessions can sometimes be slept on, but they can be so special and relaxing to document the true intimacy that thrives in the home you share with your person. Because I truly believe that the secret to making any house a home, is making memories within it 🤍✨🌿
Some of my more special sessions are with people who are close to me. It makes photographing their love all the more meaningful because I know their love story, what makes them laugh, how they interact together. Photographing my friends seriously fills my soul. Which is why I take so much time and effort getting to know my couples before their wedding day. Calls, meeting up, engagement sessions, are all part of that process so by the time your big day rolls around, I know your love story intimately and can capture it like I would my own friends and family.
This is one of my last couples sessions I shot when I lived in Japan with some very dear friends of mine. I treasure every couple that trusts me to tell their story.
Happy wedding day to these two 🤍✨
I met these two beautiful souls when I lived in Japan and their love and energy is just so infectious. I’m still obsessed with their engagement photos and am honored to be able to capture their day today ✨🤍
Best piece of wedding advice I can give? ✨
I recently did a Q & A on my feed and got this question and it’s so important I had to share it here too:
Find/make time for moments in the day to just be alone with your partner. Your wedding day goes by so fast, and there’s so much happening, it may end up feeling like a blur. But taking 5-10 minutes to be alone together, to talk, hold each other, process everything together, helps you slow down, and make memories just for the two of you.
My best recommendations for when to implement alone time into your timeline:
-first looks
-private vows
-immediately after your ceremony
-last dance after everyone leaves
I want to remember every moment with you ✨📸
Models
HAMUA
Rooftop slow dancing with the love of your life 🤍✨🎶
Loooooved this engagement session and have not stopped daydreaming about it ✨
✨Clink 🍾✨
And you’re mine ✨
Did a little associate shooting for the lovely a while back 🤍✨
🌈 The lovers, the dreamers, and me… 3 yards away with my camera in a death grip as to not drop it directly into the ocean 🤠
This was my last session at one of my favorite spots in Okinawa Japan
Stay classy, San Diego ✨
While I’m based in Maryland now, I’ll always be a California girl at heart, and love every chance I get to go back and capture moments like these.
If you’re getting married in CA, I offer discounted travel rates to the state. So say the word and I’m there ✈️
Honestly…. F*ck it.
Elope. It’s way more fun.
I know I’ve been offline for a bit, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been busy. I’ve had the pleasure of working on some truly stunning weddings lately, but secretly I’m missing a little adventure, a little of that carefree energy. There is something truly magical about couples who embrace their love in a way where they can’t imagine celebrating any other way than a day that truthfully represents them and their love story.
Everyone is unique, and sometimes the traditional wedding formula isn’t for everyone. And while I love a big beautiful party as much as anyone, I love the quiet soulful moments just as much.
If a big wedding is what is truthful for your story you know I’ll be there right along side you capturing it all! But those of you questioning if the stress and pomp is for you, it’s okay to say, “f*ck it!” and elope 😉 you might just have more fun
Sway 🍃
HMUA:
I’ve been a bit of a nomad these past few weeks ⛰ and between the travel and taking some time offline and out of my normal routine I’ve been much more inspired than I have been for some time 🤍🌿✨ I can be fairly impatient, so it’s hard to not fall down the rabbit hole right away, but there are so many new things I want to bring to my photography & my business. There’s been some challenges during the transition of moving from Japan back Stateside, but there is so much good stuff coming ✨ stay tuned.
Florals:
HAMUA:
Model:
🌈LGBTQ+ Wedding Giveaway 🌈
In honor of pride month I’m giving away a full day wedding or elopement photography package to one deserving LGBTQ+ couple who are celebrating their love between now and June 2023, nation wide 🌈✨🤍 thats right! If chosen, just say when and where and I’ll fly to you and capture your day and tell your story through images that celebrate your love-completely free 🤍 That’s nearly $5000 in value!
How to win:
1.) Be following this account
2.) Like & share this post to your story & tag me so I can see it!
3.) Leave a comment with:
-your upcoming wedding date
-where you’ll be saying “I do” &
-one thing you love about your partner
Or
-Nominate a deserving couple by tagging them in a comment (nominated couples may then enter separately as well)
Rules:
Wedding/elopement must be held between August 2022- June 2023, be held within the continental United States & the parties involved must have not signed a contract with another wedding photographer. If chosen as the winner, participants must sign a model release.
I’m so, so excited for this one 🌈✨ Love js love!
Happy PRIDE month! ❤️🧡💛💚💙 (Giveaway Details Keep Reading)
This month we celebrate love, all love. When I first started doing photography, I had a couple reach out and ask if I was “okay working with a same s*x couple?” It took me aback when they told me they had been turned away from multiple photographers because of it and wanted to be sure…
The majority of the important people in my life belong to this community. My family belongs to this community. I’m extremely passionate about people of all shapes, sizes, colors, identities, and backgrounds to be who they are and to openly and freely love who they love 🤍
I realized then that I wasn’t doing enough to let people know that their love is safe with me. Not only that, but their stories are some of the most important to capture and celebrate. So the first year I was in business I began my Pride month giveaway. Every year I give away a session to a LGBTQ+ couple to tell their story and celebrate their love. I’ve met some of the most beautiful, wonderful and genuine people through those sessions, and its truly one of my favorite parts of the year.
