Flourishing Together | One Oak Photography
/By Dani Hart
The first time I had the opportunity to work with Kelsey White was my first wedding season owning my business. She shot this gorgeous Vail wedding. It was the biggest wedding I’d done on my own so I was probably more nervous that I needed to be. Kelsey was easy to work with but also just a pleasure to be around. She is calm, focused, and insanely talented, without ever making anyone around her feel anything but great. I love the weddings + time I get to spend with her, and consider her one of my favorite friendors.
- Courtney
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself + what you do!
I'm Kelsey, the one behind One Oak and I've been photographing weddings for almost 10 years now! I'm a Colorado native and have been lucky enough to travel all over the state to capture fun wedding days for my couples. The outdoors are where I feel most at home, so you can count me in on any outdoor adventure that's sent my way!
2. How did you get started?
One of my best friends and I started dressing up and snapping photos of each other way back in the 3rd and I guess my love for photography started there! When I was 21 I got asked to photograph my first wedding in Mexico... they completely took a chance on me, which I will always be grateful for! From there I got asked to do another wedding and was eventually able to build a good enough portfolio to land an internship with a wedding photography company! I worked with them for one summer and learned all sorts of things about the business. I worked a couple of jobs for the first part of my photography adventure and was able to go full time 5 years ago!
3. What is your favorite part of being a wedding photographer?
My favorite thing about being a wedding photographer is the people that it brings into my life. The couples that I have had the pleasure of working alongside have been absolutely amazing and many of them have become good friends! I love the intimacy that I get to share with them during that time of their lives. The memories that I capture for them are also forever burned into my mind and I love that! I am full of so many good memories from so many good wedding days!
The places that wedding photography has taken me is also another favorite part of my job! I've seen some amazing country and people have invited me onto some of the most beautiful private ranches and property around! It's fun getting to spend time with couples in places that mean so much to them!
4. What is your favorite thing to photograph and why?
My favorite thing to photograph is a couple that has taken the time to make their session and their wedding day completely about them and the things that they love! I love when I can feel the thought and care that was put in to things. It always makes the couple happy to be in their special space, surrounded by their favorites and I thrive off of their happiness! People glow when they're surrounded by the things that they love and I enjoy capturing that glow and the moments that come along with it.
5. Any favorite wedding trends for this summer season or upcoming fall season?
This summer I've seen a lot more bright colors coming back into the wedding scene and I love that! I also feel like my couples have taken a bit more time this summer to think about the small details of their wedding day. They may be small but they're so personal that they make a huge impact on the couple themselves!
6. Favorite hobby other than capturing beautiful moments?
I have lots of favorite hobbies! Most them have to do with being outdoors so I guess you can say being outside is my favorite hobby! Yoga is also a HUGE part of my life. Riding my motorcycle and traveling are up there on the list as well!
7. What is one tip you have for engaged couples planning their wedding?
One tip that I have for couples planning their wedding is one that I'm sure everyone has heard, but it's definitely important. Your wedding day is about you two... make it about you two! Sit down and think about what is REALLY important to you both and incorporate it. Don't let someone talk you into shying away from something that you love.
8. What tips do you have for couples choosing their photographer for their wedding, and when should a couple begin contacting a photographer in their planning process?
The great thing about wedding photographers is that we each have our own style! Sit down and think about what you want your photos to look like and then find a photographer that comes close to that! And also remember that you'll have the photographs forever! Choose a style that you'll want to look at forever! Also, ask to see full wedding galleries. We all know that social media is a highlight reel of the best of our work and sometimes the more followers does not mean that you're getting a better, or even a good, photographer! Make sure you see their work as a whole!
9. Any other advice you have for engaged couples?
Breathe and celebrate anything and everything that you want to during this time! There is a lot going on and it can be and most likely will be overwhelming but enjoy all of it... the fun times and the overwhelming times. Don't hesitate to ask for help. Family, friends and vendors are here for you! It's what we do and it's what we love!
To see more of Kelsey’s amazing work, follow her on Instagram or visit her website!