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.
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!
I'm Alyssa. Mommy, Wife, & enneagram 1w2 who thrives off of providing an experience that makes an impact beyond images! 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 more than motherhood. From the start, my experience was NOTHING like I expected or 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. Some days it’s painful, but more than anything, it has been a really beautiful journey that I am 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. I had so much fun doing in-home counseling, research, and serving in a Neonatal ICU for several years. I thought my experience would be left behind when I pursued photography full-time, but you'd be surprised how well that degree has equipped me to handle challenging dynamics that seem to always pop up on wedding days! It also helps me wrangle kiddos during family sessions too!
I'm a social worker.
I'm Joanna Gaines' soul sister...just without her talent! I can remember rearranging my room every couple of months while I was growing up. In adulthood, that's turned into me decorating a space, enjoying it for a few months, then selling the decorations and using that money to create a new space! (Probably why I love wedding decor and detail photos!) Recently, it has gone to a whole new level - we flipped a house! Creating is in me whether it is photography or home decor and if Joanna Gaines ever needs a hand, I’m her girl!
I'm addicted to interior design & decorating.
Would you guess that I'm a Native Floridian? I couldn't escape to the mountains fast enough and I moved to Chattanooga as soon as I graduated high school. There are endless opportunities to find God in nature here plus you can’t beat the seasons actually changing! The leaves during a Tennessee fall…gorgeous! Tennessee is home and certainly a beautiful place to be!
i love me some fresh air and scenic views.
Meet aRP's Second Shooter
Jimmy, my hunky husband!
Jimmy
Jimmy is invaluable. Our dating relationship began over photography. He's been a solid second shooter. I couldn’t do it without him!
Because he's there, we get a variety of angles, like the epic first kiss as a married couple AND the loved ones wiping away their tears or clapping! Together, we maximize coverage time since I can't be in two places at once. (Yay for not taking up more of your timeline!) The groom and groomsmen feel more comfortable having a guy around. Not to mention, he’s the ultimate insurance policy for you and me on your wedding day should anything unexpected happen!
Basically, I can serve you better by 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
I'd love to connect with you!
As a Chattanooga & Cleveland, TN family and wedding photographer, I realize there are so many options for photographers. So, I'm excited you're considering ME! 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. I'd love to get to know you and the vision you have!
