Do you remember the first time you fell in love with something?
For me, it was photography. I toted a camera everywhere as a kid—snapping everything in sight, begging for smiles, and stuffing photo albums full of memories. Basically, I’ve been a memory hoarder since day one.
In 2013, I met my hunk-of-a-husband, Jimmy. Our first date? A DSLR-packed tour of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Talk about speaking my love language!
At the time, photography was just my side hustle. I was deep in my Social Work career, helping people through life’s toughest seasons. But bookings were booming and the tension of trying to do both things well was...well, tension-ing. Jimmy said, “You need to take photography full-time.” That spark? Officially lit.
In 2015, I was scaling this business and realizing my passion for storytelling and connection could go hand in hand. In 2017, I took the leap to full-time photography. Scary? Heck yes. Worth it? A thousand times over.
Then in 2024, the spark grew again. My love for helping others inspired me to expand beyond photography—creating tools to help mamas simplify the chaos, reclaim their time, and savor the moments that matter.
And now? Everything feels full circle—using my gift for storytelling and my heart for connection to make an impact, one family and one mama at a time.
I'm a Mommy, wife, and Enneagram 1w2 passionate about creating meaningful moments, simplifying life, and capturing timeless memories.
Hey there,
Friend!
Meet my Whys
Jimmy
Hubby. Real estate investor. Selfless. Dedicated. Practicing caffeine-addict.
Beckett James
Empathetic, nature-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 an online matchmaking success story (face palm). It all started with a dare from a friend. After a little negotiation, I reluctantly promised to make a profile on Adventist Singles—but only for two weeks! I took the tests, stalked my matches (including a college professor—yikes!), and happily deactivated my profile right on schedule.
But a few days later, one of my matches popped up on a mutual friend’s Facebook page. I figured, why not? And well… the rest is history!
I met my husband online.
Motherhood has challenged my perfectionist tendencies like nothing else. It didn’t go as planned—at all. Some days, I feel far from strong. But it’s taught me to trust God’s sufficiency, rest in His grace, and lean on His strength. It’s messy, humbling, and painful at times—but also a beautiful journey I’m so grateful for.
I'm a recovering perfectionist.
I earned my Master’s in Social Work with a focus on Child & Family Therapy from Southern Adventist University. My time doing in-home counseling, research, and serving in a Neonatal ICU was so rewarding. I thought I’d leave that behind when I pursued photography, but those skills? They’re perfect for navigating wedding day dynamics and wrangling kiddos during family sessions!
I'm a social worker.
I’m basically Joanna Gaines’ soul sister… just without her talent (sigh). Growing up, I was always rearranging my room. Now, as a real estate investor, creating fresh, inviting spaces is just part of who I am. Whether it’s styling a home or capturing timeless family moments, creativity runs deep. And hey, if Joanna Gaines ever calls, I’m ready!
I'm addicted to interior design & decorating.
Would you believe I’m a native Floridian? As soon as I graduated high school, I couldn’t get to the mountains fast enough. Chattanooga stole my heart with its endless opportunities to find God in nature—and let’s not forget actual seasons! The leaves during a Tennessee fall? Absolutely breathtaking. Tennessee is home now, and I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful place to be.
i love me some fresh air and scenic views.
"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 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 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 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
Looking for a photographer who gets it?
As a parent, I know how special—and how quickly—these seasons fly by (seriously, how is nap time already over?). That’s why I’m all about capturing the details, candids, and in-between moments for families in Chattanooga and Cleveland, Tennessee. Whether you’ve got a Pinterest-worthy vision or just want to freeze time before the next growth spurt, let’s create something timeless together!
