Preserving Memories

Ohio photographers are excited to get back to taking wedding photos

By Jessica Hurley & Corinne Minard

Engaged couples aren’t the only ones excited for the comeback of in-person weddings—so are photographers.

“The fact that someone chooses me to capture one of the most important days of their lives is a feeling I will never be able to express into words. Every single wedding I have done thus far has introduced me to lifelong friends. I capture the candid, intimate, raw moments that my couples will be able to look at forever and that is something so special. I will never be able to convey my gratitude enough,” says Olivia Kalton, a 21-year-old photographer in Cincinnati.

Kristin Allen, a wife, mother of three and owner of Kristin Allen Photography in Sidney, is also excited to get back to helping couples preserve memories of their big day.

“How often is a person invited to document such an intimate, personal, emotional and stressful day? It is such an honor to be included in such an important event and I think the intimacy is what I enjoy the most. I get to know my bride and groom in a way not many others get to! Each member of the family, as well as close friends, play such an integral role in the wedding day so I ensure everyone is recognized and included,” she says.

“There really is nothing like shooting a wedding,” she adds.

Both Kalton and Allen attribute trends they are seeing in the wedding industry to the pause and cancellation of weddings in 2020.

Kalton says that couples are skipping the traditional wedding photos to get to the photos they want as a couple.

“Couples have been bolder in showcasing their own personal style, which is so exciting to me. Personalization is a trend that I hope never goes away and keeps getting stronger years to come,” she says,

Allen says that weddings have become more about creating an opportunity to be together with family in addition to celebrating a new marriage.

“The couples I have booked for this year are so excited to have their wedding planning going on as scheduled with no hiccups so far. Being together with all their loved ones seems to be the main focus and I’m happy to help capture all of the happiness,” says Allen.