A young woman with long blonde hair, wearing glasses, a beige sweater, and black overalls, standing against a light background with cloud graphics. There are pink and gray design elements with the text 'trying to be a walking sparkle' and the initials 'JMS' in the pink circle.

Oh hi, I’m Julia!

I photographed my first wedding a decade ago, and never looked back. I started carrying a camera around when i was 12 after convincing my dad to buy me a digital one from Sam’s club. I grew up along the coast, splitting my time between Rural North carolina outside of wilmington and charleston, south carolina. i have a bfa in fine art and studied painting + drawing in college. having a more classical art training has definitely informed my photography, letting me focus on the feeling of the moment while my brain back seat drives the composition + technical elements. the salt sticky air of a moonlit beach holds more magic for me than most things.

Two young adults cuddling with eyes closed, smiling, wearing cozy sweaters, one with colorful makeup and earrings, the other with freckles, in a warm, intimate setting while abstract pastel-colored shapes and celestial symbols overlay the image.

the biz

I started photographing weddings in 2012, and have captured over 250 wedding days! Along the way I've been published in places like Junebug Weddings, The Knot, Carats & Cake, and Town Magazine. I had a brief stint owning a bridal shop and loved helping brides execute their vision through styling.

A family holding a newborn baby with two dogs in a cozy room, decorated with string lights and a pink and black abstract background.

the personal

mom to the cutest toddler to exist (unbiased). I love a trinket!! Constantly starting a new creative hobby only to do it once, reading in the bathtub, cartoons that may or may not be for children and a good game night.

THINGS I love

EVERY KIND OF FLUFFY ANIMAL.

SEMI-TRASHY TEEN ROMANCE SHOWS.

EVERY KIND OF FLUFFY ANIMAL. SEMI-TRASHY TEEN ROMANCE SHOWS.

CUTE VIDEO GAMES.

PLAYING THE SAME SONG OVER AND OVER.

CUTE VIDEO GAMES. PLAYING THE SAME SONG OVER AND OVER.

DISCO BALL MAGIC HOUR.

COLLECTING STORIES.

DISCO BALL MAGIC HOUR. COLLECTING STORIES.

ORDINARY MAGIC.

SEASHELLS AND SALT WAVES.

ORDINARY MAGIC. SEASHELLS AND SALT WAVES.

A young woman and man roller skating on a rooftop during sunset, holding hands and smiling at each other.

i will smile like a fool editing through your entire session

all about connection

So here’s the thing, I know I’m not the photographer for everyone. There are lots of people that can take a pretty picture, so connection is key! I’ll always try to meet you outside of just words on a screen before booking so we can know if it’s there. Being brought in to your best days is an honor and a privilege that I don’t take lightly. If you let me in, I’ll treasure that privilege. I will smile like a fool editing through your entire session. I will champion your love, your marriage, your family.

A woman smiling and wearing a tiara, sitting in a sunlit room with shadows and light spots on the wall.

my empathetic heart gets joy from capturing any and all forms of love

for humans in love

I consider my approach to be documentary lifestyle. I’m here to make photos for the people in them, and want to tell Your story truly. It’s worth preserving and your love should be captured exactly as it is! Aesthetically, my aim is true to life, with a little extra magic.

As a business and as a human bean I am lgbtq+ celebratory!

questions? see my Faqs

Think we’d get along? Perfect! I already like you. Let’s work together!

reach out!