Although I truly enjoy the process of getting to know the couples who I work with during the year of planning for their wedding, I sometimes am made aware on their day that I truly wish I knew them much better.  Like, I wish we lived closer to one another and hung out as friends regularly.  Amanda and Keith were this to me. 

They reached out to inquire about photographing their Santa Fe wedding just under a year in advance from their home in Brooklyn, NY.  Amanda noted that we had a friend in common (who's wedding I had photographed previously in the mountains of Colorado) and that she loved my documentary style and ability to capture many authentic and candid moments.  It was instantly notable that she and Keith were kind, funny, playful and in love with one another and their entire process was truly a joy for me.

One of my favorite parts of a wedding day are the toasts because I love to hear what friends and family have to say about the couples.  And Amanda and Keith's friends and family confirmed all of my suspicions about them - that they were truly special people.

Here is what Amanda had to say a few weeks after she and Keith received their finished gallery:

'From start to finish, Ty was both a wonderful human being and an exceptional professional. We searched through countless vendor directories before stumbling across his work. We were immediately drawn to his documentary, non-invasive style of photography, but what ultimately sealed it for us was spotting both a mutual acquaintance and a place I knew well from having lived there in his portfolio. That unexpected connection made us feel like he was the right photographer for us.

Throughout the planning process, Ty struck the perfect balance of being relaxed and organized. He checked in thoughtfully leading up to the wedding, held several Zoom meetings to align on our vision, and provided a planning guide that made the entire process feel effortless. By the time the wedding arrived, it felt like he genuinely understood us.

What impressed me most was his ability to read people and adapt to their energy. I'm an introverted, Type A person who hates being the center of attention and generally dislikes having my picture taken. Somehow, Ty managed to capture some of the best photographs I've ever seen of myself. He gives just enough direction without ever making you feel posed or self-conscious. He instinctively knows when to step in, when to hang back, and how to make people feel at ease. Even during our first look—one of the most intimate moments of the day—Ty somehow managed to preserve the privacy and emotion of the experience while documenting it beautifully. We never felt observed or interrupted; we simply felt present with each other. I was genuinely surprised to find that I loved many of the lightly directed portraits just as much as the candid moments with our family and friends.

Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the biggest investments you'll make for your wedding, and arguably one of the most important. The day itself passes in the blink of an eye, but the photographs become the enduring connection to those memories for decades to come. Ty understood that responsibility and delivered images that feel authentic, emotional, and timeless. Our guests repeatedly commented on how kind and easygoing he was. He blended into the celebration so naturally that it often felt like he was simply another guest sharing the experience with us.

Hiring Ty was one of the best decisions we made for our wedding. We'll always remember not only the incredible photographs he created but also the calm, thoughtful presence he brought to one of the most meaningful days of our lives. Ty was worth every penny, and I can't recommend him highly enough—especially to my fellow wallflowers.