Meet EmmaLee Babcock | Wedding and lifestyle photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with EmmaLee Babcock and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi EmmaLee, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I was homeschooled growing up, and taught to be independent and consider a trade as a career, so I always knew I wanted to be in business for myself. I had a lot of family close in my life who were into the photography world and drew inspiration from them. I discovered I absolutely wanted to be a part of the wedding industry about four years ago and sort of realized it was a no-brainer; I’d always been obsessed with stories and romance and getting to have that play into my career has been such a wonderful, emotional journey.

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.
I like to think of my style as nostalgic storytelling, with a romantic warmth, but none of that is possible without the romance and stories of my clients. Seeing true adoration and love always makes me so giddy on a wedding day, I’m guaranteed to tear up when it’s happening and later on when I’m editing these special moments. I am absolutely in love with photographing people who love each other- everyone’s love and story is so different and that’s what makes each individual wedding day so exceptional. I hope my ability to connect with new people and help tell their beautiful stories shows who I am and what my brand values.

I don’t think it was particularly easy to get where I am today. I’ve always doubted myself quite a bit and at one point in 2023 after a rough injury, I wasn’t quite sure if I was meant to be where I wanted to go. It was suggested to me that after I healed, I should choose an easier career, which I considered for far too long at the time. But God and my family helped me pull myself back together and come back with a bigger fire for my passion than I’d ever had, and man has it been paying off ever since then. I really can’t see myself in any other career or industry and putting my best foot forward has given me more opportunities than I could have ever dreamed of. I’ve learned so much this year, and part of that has been to network and create with others, to build relationships with other vendors has been monumental in my growth personally and for my brand.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am notoriously a home-body when I’m not out working, but I take joy in sharing our beautiful state whenever I can. Although it’s uber-touristy, Garden of the Gods is always one of my highlights to show off (because it’s popular for a reason!). I’m a fan of our beautiful hikes in JeffCo as well, and within Denver one of my favorites to show off is BarTaco with their delicious drinks and tacos. Hudson Hill is a fun cafe and bar, and across the street you can find Wax Trax Records and Kilgore books. If my friend liked mini golf we would have to stop by Holey Moley, a sweet indoor putt-putt place that showcases some of Colorado’s beautiful landmarks and locations. After that we would have to stop by D.P. Dough for some calzones!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My fiance and my parents have always been my #1 supporters. I absolutely could not have built my career and brand without their supports, and the rest of our big family as well.

I am always so inspired by the encouragement of other vendors in the wedding community and am so thankful to get to know them and see their hard work for their teams and clients. Wonderful creatives like Hannah from Evara Events, JayLynn with Weddings by Jay, and Selena with Wyld Roots Floral are amazing ladies who always bring the dream to life.

Website: https://www.monarchandsagephotography.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monarchandsagephotography

Image Credits
Monarch and Sage Photography
Personal photo by Ally Sturges Photography