MY ACCOUNT
Checkout
Courses + Products
SHOP

Weddings

Derek + Kerri

Red Maple Vineyard | New York Wedding

filed in:

Kerri came all the way down to Virginia for a coaching session with me years and years ago. When I first met Kerri, her joy and giddy nature was evident and I thought maybe she was just excited to finally be at her session!! Well, an hour later, when most people’s initial joy and excitement would die down a bit, Kerri was still all smiles and energy. It was then that I realized how special she was. Kerri has a joy and a perspective on life that is so different from the rest of the world. It’s like she sees everything through a different lens and it’s amazing! 

Kerri is kind, brilliant, encouraging and uplifting. Her happiness can brighten any situation and so I think God knew that if there was a bride that could handle a very rainy wedding day, it would be Kerri.

We showed up to Red Maple Vineyard and it was a gorgeous location… but the rain had just started to pick up and we had heard the severe weather warnings  on the radio all morning. Kerri had emailed me a few days earlier about the forecast and in true Kerri fashion, she saw the bright side of things. Once we ventured outside in the pouring rain and attempted some portraits, I quickly realized that it wasn’t just Kerri who saw the glass half full, Derek did too. He was literally getting drenched and he still had a smile on his face. Because of their positive attitudes, their portrait time will be remembered as an adventure instead of a stressful situation!

These two love a good adventure. That seemed to be the theme of their day. Through the ceremony, the toasts, the challenge of the rain…. the idea of “adventure” kept coming up in conversation. I don’t think it’s an accident that Kerri and Derek’s wedding day consisted of some challenging adventures and they handled it with such grace and joy. That’s how I know they are going to thrive in marriage.

As of Sunday at 4:30pm, they have begun one of the greatest adventure of their life! I’m so excited for them and for their future!!! The love that they share is so evident and genuine. I can’t WAIT to show you their beautiful wedding day!

Kerri and Derek, what an honor it was to be the ones capturing your day. Despite the wind and the rain and the fog, it was still perfect! Your contagious joy is what we love the most about you both! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this special season of your life!! We love you!

Dress Store | Majesty Bridal
Hair Stylist | BW Bridal
Makeup Artist | Meredith Hayman
Catering & Cake | Cornerstone Caterers
Bridesmaid Dresses | Jenny Yoo
Groomsmen Attire | Men’s Wearhouse
Invitations | Betty Lu Paperie
Calligraphy | Handmade Darling

Thanks for reading!

— Katelyn

Kelly Sea & Katelyn James

Ep. 34 | How She is Booking 90+ Weddings a Year And staying sane while doing it!

Kelly is an incredible wedding photographer who has been shooting 90 weddings a year. I know, it sounds unbelievable, but it’s true! Kelly’s success and the volume of work she handles is truly impressive.

READ MORE
The Katelyn James Podcast

Your sessions should be working FOR you not against you!

Free Posing Class
READ MORE

Free Posing Class The KJ Way

Education
Manual Mode Made Easy

Mastering Manual Mode The Simple Way!

Shooting in manual mode might seem complex and overwhelming at first but there is an easier way!

READ MORE
Youtube
Lightroom Classic Beginner Guide

Lightroom Classic Starter Guide Everything You Need to Get Started!

Welcome to your Lightroom Classic Starter Guide video!

READ MORE
Youtube

I’m breaking down the MUST-HAVE ITEMS that every photographer needs to be successful at the start of their career! 

5 Essentials to Turn Pro
READ MORE

5 Essentials Beginners Need to Go Pro and make your photography business a success!

Youtube

Danny + Megan A Biltmore Estate Wedding

Oh where do I begin? This wasn’t just another wedding for me. This was a legacy KJ Wedding and I have been looking forward to it ever since my first email from Danny and Megan!

READ MORE
Weddings

READER FAVORITES

"Best money I have EVER spent on education! ... and I've spent a lot!”

- Kara Abbey, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"I love all the lessons I'm learning from KJ All Access! Thanks Katelyn!”

- Shannon Drummond, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"I find very few educational resources worth it ... this one is!”

- Kate gansneder, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"Recently signed up for KJ All Access and it's EVERYTHING!”

- Kassidy Mowery, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"Being able to see behind-the-scenes of Katelyn interacting with her clients has been SO impactful!”

- Angie mcpherson, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"Recently signed up for KJ All Access and it's EVERYTHING!”

- Kassidy Mowery, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"SO worth it! It's amazing the amount of knowledge you get out of them!”

- Brittany Lowe, ALl ACCESS MEMBER

"I learned just as much in one All Access as I did in a whole course! SO GOOD!"

- Joanna Krueger, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER
10 Steps to Starting Your Photography Business
Helping a friend survive a season of Infant Loss
How to photograph a first look in Harsh Light
OUR KJ COUPLES REUNION
A Lake Como Destination Wedding - Greg and Kate
A Letter to the Go-Getters fearful of Motherhood

The KJ blog
must-reads

The KJ Blog is where you get to know me, where you meet our KJ Couples and see their beautiful wedding days, where I have been building an archive of education for over a decade and where I let you see a peek into our life, our home, and hear about our purpose! 
don't miss the
Arrow KJ
Arrow KJ
Arrow KJ
Arrow KJ
Arrow KJ
Arrow KJ

YOUTUBE

Join 93,000+ others and learn, grow and get connected via our Youtube Channel! This is where I'm constantly sharing new content, talking all things gear, business, tips, tricks and letting you into the behind-the-scenes of our everyday life! 
MORE FREE EDUCATION + CUTE BABIES ON
WATCH NOW

"I have invested in all of KJ’s education!

The way she teaches makes so much sense and I’m so grateful for her! My business will be forever changed!"

- Renee Nicolo

"KJ education has been life-changing

 It has elevated my work so I could quit my day job and work from home with our baby boy!"

- joanna k.

"I'VE INVESTED IN SO MANY RESOURCES... 

and none compare to what I get from KJ!"

- LAUREN M.