Hey there, I'm Alyssa Rachelle!
In November 2015, I began building this business and formally educating myself. Bookings started flooding in, and I began to see how my passion and purpose intertwined.
In 2017, I left my traditional job and took the leap to full-time! It was scary. Gone was my income safety net. But since then, God's began working in such a new, meaningful way!
We're now a husband-wife team! Jimmy is now a part of my team as my second shooter and business partner. Our couples are served better for it. So, I wouldn't have it any other way!
I've toted a camera around with me since childhood. I photographed everything I could, annoyed everyone with requests for a smile, and document every childhood event.
In 2013, I met my hunk-of-a-husband, Jimmy. Our first date was touring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and he even brought along his DSLR camera. Boy, was he already speaking to my heart!
Until we got married in 2014, I was only sharing my hobby with others here and there. I pursued a career in Social Work. I had my eyes on the corporate ladder, ready to climb until my hands were raw. Then...
One day, Jimmy said, “You need to take photography full-time.” He believed in me, and a spark was lit.
I'm Alyssa. Mommy, Wife to my business partner, & enneagram 1w2 who thrives off of building genuine relationship that last beyond wedding days!
I can't wait to get to know you too!
Hey there,
Friend!
Meet my Whys
Jimmy
Second shooter. Hubby. Selfless. Dedicated. Practicing caffeine-addict.
Beckett James
Empathetic, truck-obsessed little man.
Tessa Mess
First-born furpup. Eager to please. Practicing Houdini-ist.
Silly Tilly
Lovable. "Blondest" dog ever. #1 Cuddler.
Yup, we're a product of online match making (face palm). It started with a dare from a friend. After negotiating on the terms, I reluctantly promised to make a profile on Adventist Singles, but only for two weeks! I took the tests, stalked my matches (one was even a college professor, yikes!), and happily deactivated my profile after two weeks. But days later one of my matches popped up on a mutual friend's Facebook page. I had nothing to lose. The rest is history!
I met my husband online.
I've always sought out perfection. Nothing highlights my perfectionist tendencies like motherhood does. From the start, my experience was NOTHING like I expected and so thoughtfully planned for. This strong mom has many days of feeling quite weak. I've been humbled and forced to "recover" from perfectionism. I'm constantly learning how to trust in God's sufficiency, rest in His grace, and live in His strength rather than obsess over my weaknesses. It's painful, but really a beautiful thing that I'll be forever grateful for!
I'm a recovering perfectionist.
I graduated with my Masters in Social Work with a specialization in Child & Family Therapy and Program Development from Southern Adventist University. For several years I had so much fun doing in-home counseling, research, and serving in a Neonatal ICU. You'd be surprised how well my degree and experience has equipped me to handle challenging dynamics that seem to always pop up on wedding days!
I'm a social worker.
I'm Joanna Gaine's soul sister...just without her talent! I can remember rearranging my room every couple months while I was growing up. In adulthood, that's turned into me to decorating a space, enjoying it for a few months, then selling the decorations and using that money to create a new space! I'm a domesticated wife in any other way, but I got this part down!
I'm addicted to interior design & decorating.
I'm a Native Floridian who couldn't escape to the mountains fast enough! I moved to Chattanooga as soon as I graduated high school. There's so many opportunities to find God in nature here...and the seasons ACTUALLY change the weather and leaves! We were outdoorsy before we had Beckett, but now that he's a toddler, we're definitely always outside! It's certainly a beautiful place to be!
i love me some fresh air and scenic views.
Meet my Second Shooter
Jimmy, my hunky husband!
Jimmy
While we were dating, Jimmy & I bonded over photography. In fact, our first date was exploring the Great Smoky Mountains with our cameras! Over the last several years, I've been training Jimmy how to be a solid second shooter, and he's rocked it! I couldn't do it without him.
