Why choose Jessica McHale Photography for your wedding?
When it comes to wedding coverage, experience is important. I photographed my first wedding in 2002 at a very young age and fell in love with the endlessly changing creative opportunities, flow of the day, delivering a gorgeous collection of images, and the relationships built with clients. This is not a field that all people are meant for. It's stressful and physically demanding, with your attention being pulled in multiple directions while on your feet for an entire day. Decisions about moving people or when to do what, and who to direct where, need to be made on the spot which means knowing my client's priorities. Not cookie cutter wedding day priorities, but yours. Combine that with a true desire to create authentic, beautiful, fine-art inspired images for my clients and that's when the sparks fly (you'll never know it, as I'm very quiet on a wedding day but inside I am giddy to find beauty in the viewfinder and cannot wait to go home to edit it). Those of us that thrive in this environment are the ones that make it 10, 15, 20+ years. You have to love it to keep going!
I am also one of those people who asks A LOT of questions. Especially when it comes to making big decisions! I need to know every detail and understand that you do, too. After photographing hundreds of weddings, families, and corporate assignments throughout New England I am happy to share knowledge with you. So if you read below and still have questions....ask away!
I PHOTOGRAPH PEOPLE
I have spent my career photographing people. The way they interact, the way a couple looks at each other. Hugs where you can see the squeeze and laughter with so much joy you can see it. I photograph all people, celebrate every couple, and look forward to learning about your family.
FOR THE LOVE OF BLACK AND WHITE
You may have noticed that I absolutely love the feel of black and white images! I love that they convey emotion without distraction, and really accentuate gorgeous light and moments. I have delivered weddings in 100% black and white, in 100% color, and everything in between. It’s a conversation I have with every couple and ultimately deliver what YOU love. In every wedding, there are images that work well in both, and in those cases they are delivered in both black & white and color.
ONLY THE BEST EQUIPMENT
A wide range of professional Nikon bodies and fast, prime lenses with multiple back-ups. in 2021 I added a full lineup of mirrorless Sony gear to my collection and use whatever brand is most appropriate for the situation - they all have their strengths! I love to chat about equipment (I taught darkroom photography for several semesters) so feel free to ask away!
*If you are interested in an authentic film look, I have an extensive array of Hasselblad 2 1/4 and 35mm film cameras that I photographed weddings with exclusively until 2007. I am happy to incorporate that timeless look into your wedding day with a few rolls of film for a nominal fee.
DIGITAL FILES
Each image is captured in RAW format, edited individually and converted to a print-ready JPEG file. Your collection of hi-resolution digital jpeg files are included in every package. 2 years of archival backup at the studio as well as a print release for personal use is all detailed in your contract.
WEDDING ALBUMS
You can either select a package that includes one or add one at any time. Albums are all designed in-studio using your favorites from the gallery. The designs themselves are simple and clean, and tell the story of your day. I use a US-based printing company I absolutely love and create truly timeless pieces. The pages themselves are a thick, but flexible, paper with printing that creates gorgeous colors and details. These albums have a true fine-art feel to them. Cover choices are vast, and can be customized to fit your personality and wedding style.
SOMETIMES TWO ARE BETTER THAN ONE. SOMETIMES.
I have a very talented team of people that I love to work with. After shooting weddings for over a decade, I find that I prefer photographing most weddings solo. It provides a unique connection to the people and event, and I am extremely comfortable covering all angles of a wedding. For 7-8 hours of coverage at one to two locations, this is usually ideal. If your wedding logistics call for it at any point throughout the day, I will absolutely recommend a second photographer or assistant. I have worked with teams as large as three photographers plus assistants to cover very elaborate, multi-day events.
AIN'T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH
Yes, I will travel to your wedding! I love to travel and would be happy to accompany you to your perfect wedding location if my schedule allows. Adventure travel or creative elopements earn extra style points in my book (read the About page if you haven't already).
Newport, Providence, Boston, Worcester and Cape Cod are all easy driving distances for me that do not incur travel fees. Beyond a 2 hour drive each way (from Newport, RI) requires one nights accommodations.
DETAILS MAKE ME SWOON
Must-have images like a charm from your grandparent on the bouquet, or a piece of your mom’s wedding gown sewn into your own, are noted before the wedding so we don’t miss anything important. Everything else from flowers, favors, shoes… it’s all covered as we move throughout the day. Details are beautiful and will be captured as a part of your story, but moments and candid images take center stage, always. Details get captured during the quiet moments - check out some favorites!
Have questions? I'd love to chat! Contact the studio to inquire about availability and set up a call.
I can't wait to hear about your day!