Madeline Oakley Photography’s Frequently Asked Questions | Nashville Catholic Wedding Photographer

After five years in the wedding industry, I’ve seen trends come and go. I’ve worked with brides, grooms, and vendors of so many different backgrounds and cultures. I’ve also noticed patterns in the questions I’m asked during consultations and discovery calls. This is in no way exhaustive, I could probably make this list and then three more, but here are some of Madeline Oakley Photography’s Frequently Asked Questions as your Nashville Catholic Wedding Photographer.

(St. Ann’s and 5th & Taylor Wedding| Ambra & Tim)

How did you, Madeline Oakley, get into wedding photography?

I’ve loved the challenge of photography since I was a kid playing with the family camera, photographing every corner of my backyard. I got my photography degree at Middle Tennessee State University and went on to work a variety of studio and portrait jobs. While doing that, I photographed my first wedding as a favor to a friend and absolutely fell in love. Wedding photography is this perfect mix of important photojournalism and elegant portraiture. Pairing that passion for wedding photography with my love of the Sacraments and Holy Matrimony created a job that I’ve done now for over 5 years and absolutely love.

(St. Boniface Catholic Church and The Bourbon Barrel Loft | Georgia & Enrique)

What inspires you and how would you describe your style?

I love editorial portraits and beautiful light because I’m an artist. I love Ralph Lauren as much as you do. At the end of the day though, for wedding photography, I believe those authentic documentary moments are the whole point. That’s where connection and love and sacramental grace happen. We’ll make those editorial spaces happen using flowing, natural posing because everybody needs a Vogue moment, but then I’m going to snap right back into photojournalist mode so that I can capture your whole wedding story.

Where do you travel?

I am based in Nashville, Tennessee and travel all over the state of Tennessee and the larger Southeastern United States: think Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, and even Florida. This allows me to prioritize my home region that is often underserved by other Catholic vendors and give my couples a more personal experience. I am open to travel all over the country and even worldwide though, for the right fit!

(St. Augustine, FL Catholic Wedding | Mary and Nick)

(Emmanuel Catholic Church & Schuster Performing Arts Center | Monica and Keane)

(Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church & Buckeye Barn | Nick and Julia)

What happens if you have an emergency right before my wedding?

This is a must-ask of all of your wedding vendors. I’ve spent the last 5 years working in the wedding industry and surrounding myself with a network of talented, hardworking, and supportive photographer colleagues who are always trying to help each other out. In an emergency situation, we’ll get your wedding covered, compensate accordingly, and then, situation permitting, I’ll apply my edits for my signature style.

(Editorial Farmhouse Wedding | Hannah & Johnny)

What’s the investment?

So that my clients and their vendors can receive my undivided attention during the planning and editing processes, my investment starts at $6000 for Full Wedding Day collections and $8000 for Full Weekend Collections. This experience of course starts with an engagement session and ends with a physical wedding album in addition to your gallery.

(Sewanee University of the South Engagement | Kayla & Martin)

Will you be at my wedding or an associate?

I will be at your wedding. Plain and simple. Barring emergency situations, I very intentionally do not use an associate model so that when my clients invest in my eye and artistic vision, that is exactly what they will get without the risk of using an associate. If I am not available for your wedding date, I will happily provide referrals so that you can receive the personal elevated Catholic wedding photography experience that you deserve.

(St. Ann’s Nashville Intimate Catholic Wedding Ceremony | Savannah & Tanner)

Are two photographers included?

We work as a  two person husband and wife team at your wedding to capture all the angles, keep your timeline relaxed, and provide the most comprehensive album. Doing this keeps our communication and execution top-notch and is just the most fun.

(Holy Family Catholic Church Brentwood, TN Wedding | Kathleen and Shenouda)