Jimmy's invaluable. Because he's there, we get a variety of angles, like capturing both the bride AND groom's reaction as the bride comes down the aisle. Together, we maximize coverage time since I can't be in two places at once, like capturing cocktail hour AND Just Married Portraits at the same time. Grooms and groomsmen feel more comfortable having a guy around. Jimmy's also yours AND my insurance policy on your wedding day should anything unexpected happen (God forbid!).
Basically, I can serve you better having my hunky husband on my team. Your wedding experience wouldn't be the same without him! I can't wait for you to meet him.
"Alyssa’s work is INCREDIBLE!!! We highly recommend her as a photographer! She is kind, professional, trustworthy, and talented with an amazing eye to capture the PERFECT pictures!!!"
-BETSY DICKERHOFF, VENUE OWNER OF KENSINGTON COVE FARM
"I've always imagined having those fairytale wedding photos and she definitely delivered! Not to mention, she and her husband brought a sense of calm to the big day that really helped keep the rest of us in a great head space!"
-JESSICA & CHAD
"Alyssa is an excellent photographer with a kind disposition and vigorous work ethic. I participated in a styled shoot with her and was so impressed by her photography. I couldn't recommend her more!"
-BEN CRERAR, DIRECTOR AT HIDDEN SPRINGS VENUE
"Alyssa did our engagement photos and they were BEYOND amazing! She made both of us feel completely comfortable in front of her camera. I have worked with a lot of photographers being an MUA in the wedding industry and Alyssa’s professionalism and skill are TOP NOTCH! I highly recommend her for your family, engagement, lifestyle, and also for your wedding photography!"
-HALEY SETTLES, OWNER OF ALLURING LOOKS BY HALEY
"Alyssa is an incredible photographer! As a wedding coordinator, I have had the opportunity to work with Alyssa a few times. She goes out of her way to make the entire photography experience enjoyable for everyone with her sweet nature. She is very punctual, professional, and has an eye for detail. Her pictures are breathtaking. I highly recommend her for your wedding!"
-JESSI GOWAN, OWNER OF A FARMHOUSE GATHERING WEDDING PLANNING SERVICE
"...We left the session with such joy...Alyssa made sure all the details were perfect...If you are looking for an experience that will make your soul smile big every time you remember it, don’t look any further... You have found the best photographer in town!"
-JEANETTE & MICHAEL
"We've had professional pictures done before, but our experience with Alyssa was by far above and beyond our other experiences...from beginning to end, she provided a fantastic experience with a top-notch product."
-STACEY & ROBBY
"Alyssa makes you feel so comfortable in front of the camera and she feels like a great friend even though you just met! She got our photos to us so quickly and we absolutely love them!"
-KAYLA & TRAVIS
"...True professionals from start to finish. Quick correspondence, creative ideas for photoshoots, styling advice, exceptional quality photos, and not to mention, they made my husband and I very comfortable. We love our photos and loved our experience...They will not disappoint!"
-DANIELLE & BRAD
"Enjoyable and stress-free! My husband and I felt extremely comfortable...She gave us specific direction to make our pictures look natural and candid...We love our entire gallery!"
-JULIE & AUSTIN
Notes
Love
Braving the Wilderness
Uninvited
The Best Yes
My Favorite Books
by lysa terkeurst
by lysa terkeurst
by Brene Brown
Irresistible
Revolution
Beautiful Outlaw
Captivating
by John & Stasi Eldredge
by John eldredge
by shane claiborne
We'd love to connect with you!
"I want a marriage more beautiful than my wedding. But to set the standard, the wedding should be pretty dang gorgeous!” -Unknown
As a Chattanooga Photographer, we realize your mind may be overwhelmed with wedding and portrait photographer options. So, we're so excited you're considering US out of all the photographers out there! As a former bride and groom, and now parents, we have an even deeper understanding of how special these seasons of our lives are and get giddy about capturing all the details, candids, and moments in-between. If you're in the great Chattanooga, Knoxville, or Nashville areas, we'd love to get to know you and the vision you have for your Big Day!
