READING TIME: 3 min 48 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/07/2024
UPDATED: 11/06/2024
Arielle Peters' journey into photography is as unique as the images she captures. "Next month marks 14 years in the wedding photography industry for me," she says with a smile, reflecting on a career that grew from an unexpected start. “I have a business marketing background and kind of fell into photography,” she adds, revealing that her entry into the field wasn’t planned but has become something that defines her life today.
Over the years, Arielle’s passion for wedding photography has only deepened. She values the incredible responsibility of capturing the most important day in a couple’s life. “I adore being able to be a part of these celebrations,” she shares, “and I take it very seriously, the weight of capturing these legacy moments in a couple’s life.” For her, photography isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about telling a love story, preserving emotions and memories that will last a lifetime.
Arielle’s photography style is as intentional as her approach to working with couples. When asked how she would describe her aesthetic, she explains, “My style is editorial film that is classic and emotive.” Each wedding she shoots is an opportunity to combine the clean, sophisticated lines of editorial photography with raw, genuine emotion.
Her choice of equipment reflects this balance of classic and modern. “I have a Contax medium format film camera and I use Sony for my digital work,” Arielle explains. This hybrid approach gives her the best of both worlds— the timeless quality of film and the versatility of digital. "I send in my film to my film lab and then match my digitals to the film," she adds, underscoring her meticulous attention to detail.
This process ensures that her final gallery of images flows seamlessly, with both film and digital photos offering the same rich, warm tones that have become a signature of her work.
One of the aspects of her work that Arielle cherishes most is the relationship she builds with her clients. “I love being invited into the sacred space that is a wedding day,” she shares. For her, it’s about more than just the photos— it’s about experiencing and preserving the joy of that day. "There's nothing quite like the joy that people have on that day and I truly relish the moments I get to spend celebrating my couples with those that are closest to them," she says with genuine warmth.
To ensure that her clients feel supported and taken care of throughout the process, Arielle emphasizes open communication. “We have open communication throughout the whole process,” she explains. From the first consultation call to the engagement session and a pre-wedding timeline check-in, Arielle makes it a point to be available to her couples. “I make it known they can approach me whenever and however they'd like,” she says, understanding how important it is for couples to feel confident that their photographer understands their vision.
Unlike many photographers who may shoot dozens of weddings in a year, Arielle limits her bookings to just 10 weddings annually. “I like shooting only 10 weddings a year so I can give my full attention to each couple,” she explains. This allows her to focus on building genuine relationships with her clients, offering them the time and care they deserve during such an important chapter in their lives.
Arielle often consults with couples on everything from location choices to wardrobe selections for engagement sessions. “Yes, we talk through outfits and locations to make sure their vision is met,” she says, detailing how she works hand in hand with her clients. “But I also want to make sure they feel very taken care of and not that they need to come up with a plan on their own. I assist them throughout the time,” she adds. Her goal is to ease the burden of planning and make the photography process as enjoyable as possible.
Arielle’s love for destination weddings adds an extra layer of excitement to her photography. "Yes, I do destination weddings," she says with enthusiasm. “My favorite destination I've been to is Tuscany,” she recalls fondly, describing the magic of capturing love in such a breathtaking location.
She’s particularly excited about an upcoming wedding in Italy. " I'm heading back to Italy next year for my first wedding at Lake Como and I'm really excited about that one!" she says, her voice brimming with anticipation. Destination weddings, for Arielle, offer not just beautiful backdrops but the chance to be a part of something truly special. She relishes the opportunity to travel and experience new locations with her couples, ensuring their memories are as stunning as the places they choose.
Beyond her photography, Arielle is also deeply committed to her family. “I am also a mom to three kiddos and a pastor's wife to my husband of 11 years,” she shares. Balancing a thriving photography career with motherhood and supporting her husband in his pastoral role requires dedication, but Arielle approaches it with grace. Her family life is an important part of who she is, and it’s clear that her role as a mother and wife has shaped the way she views the world and her work.
After 14 years in the industry, Arielle Peters continues to approach every wedding with fresh eyes and an open heart. She is more than a photographer; she is a trusted partner in one of the most meaningful days of a couple’s life. With a unique blend of editorial style and genuine emotion, she captures not just the beauty of a wedding day but the legacy it leaves behind.