This year, with the state of the world being the way it is, being a supportive ally feels more important than ever. So I’ve decided to make the giveaway this year even more special 🤍
✨I’m giving away a full day wedding/elopement photography package to one LGBTQ+ couple who is getting married between now and June 2023! Anywhere within the US, travel fees included. ✨
The giveaway will start on Monday June 6th, in a separate post and the details of how to win will be posted there. So be sure to follow along to stay up to date!
I’m so excited to share more about how to win! And I’m even more excited to celebrate along with you all this month 🤍 love is love and we need that more than ever 🌈
Turns out running a business, moving across the world, house hunting, trying to eat well and get adequate sleep is harder than I thought 🫠 I’ve been editing around the clock this week while juggling all the details of our move and ya girl is tired. Trying to slow down and enjoy the process the best as I can since I’ll be taking a little break from work during the transition. I truly love my work, and my clients and I’ve been getting pretty sentimental as our time in Japan rapidly approaches it’s end. Editing the last galleries I’ll shoot here is bittersweet 🥺 but I’m ready for whats next 🤍✨✈️
Friendly reminder as it continues to rain, being stuck inside with the love of your life isn’t too bad 👀🔥
Guys… the time has come. I’ve shot my last wedding while living in Japan 🇯🇵🥺 Its a bit surreal tbh…It’s been a wild & wonderful experience in growth and love. I’ve had the immense pleasure and privilege of meeting and telling the stories of so many amazing people and will cherish that experience for my lifetime. It’s a bittersweet chapter to close, but I’m excited to embrace what’s next 🤍✨🌿 thank you to all my couples for all the love and support over the years and for trusting me with your stories 🖤
Happy Mothers Day ✨🌿
Wether you are celebrating, or have a different relationship with today, you are loved and appreciated. Woman are truly the strongest and most badass ✨🌿🤍
Cowboy take me away ✨🤍🌿
Just me & you vibes 🤍✨
Want to book more elopements in Okinawa?
Whether you just started shooting weddings/elopements, or you are a seasoned pro this retreat is for you. Join us for a weekend of creativity & community alongside other Okinawa photographers & industry professionals.
Our three professionally styled shoots have been mindfully structured to provide the most beneficial experience for growing photographers as well as making space for meaningful conversations about the industry and how to better serve your clients.
From getting ready shots, flat-lays, ceremonies & sparkler exits our shoots are the closest experience you’ll find outside of the real thing!
Refresh your branding with behind the scenes shots of you in action & take advantage of the styled locations for headshots & other images you can use for your website!
Our goal is for you to walk away from this weekend feeling inspired and equipped to attract and book more intimate weddings & elopements in Okinawa!
Head to the link in my bio to reserve your spot & read more about this amazing weekend!
Hosted & brought to you by the amazing skill & industry insight from:
creative
Save your spot today!
Want to book more elopements in Okinawa?
Whether you just started shooting weddings/elopements, or you are a seasoned pro this retreat is for you. Join us for a weekend of creativity & community alongside other Okinawa photographers & industry professionals.
Our three professionally styled shoots have been mindfully structured to provide the most beneficial experience for growing photographers as well as making space for meaningful conversations about the industry and how to better serve your clients.
From getting ready shots, flat-lays, ceremonies & sparkler exits our shoots are the closest experience you’ll find outside of the real thing!
Refresh your branding with behind the scenes shots of you in action & take advantage of the styled locations for headshots & other images you can use for your website!
Our goal is for you to walk away from this weekend feeling inspired and equipped to attract and book more intimate weddings & elopements in Okinawa!
Click here to reserve your spot & read more about this amazing weekend!
https://www.kymdehoneyphotography.com/retreats
Hosted & brought to you by the amazing skill & industry insight from:
creative
Save your spot today!
Did y’all know I also have a degree in poetry? In college I got very meta and wrote this piece about hands and how they were a reoccurring motif in my other poetry. I think about that piece a lot, I’ve always found hands to be such an expressive part of us, they tell a story without even trying. They hold and release tension in such an instinctual way. When I’m photographing your day, I want to capture those moments that are instinctual, the ones you may not have even noticed. The instinctual act of holding her close to you knowing you get to do so forever. I think about poetry a lot when I’m shooting, I think about shooting past the metaphor, and the dressings and capturing the meaning beyond it all. To some, it’s just a photo of his hands on her back, to them it’s a part of their story unfolding in its most authentic form ✨🤍🌿
Where you lead, I will follow 🖤🌿✨
Never going to get over how adorable Jessie & Becca are ✨ I was seriously overjoyed capturing their love while visiting Atlanta for the first time.
Views for days 🌿🏙 ✨
10/10 recommend high rise views on your big day. Mary & Anthony’s casual and dreamy elopement in Hiroshima was such a joy to capture 🤍🌿✨
Happy Monday! I’m back in Okinawa and getting back in the swing of things today ✨feels good to finally be back at my desk! I’m catching up on quite a bit, so I really appreciate your patience this week! 🌿✨
Those run away together vibes ✨🤍🌊
Annapolis, MD
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Kym Dehoney Photography posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to Kym Dehoney Photography:
✨💦🌿
#}
