wedding photography: san diego | destination
MY COMMITMENT TO YOU
I am dedicated to crafting wedding photography rich in:
- all the variations of emotion
- the fleeting and heartfelt interactions
- exquisite details
- helping you feel your best
My commitment extends to ensuring our craftsmanship impeccable, and the resulting images are both meaningful and visually stunning.
MY APPROACH
I’m equally as dedicated to taking the proper time to capture stunning images as I am to ensuring you and your loved ones can fully experience, embrace, and cherish every moment.
My documentary style lends itself well to capturing not only intimate moments, but the space to fully experience them as well. And though I spend more time observing than directing, I’m happy to direct you and guests as needed.
the PORTFOLIOS
Proposal & Pricing
crafting your day
Wedding photography here is bespoke.
A word overused by many, yet actually perfect to describe what I do. To customize for your specific needs, it requires me to get to know you, your desires, and your logistics in detail:
- What your hopes are for photography?
- What type of event you are planning?
- Is this a destination weekend blow-out or a local mid-week intimate elopement?
- Are you a “stick it in the cloud” person or a “I need to hold it in my hands” person?
- How many days will we be hanging out together?
- and so much more….
your time IS IMPORTANT
If you stopped by just to get an idea of what I do, I can tell you: wedding photography for my local, full-service weekend weddings start at $6,300. Local mid-week intimate events and lifestyle portraits are lower. Destination weddings and events are too diverse to give a number on without talking first.
I create for you a custom proposal based on what your particular event requires. Many of my couples ask their coordinator to discuss these details directly with me. And though I love (and want) a great coordinator at all weddings, I do absolutely love getting to know YOU fist-hand!
So please reach out so we can get started.
My style
Documentary? Candid? Photojournalism?
To me these terms are interchangeable. At the end of the day you want images that tell an amazing love story, make you look your best, and captures all the feels, moments, and beauty of this incredible event.
I may mostly be a hands-off storyteller, but I will step in when needed to make sure everyone looks great, is in beautiful light, and to eliminate distractions.
The end goal: create incredible images for you.
With this in mind, we set out out document your day as it really happened. As it was meant to be.
Me or my team will give direction for a few family group photos, formalities, and editorial photos. We want you to be comfortable. But for the most part, we are there to tell the story of your extraordinary wedding day. You will even have some photos you didn’t even know you wanted, but later, can’t imagine living without.
Collecting and documenting experiences.
Your images should tell the complete story of just what it looked like, and more important, what you were feeling like, to be there. Because when you look back on your wedding decades from now, I want those images to be as relevant and captivating as the moment they were taken.
This I know… your wedding photos will mean more to you after the wedding than before. They will mean more to you in 10 years than your 1st anniversary. And hold even more meaning with the loss of a loved one. Hindsight is 20/20 they say, and what I have learned over the 15+ years of my photography career is that the memories matter so, so much. So much more than we realize going in.
It is a big big deal. And we will be there for you. For all of it.
Meetings & Booking
FACETIME, COFFEE, OR HAPPY HOUR?
Do I meet with couples? Absolutely. Do you have to meet in person before hiring me? – Absolutely not.
Most of my wedding couples do not live in San Diego. We talk on the phone, video, or meet the next time you are in town for your engagement session. We can do whatever works for you. Many people hire me right after a discovery phone call and a custom proposal, or through their wedding planner.
Once we connect and determine the needs of your wedding and families, I will send you the proposal via email. Here you can look over the details, review the invoice, and reserve your date all at the same time.
What I Deliver
Experience & Timelessness
Hello, I’m Jennifer Dery, a San Diego based professional wedding and event photographer. I don’t just make pretty pictures, I’m also an observer, a storyteller, a detailed organizer, and a lover of life’s subtle beauty, humor, and detail. You can read more about me on my bio page.
Trends come and go, but true style is timeless. With over 15 years experience, I’ve honed a style that transcends fleeting fads.
A Calm and Supportive Wedding Day Experience
Our journey doesn’t begin and end at capturing stunning photos; it’s also about curating an experience that’s as unforgettable as your wedding day itself.
Such as:
- Being a calming and supportive presence when you need it most
- Ensuring that your event is seamlessly documented
- Providing you the freedom to feel like a guest at your own wedding
- Creating community with you, your families, and your other wedding professionals
- Being able to roll with what happens on your day, no matter what
I’m here for you, for all of it. I’ve got you.
