By Jennifer Jett & Samantha Ricketts
The wedding day is one of the most special and exciting days in a woman’s life. She’ll cherish these memories for the rest of her days, so it’s important for her to choose a photographer who will preserve these magical moments in a personal way for her to look back on forever.
Because there are so many photographers available with a variety of styles, features and skills, it may be overwhelming having to narrow the field to choose just one. This year, to help brides with this difficult decision, Executive Meeting Planner is highlighting some of West Virginia’s best wedding photographers. We asked for submissions of photographs of West Virginia-based weddings and receptions from photographers whose businesses are located in the state, and our staff voted on the top five.
Although these five photographers won our votes, we were so impressed with all of the photographers who participated that we wanted to share their talent as well. Below you will find beautiful examples of additional West Virginia wedding photographers whose focus on capturing the magic and meaning of this very special day in every bride and groom’s life.
Kelli Steele Dailey
Kelli Steele Dailey of Third Line Studios photographed her first wedding in 2005 and has captured weddings in churches, parks, private venues and backyards. Her photographic style is simple, natural and personal, and she enjoys getting to know her clients before the wedding day. Her favorite weddings are strongly reflective of the couple’s personalities, feature meaningful or handmade décor and have a relaxed atmosphere. Her approach to documenting a wedding day is very much watch-and-wait to capture what is happening without interfering. Because couples spend so much time and effort planning each detail, she tries to capture as much of that as possible, along with interaction between the couple and their families and friends throughout the day. She is constantly pushing herself to be both more technically proficient and creative. For more information, contact (304) 638-1055, e-mail kelli@thirdlinestudios.com or visit her Web site at www.thirdlinestudios.com.
David Hager
David Hager of David Hager Photography has been in the photography business for eight years and in that time has shot many beautiful weddings at various venues in West Virginia. The coolest reception he’s shot was on a sternwheeler on the Kanawha River; it was very unique and provided an awesome sunset. The main reason he likes to shoot weddings is to provide the happily married couple with memories to last a lifetime. The creative Hager likes to make people happy and to have fun while shooting a wedding or event. He is able to travel to most areas in West Virginia for events. For more information, contact (304) 687-1440, e-mail info@davidhagerphotography.com or visit his Web site at www.davidhagerphotography.com.
Amanda Kisamore
Amanda Kisamore, a native to West Virginia, is inspired by light, love and laughter. Her three sons’ carefree innocence and loving spirits guide her passion and keep her going every day. Realizing the importance of good photography, Kisamore captures real moments and memories in a fresh and creative way to tell a story that is unique to each couple by way of her business, Photography by Amanda. Visit her Web site at www.photographybyamandak.com.
Toril Lavender
Toril Lavender of Lavender Photography has been a working photographer for 20 years. Currently, she is a full-time, freelance wedding and portrait photographer working in the Huntington, WV, area. She was trained as a photojournalist at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communications and has extensive experience working as a newspaper and magazine photojournalist. This experience has translated well into her increasing work with couples documenting their weddings. She loves photographing outdoor weddings and has soft spot in her heart for the wonderful outdoor settings West Virginia has to offer. She travels throughout West Virginia and neighboring states. For more information, contact (304) 690-1665, e-mail lavenderphoto@hotmail.com or visit her Web site at www.lavenderphotography.com.
Ludovic Moore
Ludovic Moore of AKAFLASH Photography has been shooting weddings for more than 11 years, mainly in the Canaan Valley and surrounding area. His team loves shooting weddings and will travel as needed to get the shots; their work has taken them as far as Hawaii. With AKAFLASH Photography, you get two very mobile wedding photographers with pro-gear to accommodate you on your special day. Their one-stop wedding photography will provide photos (traditional, artistic, photojournalistic, candid and black and white), custom web design, coffee-style photo books from scratch and printing in their preferred pro-lab as needed. The team’s favorite weddings are of adventurous couples willing to go outside the box, and they love the bride’s smile as soon as she says “yes.” For more information, visit www.akaflash.com or contact info@akaflash.com or (304) 866-7077.
John Newbrough
Newbrough Photo has been doing wedding photography and video since 1947 and is now in the third generation of Newbroughs. John Newbrough now uses Canon SLR digital cameras. To view samples and prices, visit www.newbroughphoto.com or contact customerservice@newbroughphoto.com or (304) 748-0960. Newbrough services the 50-mile radius of Weirton, including Wheeling, WV; Steubenville, Ohio and western Pennsylvania.
Leah Vance-Bazzilla
Leah Vance-Bazzilla of Leah Vance Photography has always had a passion for photography. She started out with a 35mm Canon when she was 15 and later graduated from the University of Charleston with a bachelor’s degree in art specializing in photography. She first opened her studio in 2005, and then decided to further her education at the Hallmark Institute of Photography in Massachusetts. She has had the privilege of having her work published many times and has also had the opportunity to work with hundreds of clients and photograph more than 100 weddings. Vance-Bazzilla can be reached by phone at (304) 687-1439 or by e-mail at leahvancephotography@yahoo.com, or you may visit her Web site at www.leahvphotography.com.
