Vendor In Spotlight: Michelle Wade Photography 

Michelle Wade

Greetings! I’d like to introduce you to a talented photographer, Michelle of Michelle Wade Photography. Coincidentally, Michelle and I didn’t meet working together at a wedding, we met at the gym Core Studio that we belong to. While we were shaking out butts off in a Zumba class one day (also my “side” job, teaching Zumba on occasion), we started chatting and learned that we both were passionate about weddings and owning our own businesses doing what we love. Michelle was selected as the photographer to take all the photos to display on Core’s newly-updated website, and hence has landed a lot of weddings and boudoir sessions (more on that in a moment!) from fellow gym-mates. Being around ladies who were happy with their wedding photographer—like pal Angela who just got married this past November, and had killer details at her winter wedding—always gets my attention, so I just had to  getting to know Michelle on a professional level and sit and chat with her about what she does…And my goodness, her photos speak for themselves, they are just gorgeous!

Angela and Mike/Aqua Turf

It was so nice chatting together Michelle, and look forward to the day we can work together at a wedding to make our couple’s vision come true!

Q: How did you get started as a Photographer?
A: In 2002 I graduated school yet I really had no idea what my “niche” was in the  going to be but I knew 3 things.. I had a passion for photography (specifically fashion), I love working with people, and by the standards of Hallmark Institute of Photography I was considered a professional. At 19 years old and not knowing which direction I was going to take with my photography career  I was asked to shoot my first wedding! Despite my initial thoughts on what a wedding photographer was (that old guy with the camera taking pictures of  brides groom in cheesy poses with terrible lighting) I decided to take the job and soon learned would be my true forte—my calling.

Bee and Thistle Inn

Q: What Do You Love About Weddings?
A: “I love telling the story of  my couples wedding day from start to finish. As a bride, I know the day flies by, so as a photographer, to be able to “stop time” to capture the moments of their wedding day is an indescribable feeling.  Many of my brides say “I don’t even remember that!” My photography has become a huge part of who I am, it’s my passion,  not just my job. And it’s the only thing I’ve done for work.

Q: What Makes What You Do Unique—How is Michelle Wade Photography Set Apart From Others?
A: What sets me apart is the ability to create the vision that I know the bride has booked me for.

I know what each bride has hired me to do, and I keep my style consistent throughout each wedding. I have the ability to not only tell the story of my clients’ wedding day as it unfolds, but also to direct my subjects to they look their best in a natural way. I  make sure to capture all of the details, for instance, many of my brides will say “I didn’t even know you were setting up my perfume bottle, my earrings, veil” so I enjoy being a “stylist” as well. I try to make the details look like it’s straight out of a catalog. Because I’ve been doing his for a decade, I’m seasoned, I’m not just a “weekend warrior” who freelances on the side. I’ve gone through different phases of technology (film, etc)”. I also love when a bride becomes my friend! I often times remain the “family photographer” and maintain amazing relationships with my clients as their families grow photographing maternity and newborn sessions.

Notice the deer (left) that joined them?

Q:Is There Anything In Particular You Specialize In? 
A: In addition to weddings, I also do Boudoir portraits. It’s an experience on its own—it’s a sexy but classy “Victoria Secret”-style photography. Perfect for a bedside table book gift for your hubby-to-be. Many of my brides do this and give it to their hubby-to-be the night before or morning of the wedding. Depending on the look someone is after, we can do it at the studio, or at your home, using natural light. Not only do you get great images of yourself, but you’ll look AND feel like a model. It’s like a make-over. We serve champagne, strawberries, and we provide professional make-up as well. We’ve done this with all ages and all figures! Real women!

Q: What Brides Are A Good Match For You?
A: I want a bride who wants to be around me. The brides that I’ve worked with have similar interests.  I would say a “Michelle Wade Photography bride” is one that has an understanding for my vision and also my personality, I’m into fashion, modern-day details, and appreciation for high quality imagery, my work reflects all of this.

Q: How Do You Stay Current In The Industry?
A:  One thing I know I never want to be is dated! I try to keep up with the times and continue my photography education with  attending many conferences, seminars and try to stay current with the latest products, albums, and technology/equipment.

I have a great network of many other vendors  in my area within the wedding industry so I’m always reminded on the latest trends in hair make up, colors pallets, designs and of course wedding dresses! I have a boutique style studio in right outside of Hartford in Newington Ct and I photograph between 25-30 weddings per year,  I want my brides to not only have the best quality in photography, but also have an experience they have to tell their friends about!

Michelle (on Right) attends Boudoir Show at Salon Alexander

Q:  How Do You Ensure Photos Are Not Vanished Or Erased?
A: I back-up everything on location, and always have an assistant with me on the day-of the wedding. When there is down-time during the wedding, we download images to a computer to ensure that they’re backed-up. When I get to my studio, I download to additional hard-drives and an off-site separate server so that the photos are protected, even if my studio were to “burn down”, let’s say.

Q: I Know I Feel This Way – Are There Any Questions That You Wish Brides Would Ask You Before Considering Hiring You?
A: Definitely! I wish couples  would inquire on ” how many hours of coverage do you provide?”, ” Do you offer Engagement sessions?”, ” Do you have a 2nd photographer?” and “Do you offer ‘set’ packages?”. Here’s how I would answer:

Engagement Session

I shoot only one wedding a day and I feel a full day is typically 8-10 hours. I highly recommend booking an engagement session, as it’s a great way to establish a relationship with your wedding photographer. Personally, I think having two shooters is better than one, so I always come to a wedding with an assistant, I feel it’s best to have an extra set of hands with my equipment. A 2nd shooter can be added to any wedding collection. As far as packages, I have a set starting cost however I always create custom collections based on my clients needs!

Q: How Do You Recommend Others Getting In Touch With You To Learn More About Your Services?

Check out my BLOG,  via web, Facebook, or shoot me an email, Michelle@michellewadephotography.com. I’m also around to answer any question over the phone! 860 882 8059 don’t be shy, I love meeting new brides!

~Thanks to Michelle of  for being a feature on our Blog!