5 minutes with... Michigan wedding photographer Jaila Renee

Michigan wedding photographer JAILA RENEE believes in the importance of stewarding the gifts and talents entrusted to her to document the catapult moments from your wedding celebration that will leave an eternal legacy. She prides herself on delivering timeless, true to colour and deep black and white imagery that documents the raw emotions and elegant details from your wedding day. "If I were to have a manifesto for JRP it would be to capture the true essence of your love, bestow iconic images as an heirloom and document your eternal heartfelt vows; all the while having the most joyous time at your wedding celebration. I cherish every love story I have the honour of capturing." Read on to learn more about Jaila.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER? This question has many facets to my answer, I will do my best at making it simple. I have always been the girl with the camera in hand. The girl who made a Facebook album with 100+ images just because it was a Tuesday and the sun was shining. I am also the girl who believes that following peace is where you can find the greatest joy and sense of purpose. I am a creative at heart. I love people. I love romance. So, what better way to fulfill all of those passions than to invest all of my husband and I’s wedding money at the young age of 22, buy my first camera and launch what is now known as Jaila Rixie Photos.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR PATH TO GET THERE. A lot of my path of how I got to where I am today is through lots of education, practice, trial and error, taking on constructive criticism and investing back into my business. I didn’t know what I was doing when I took on photography; from the technical side of the camera , to creating a LLC, to writing proposals and contracts… you name it. I am a true and unashamed self taught photographer and business owner. The path is lonely at times, but finding community and those who’ve been ahead of you and investing back into my business is a big part of my journey.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? Timeless, true to colour and life, lover of the rich black and white images and emotion led. I also love the elegant details, whether it's the bridal shoes lightly laying on the veil or the flat lays with the beautiful invitation suite.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WEDDINGS? Every couple has different stories, so each part of the wedding day holds a different piece of significance to it. Overall, I think my favourite part is when I get to be with just the bride and groom for their portraits. They get a few moments to themselves to talk about the wedding day, the guests they are excited to see and usually the food they're looking forward to eat with friends and family.I get to document that and I love it.

SHARE YOUR FAVOURITE IMAGE WITH US AND TELL US WHY. This is one of my favourite images because it speaks so much of what JRP stands for. An intimate moment with the bride and groom, celebrating love. Some of my favourite details; black tux and bow tie, champagne glasses in hand and chic bridal gown. It’s genuine joy and of course it’s a black and white edit.

CAN YOU RECALL YOUR FAVOURITE WEDDING EXPERIENCE? I had a wedding where the bride and groom really desired to have their ceremony outside. 45 minutes before, there was a tornado warning. Every time they were asked if they wanted it moved inside, they said let’s wait. The storm came and passed within 30 minutes. The bride walked down the aisle, her father by her side, with the sun shining right on her elegant veil. I will never forget the faith they had for the weather to turn, and I was there to document it.

ASIDE FROM FAMILY & FRIENDS, THREE THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? One: Freshly made home cooked meals. Two: Sunshine. Three: Good music

HOW WOULD YOU SPEND YOUR IDEAL DAY OFF? With my sweet kids and husband. Family days are something I deeply cherish. Whether we’re sitting on the couch watching a movie, going for a walk around our neighborhood or going out to ice cream it’s ideal to be with them.

Michigan wedding photographer JAILA RENEE is a valued member of our vendor collective. After more than seven years in the wedding industry, Jaila prides herself on delivering timeless, true to colour and deep black and white imagery that document the raw emotions and elegant details from your wedding day. "If I were to have a manifesto for JRP it would be to capture the true essence of your love, bestow iconic images as an heirloom and document your eternal heartfelt vows; all the while having the most joyous time at your wedding celebration. I cherish every love story I have the honour of capturing." You can see more of her portfolio here.