5 minutes with… Colorado wedding photographer Cat Murphy

For Colorado wedding photographer CAT GALLETTI PHOTOGRAPHY it's the celebration of a couple's history and their individuality that has her captivated by weddings. With a style that is intimate and timeless she aims to showcase the true beauty of a couple's relationship. Read on to find out more about her.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER? As cliché as it sounds, I was always fascinated by photography in my youth. When I realised that photography provided a way to cultivate a lifestyle I love while also making a fruitful living (with hard work, of course), I made it my mission to become a photographer.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR PATH TO GET THERE. One year for Christmas, I was gifted a beginner’s DSLR camera. From there, I planned photo shoots with my friends. I didn’t study to become a photographer in school. My goal was to earn a PhD in Psychology and become a college professor. However, I realised through assisting at weddings that photography encompasses everything I love about psychology. A photograph allows the emotions of a moment to be forever preserved, and wedding days are rich with human connection and meaning.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? I use film for the majority of my work, which means I place a high priority on finding the most beautiful lighting and backdrops to capture photos. The environment is a huge inspiration for me. I like to think of the location as another character to the story I am capturing. What is the history of the location? Why did the couple choose this spot to get married?

When talking to prospective couples, I explain that I favour direction over posing. I encourage couples to keep things moving in front of the camera so I can best document the most authentic photos of their love. Genuine joy and intimacy are what I strive to capture in every shot.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WEDDINGS? I love how weddings are celebration of the couple’s history, culture, and taste. While most weddings follow the same general flow of events, there are moments of individuality with every celebration. I’m a strong believer in that structure lends itself to greater creativity, and that’s exactly what the structures of weddings provide. The similarities from wedding to wedding actually allow my logistical brain to drive on autopilot, while my creative brain is able to flourish and capture timeless memories.

SHARE YOUR FAVOURITE IMAGE WITH US AND TELL US WHY. Believe it or not, my favourite image is actually not a wedding image. This photo was taken on the rooftop of the Musée d’Orsay in Paris with my $100 film camera. It was one of my last days in the city, and I went to the museum to view the impressionist paintings before heading back to the States. This image is a favourite because of the memory it holds, as well as the surprising beauty of the colours and composition given it was not taken on my go-to wedding film camera.

CAN YOU RECALL YOUR FAVOURITE WEDDING EXPERIENCE? I truly don’t have one! I have favourite moments throughout the wedding day – the post-ceremony recession, first dances, and post-ceremony portraits to name a few. Any moment that elicits genuine joy will always be a special experience for me.

ASIDE FROM FAMILY & FRIENDS, THREE THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? My dog, Rocky, a film camera and cozy blanket.

WHERE WOULD WE FIND YOU ON A SUNDAY MORNING? On a typical, non-romanticised Sunday morning at home, you can me on the couch with my husband and our dog, Rocky. We love to wake up early (normally before 6am), so our weekend ritual is to drink our coffee and enjoy a slow Sunday morning in relaxation.

HOW WOULD YOU SPEND YOUR IDEAL DAY OFF? My ideal day off would be while I’m on vacation somewhere. Hawaii, Tuscany, and St Lucia are all high on my travel list. The day off would include a combination of adventure, like hiking or scuba diving, and relaxation.

Colorado wedding photographer CAT GALLETTI PHOTOGRAPHY is a valued member of our vendor collective. Cat's images are intimate, timeless, and truly showcase the beauty of a couple's relationship. Your wedding experience should be one of joy, and Cat's ability to capture memories with her camera will allow you to be fully present. Head to her portfolio to see more of her work and be sure to check out this Refined, organic and lush wedding editorial in the Colorado Mountains.