Meet Ayla Rae Weddings | Film Wedding Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ayla Rae Weddings and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ayla Rae Weddings, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I had dabbled with portraits of friends for a year or two before I’d gotten my first paid shoot. Shortly after that, I was hired as a photo assistant for a company that photographed extravagant weddings with hundreds of guests. They were loooooong days, and couples were exhausted by the time the ceremony started.

I honestly hated it. I thought, “This can’t possibly be what a wedding is supposed to feel like.” Then promptly did a 180 and only photographed elopements and micro weddings for a few years (I know, I know. A bit dramatic). It took me a few years to get back to bigger weddings, but I’ve found my people and the weddings I photograph now are the best of both worlds!

In working these giant luxury events and then only photographing the tiniest, simplest weddings, what I was really looking to create in my work was connection. Connection with my couples, their families, their histories, so that I could tell their story properly on one of the most emotional days of their lives.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The main thing that sets me apart is film! I’ve photographed on film for 7 years, which is almost as long as I’ve photographed on digital. In a world where mirrorless cameras are ultra fast and ultra sharp, film is about slowing down: that perfect gaze, the accidental magic. I knew I wouldn’t be a photographer without shooting film.

It certainly wasn’t easy to learn how to shoot film and how to run a business. This was before all the education and courses came out — I had some help from school friends, but I was mostly on my own, and it genuinely took a lot of money, time, trial and error. If I could go back in time, I could probably get to where I am a lot faster, but I think the lessons in patience and diligence have made me a better business owner.

In shooting weddings, the biggest lesson, and one I didn’t really expect when I first got into it, is empathy for your couples. A lot of folks get into shooting weddings because they’re fun and exciting, but they are such an emotional, high stakes experience for the couple. Growing up, I was also a pretty sensitive, empathetic child, and thought often about become a physician, teacher, therapist — something to connect and help people. My brand now is entirely founded in connection and affirmation for my couples, and I’ve really found my calling.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I feel truly blessed to say that my work has taken me all over the beautiful state of Colorado (and I mean ALL over). I love the biggggg mountains, forest, and wilderness you get in the San Juans. Little mountain towns like Ouray and Crested Butte are picturesque and full of hole-in-the-wall local spots. I always recommend finding a local coffeeshop and a local bookstore to purchase from. There are real people that live there and depend on your tourist income!

I’m based in Colorado Springs and love the brewery and distillery scene here in the Front Range. Laws Distillery in Denver and Red Leg Brew Co in COS are my very favorite of the bunch. Colorado doesn’t have as diverse of a restaurant scene as I’d like to see, but our beef is top notch! Anywhere you can get a burger or green chili is a must visit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Definitely my husband, Brice. He pushed me to be brave, got me that photography assistant job, and then later bought me my very first full frame camera. He has been such a cheerleader in my business!

Website: https://www.aylaraeweddings.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aylaraeweddings