5 minutes with... New York wedding photographer Francesca Dominique

As an intimate destination wedding photographer New York wedding photographer FRANCESCA DOMINIQUE has an affinity for love, travel, fashion and sun-soaked days along the coast. Serving, New York, Italy and California, she's immensely grateful that her work has taken her to luxurious sights such as Florence, Siena, Malibu, The Hamptons and more.

With my work, I strive to create meaningful and effortless experiences from the planning of your engagement session to the curation of your heirloom and bespoke wedding album. My purest inspiration is found through the love that you and your fiancé share, only strengthened by the backdrop of your favourite location around the globe. By finding a balance between the gracefully editorial and playfully candid moments, I am able to showcase the essence of your most remarkable love. Read on to learn more about her.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER? Truthfully, my older sister. When she was in high school, she took a film photography class and I was always her test subject. I loved it! It was so exciting to hear all that she was learning and I couldn't wait to get to high school so I could take that same class. Once I did, there was no turning back. I was enamoured by the process, the artisanship, capturing the remarkable connection that we have with others and the creation of memories out of moments.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR PATH TO GET THERE. Well, as I mentioned, my first experience with photography was in high school. After this, I was mesmerised by the idea of traveling around the world, capturing extraordinary love stories and knew that I wanted to be a destination wedding photographer. However, my parents are a bit more traditional and wanted me to explore all of my options. When I went off to college, I got my degree in Advertising with a minor in Photography and afterwards took a job in corporate event production. A few years later, my grandfather passed away and it changed everything for me. It became very apparent how important it is to find fulfilment in all that we do. I was no longer satisfied by simply being content and I knew where my heart was pulling me. So, I quit my job in Manhattan and started my own business. Now, I get to fill my days with uniquely special connections with couples and vendors, brainstorming swoon-worthy shoots to spur creativity and love of the art, and traveling the world to capture wedding days. I am constantly learning and I feel so grateful to be able to do what I do.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? I would describe my style as genuine, joyful and intimate. I am in constant pursuit of finding a balance between the editorial and playfully candid moments a couple experiences, and showcasing the essence of their remarkable love.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WEDDINGS? I love this question! What I cherish most about weddings is witnessing the beginning of a marriage. Don't get me wrong, I love all the details and they are a close runner up. I love the fashion and the ability to showcase your personal style, I love wedding day stationery and capturing an abundance of colorful florals. I adore seeing how each couple makes their day their own with choices based on their individuality and their values. But even more than that, I love seeing two people so perfect for each other commit to a lifetime of love, friendship and adventure with their favorite person.

SHARE YOUR FAVOURITE IMAGE WITH US AND TELL US WHY. This image below of Sofia is one of my most treasured photographs. When I was in college, I lived in Florence for a few months while studying abroad and it brought about immense feelings of self exploration, adventure, and growth. During the premiere AMV Retreat in 2021, I went back to Florence for the first time since college and it had me revisiting all of these emotions. Yet, this time, they were paired with inspiration to bring more to my art and my life. This image pushed me to ask more of myself as an artist, think even more creatively on sets for shoots and wedding days and ask myself, what more can I do to create luxurious and enriching experiences for my clients and those who I have the opportunity to work with. It is funny how one image can hold all of these thoughts and propel us further, but for me, this was it.

CAN YOU RECALL YOUR FAVOURITE WEDDING EXPERIENCE? I feel as though I have favourite parts of every wedding day, though one day in particular sticks out to me. Earlier this year, I helped to photograph a wedding where the groom's mother passed away a week prior from cancer. The entire day was full of emotion, tears, storytelling and lots of grace. At the end of the day, the groom's father came up to me and mentioned how I made the day a lot easier than it could've been with his wife's recent passing. Knowing that I, not only was able to help capture this day for the sweet couple, but also provide some solace and smiles for the family, left me speechless. It's moments like these that make photography so much more than just another job. Capturing weddings is like someone opening the door to their soul and inviting you inside to be a part of their heart.

ASIDE FROM FAMILY & FRIENDS, THREE THINGS YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT? Oh, this is so tough! Sunshine, travel and chocolate!

WHERE WOULD WE FIND YOU ON A SUNDAY MORNING? My favourite Sunday mornings are filled with quality time with my husband. Whether we're sleeping in, catching up over coffee or taking a walk around our neighbourhood, I love our slow, Sunday mornings together.

HOW WOULD YOU SPEND YOUR IDEAL DAY OFF? My ideal day off would be spent by heading to the city for an early morning dance class, followed by a family BBQ or a fun date day with my husband, trying out new restaurants or relaxing by the beach together. In the evening, we'd cook together and make one of our favourite recipes, while chatting over a class of wine.

A big thank you to New York wedding photographer FRANCESCA DOMINIQUE for sharing this stunning inspiration with us. Francesca strives to create meaningful and effortless experiences for her couples, from the planning of the engagement session to the curation of an heirloom and bespoke wedding album. She tells us, "My purest inspiration is found through the love that you and your fiancé share, only strengthened by the backdrop of your favourite location around the globe. By finding a balance between the gracefully editorial and playfully candid moments, I am able to showcase the essence of your most remarkable love. My goal is to create and inspire connection through art, lustful locations around the world and the documentation of your most treasured moments." See more of her portfolio here and also check out this Quintessential & Timeless New York City Elopement.