Meaningful moments and a relaxed, elegant approach.
The focus is on capturing the genuine emotions, natural interactions, and timeless details that make each celebration uniquely personal. With an emphasis on storytelling and artistic composition, the experience ensures your memories are preserved with warmth and sophistication, offering a seamless blend of authenticity and refinement.
“His talent is unmatched alongside his personality.”
— emma, bride 2024
“His photography is truly a work of art.”
— kody, groom 2024
Artistic, timeless and intimate, focused on capturing the authentic emotions and meaningful moments that define your day. With gentle guidance and an artistic approach, I'm able to create images that feel natural and effortlessly beautiful, reflecting your connection without ever feeling posed.
Photography has always been my way of preserving the beauty in life’s most meaningful moments, and weddings hold a special place in that journey. Inspired by authenticity and connection, I’ve built my craft around creating timeless, intimate images that tell each couple’s unique love story with artistry and heart.
My method is centered on creating a seamless and personalized experience that allows you to stay present and enjoy every moment of your wedding day. From understanding your vision during our initial consultation to offering gentle guidance on posing, I ensure every step feels effortless and natural. The result is a collection of timeless images that reflect your connection, intimacy, and the authentic story of your celebration.
I'm derek,
Derek brings a unique blend of documentary storytelling and artistic composition to every celebration, capturing authentic moments with timeless elegance. His passion for preserving memories shines through in each photograph, offering couples a collection of images that feel as genuine and special as their love story.
d
c
I’m Derek, a wedding photographer based in St. Louis, but always ready to hit the road for a good story. My approach to photography is unscripted, artistic, and deeply personal. However, I still absolutely love creating those show stopping artistic portraits. I believe wedding photography should be more than just a checklist of expected shots—it should be a reflection of you, your relationship, and the moments that make your wedding day yours.
After 8+ years in the industry, I’ve worked with couples who care about more than just perfect poses. They want to feel their wedding photos, not just see them. They want a photographer who can step into their world, anticipate the real, unfiltered moments, and document their day with the kind of care and creativity that turns fleeting seconds into timeless images. That’s exactly what I do.
What Sets Me Apart?
Most wedding photography leans into trends or follows the same formula—I believe in something different. My work is driven by your energy, your story, and the small, unexpected moments that define your day. Whether it’s the quiet, nervous hands before walking down the aisle or the way your grandparents watch you during your first dance, those are the moments I live for.
You won’t get forced smiles or over-posed images with me. Instead, I take a documentary-meets-artistic approach, blending naturally unfolding scenes with a creative eye to create something that feels both intentional and honest. The result? Wedding photos that feel like memories, not just pictures.
“He is so educated on his craft. Derek made our wedding day seamless and captured moments I didn't even realize were happening.”
— taven, 2024 bride
Outside of photography, I find balance in disconnecting from the digital world. Road trips, camping, and anything that gets me outdoors are my reset button. I believe that stepping away from screens and slowing down is the best way to be present—something I also bring into how I document weddings.
I’m also a huge hockey fan (Let's Go Bluuuuuuuues!) and play as a goalie myself. There’s something about the focus, quick reflexes, and anticipation in the game that actually carries over into how I shoot weddings. Being able to read a situation, react quickly, and be in the right place at the right time is a skill that serves me just as well behind the camera as it does on the ice between the pipes.
And at the heart of everything I do? Family. Time is finite, and I believe in making the most of it—whether it’s with my own family or the families I photograph. That’s why I care so much about the work I do. Your wedding day isn’t just another event; it’s a piece of your story, and I’m honored to document it in a way that lets you relive it for years to come.
If my approach resonates with you, let’s connect. I’d love to hear more about your plans and how I can help tell your story.
the
INSPIR
ATION
Family / Great Light / Film / Fashion / Nostalgia / Connection
what I'm known for
personality
favorite movie
interstellar
KNOWN TO SPLURGE ON
camera bags
MY FAVORITE
PLACE TO visit
BY THE SEA
ALWAYS ORDER ME A
gin & tonic
favorite
food
Good PIZZA
Your wedding is more than a celebration—it’s the beginning of your story together. Let’s capture the quiet, authentic moments and the raw, unfiltered emotions that make your day uniquely yours. Reach out today, and let’s create something timeless that you’ll treasure forever.