Future-proof your Love Story
Imagine 30 years from now, where your loved ones will gather around, eager to learn about the rich chapters of your life. “What was it like? Can you show us?” It may be hard to imagine right now, but those dear to you will want to sit next to you, see your stories, and hold something tangible (like a wedding album). They want to experience the laughter, see the tears, and sense the electric atmosphere that filled the air on your special day. It’s more than the color of your flowers or what everyone wore; it’s the beating heart of the beginning of your love story that they will want to experience.
I’m not photographing your wedding for my personal portfolio, no, this is about YOUR needs, not mine.
I’m not just documenting an event, I’m crafting a visual documentary. The history of the day your little family officially started. From the tender looks you give each other as you exchange vows, to the spontaneous laughter as you dance for the 1st time married. Every image encapsulates a chapter of your journey. It’s not about one isolated perfect moment; it’s about the narrative they collectively create.
So really consider, how would you like to share your history with your future?
More Wedding Photography Frequently Asked Questions
For those looking for more of an education on hiring a photographer, or for aspiring photographers, the following is an collection of bits and pieces I’ve written for blog posts and articles over the years:
How do I choose the right wedding photographer for my San Diego Destination wedding?
- Choosing the right wedding photographer is a personal journey.
- Look for someone whose style resonates with you and who understands your vision.
- Finding someone with artistic, technical, and event management experience is incredibly important as weddings are one of the few photography events where nearly anything can happen… and does.
What should I consider when looking at a photographer’s portfolio?
- Examine their portfolio for consistency, storytelling, and emotion.
- Look for a diverse range of shots that reflect the flow of a wedding day.
- Look at the backgrounds, are they cluttered or clean?
- Is there a consistent mood or style shown through the day?
- Do the people seem aware of the camera? Posed? Directed? Would what you see actually happen in real life? How do you feel about that?
How can I ensure my photographer understands my vision?
- Schedule a consultation to discuss your wedding photography details, theme, and expectations.
- A good photographer will listen and collaborate with you to bring your vision to life.
Do I need an engagement session?
- Engagement sessions are a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and establish rapport with your photographer. They are incredibly fun to have, but not a requirement.
What’s your photography style?
- I strive to create authentic and spontaneous images. Photographs that tell a story, touch your soul, lift your spirits, and that embraces all the perfect little moments in between.
Can I see a full wedding you’ve shot in San Diego?
- Absolutely! Reviewing a complete wedding can give you a comprehensive understanding of how I capture different moments in different locations and weather conditions.
- I can also show you weddings in different destinations as I travel as well!
How do you handle challenging lighting conditions at San Diego venues?
- I have no issues creating my own light as needed, I will bend it to my will! Yet my favorite light will always be natural light.
Can I customize a photography package to fit my needs?
- Absolutely, that is the only way I work with you in fact! I tailor everything to your needs and preferences.
How long after the wedding will I receive my photos?
- You can expect your fully edited photos within 8 weeks after your wedding.
How do you ensure you capture all the important moments?
- I work closely with you and your coordinator to create a detailed timeline that covers all crucial moments, but also ensuring there is breathing room and space for the magic to happen.
How do you handle family portraits?
- I work with you to create a short list for important family portraits if you want any. Ensuring that no important group is overlooked, but also keeping the list and time to a minimum so it doesn’t overtake your day. Typically my 2nd photographer focuses on group photos, while I hang back and capture the behind the scenes magic!
Do you offer videography services too? What about social media content?
- While my expertise lies in still wedding photography, I can definitely recommend trusted videographers.
- I do recommend a specific content creator if that is something you would like to add on.
Can I order prints and albums through you?
- Oh yes! I prefer this! Your story isn’t complete without seeing it in print. I offer art prints and custom albums for up to a year after your event.
Do you work well with other vendors at San Diego weddings?
- Absolutely, I have excellent working relationships with many local vendors, ensuring a seamless collaboration.
- If you need referrals for other San Diego wedding Professionals, such as florists, dress fitting, wedding coordination, or video please don’t hesitate to ask.
Can you provide references from San Diego couples you’ve worked with?
- Certainly, I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built with couples and can provide references upon request.
- You can read these reviews on my site. These ones on google, the knot, wedding wire, yelp, and facebook.
As you navigate the process of choosing a wedding photographer in San Diego, I’m here to provide honest and transparent answers to your questions. Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and finding the right photographer to document it is a crucial decision.
I hope this Wedding Photography Frequently Asked Questions was helpful. Feel free to reach out to me for any additional queries you may have—I want your day to be captured flawlessly and beautifully.