5 minutes with photographer Danielle Defayette

With a warm, calming presence and an eye for timeless beauty, DANIELLE DEFAYETTE has spent the past decade capturing love stories across the globe. Known for her ability to make couples feel effortlessly at ease in front of the camera, Danielle blends technical artistry with genuine connection to create imagery that feels both elevated and authentic. Her work has graced the pages of several publications — a testament to her refined style and heartfelt approach. In this interview, we get to know Danielle and the passion behind her artful storytelling.

WHAT LED YOU TO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY, AND HOW DID YOUR CAREER BEGIN?

Ironically, I never had any intention of becoming a wedding photographer.  I would love to tell a tale of how I pursued photography from the very start, but I have this innate ability to always be unapologetically honest. So, in reality, I only ever had the intention of picking up a camera to capture photos of my travels, loved ones, and all of the great adventures I dreamed of.  Somewhere along the way, my photography career found me.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE, AND WHAT SETS YOU APART?

Timeless with a touch of trendy! Like fashion or modern art, wedding photography styles are constantly evolving and transforming. One of my favorite hobbies is scrolling through social media and looking at the work of photographers who shoot for Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, and other publications. It’s so fun to imagine ways to incorporate runway into wedding day. I love to include a dash of editorial into every wedding, but I know that as styles change too much trend can come off as a bit tacky. 

Regardless of the current photography fads, I find I’m always drawn to images full of emotion and vibrant color. It’s why I’m always obsessed with my film work. Each image sounds as if it’s being etched into time as I take it and the finished product is just miraculously true to life.

WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO CAPTURING A WEDDING? DO YOU PREFER A STRUCTURED OR MORE CANDID STYLE?

I think it’s essential to build a solid infrastructure in advance so you can be wholeheartedly present on the wedding day. Sure, this infrastructure will look different for each and every couple but it does, indeed, need to be there. 

“How does this apply to wedding photography, though?” Great question! When you have a well thought out game plan for your wedding ahead of time, you’re able to be more relaxed and go with the flow. As the photographer, I am there to capture the candid moments but also step in a be a guide when the moment warrants it. I never want my couples to feel stressed out or uncertain of what to do, so I’m there to offer assistance and provide direction when necessary.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO COUPLES WHEN CHOOSING A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?

Go with your gut. Inquire with the photographers whose images you absolutely ADORE. If there’s only one, choose that one. 

You’ll spend more time with your wedding photographer on your wedding day than your spouse. I can assure you, you’re going to want someone who you feel comfortable with and trust to capture images of you that make you feel like the best version of you. Basically, the right wedding photographer will feel like an honorary member of the wedding party.

(But, also, make sure that this person is legitimate, carries business insurance, and has a very well rounded ability to shoot in all lighting situations. When you have a well thought out game plan for your wedding ahead of time, you’re able to be more relaxed and go with the flow. As the photographer, I am there to capture the candid moments but also step in a be a guide when the moment warrants it. I never want my couples to feel stressed out or uncertain of what to do, so I’m there to offer assistance and provide direction when necessary.

WHAT‘S ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE WEDDINGS YOU’VE EVER PHOTOGRAPHED, AND WHY?

I’ve been so blessed with a career that has taken me all around the globe and introduced me to some pretty incredible couples. There are so many breathtaking and surreal wedding venues that I would love to go back to. Yet, the first wedding that immediately comes to mind is a recent wedding I photographed in Punta Cana. The couple had booked with me nearly two years before their big day and were well down to halfway there when I received a random call from the Bride.

“So, we aren’t cancelling the wedding but…” 

She explained that the dream wedding they had envisioned was getting out of hand, out of budget, and they were losing any excitement they had about it. We chatted for a good long while that afternoon and I told her I would stand by whatever decision they made. 

Somehow we ended up at this incredible resort in Punta Cana for their wedding and it was the best experience I’d ever had. The couple brought their closest family & friends along for a much more intimate wedding, celebrated for five days straight, and only incorporated the things that were most important to them on their wedding day. (Luckily, a great photographer was one of them!)

I wholeheartedly believe that your wedding day should be about what means most to the two of you. Embrace tradition if you want or opt out if it gives you the ick–you’re going to be the one who remembers it all in the end.

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY BEYOND WEDDINGS? ANY PERSONAL PROJECTS OR CREATIVE INFLUENCES?

Outside of wedding photography, you’ll find me frolicking in fields of flowers. No, really. We live on a small farm and I own a locally grown flower market called the BRISTOL BLOOM COLLECTIVE. I have always admired my florist friends in the wedding industry and, for years, have learned so much about flowers through them. When I’m not scrolling through the fashion photography feed, I’m obsessing over the work of talented photographer florists like Janne Ford. 

I try my best to tie in my love of florals to my wedding and portraiture work whenever possible.

WHEN YOU’RE NOT BEHIND THE CAMERA, HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR FREE TIME?

My husband says that it’s like I’m auditioning for a real life Hallmark movie, but I’ve missed the memo that I’m happily married. When I’m not photographing weddings, you’ll find me hard at work on our small farm and running a locally grown flower market. We have a wild, precious little boy and he’s truly the reason the world spins for me. One of my favorite hobbies is capturing our life with film photography and savoring each moment we have together. You’ll also find me avidly plotting for our flower garden and reading something on my Goodreads TBR.

IF YOU COULD GIVE COUPLES ONE TIP FOR FEELING COMFORTABLE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA,
WHAT WOULD IT BE?

The absolute best way to feel like yourself in front of the camera is to have an experienced photographer that knows you and will guide you. 

If you’re like me, you may never feel 100% comfortable in front of the camera. If this sounds like you, my hands down advice would be to schedule a session with your wedding photographer in advance. There’s nothing like a little practice and some muscle memory to help boost your on camera confidence!

DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM WEDDING TO SHOOT—STYLE, LOCATION AND OVERALL VIBE?

I would love, love, love to photograph an Italian elopement. Let’s set the scene, shall we? You’ve traveled abroad to this wonderful country full of sunflower fields, lush vineyards, and picturesque cliffside cities with your bags packed ready to tie the knot to the love of your life. Your closest family and friends are staying with you in this idyllic venue featuring a pristine pool and panoramic views of the countryside. It will be a week of endless celebrations, new experiences, and lots of laughter. 

Of course, there would be decadent floral installments and wedding attire vibes would be immaculate. Maybe a vespa and a dip in the Mediterranean Sea.

HOW WOULD YOU SPEND YOUR IDEAL DAY OFF?

Laptop closed, social shut off, and notifications on silent! But really, my favorite days are the ones where I’m fully immersed in the world around me. I’ll be the first to admit it…I’m in my Granny Era. I love gardening, reading, and soirées with my friends. Honestly, I’m a fan of just being at home after traveling for work quite often!