The Coe Collective

The Coe Collective 

10 Wedding Photos to Tell the Whole Story

weddings

I spend a lot of time listening to photographers I admire talk about challenging the status quo in the wedding industry. Recently, John Dolan stated he’d be interested in seeing more wedding photo blogs featuring 10 images from a wedding day. Just 10 images to tell the whole story of what the day was like. I needed a good challenge, so I tackled this one head on with Allison and Chad’s wedding day back in March.

I will compile a more robust blog post sharing more of my favorite images later. For now, I’m sharing 10 frames from this intimate winter wedding in Okoboji, Iowa.

My criteria for selecting images for this wedding photo challenge was to find photos that made you feel like you were there. Personally, I struggled narrowing it down to 39 photos out of over 400. So, I enlisted the help of some gracious friends, Makayla, Annie and Aaron. Together, we knocked it down to 10.

Without further ado, 10 photos from Alli + Chad’s wedding day.

A black and white image of the bride and groom's family standing together waiting to walk down the stairs and into the ceremony space.
Black and white image of the parents of the couple sitting side by side, holding hands watching the bride and groom say their vows.
Black and white out of focus image of the groom carrying the bride out of the ceremony space, the couple is laughing on their way out while the best man and maid of honor look on in the background.
Black and white image of the bride and groom's family waving to the wedding guests who attended via Zoom video.
Black and white image of the bride and her mom laughing, while the bride's aunt walks past them laughing.
Black and white image of all wedding couple and their family standing outside laughing and enjoying each other's company in front of the Oakwood Inn at Okoboji.
Black and white image of bride and groom holding their dog and smiling at the camera.
Black and white image of bride and groom kissing in the foreground while their families cheer and should from the background in front of their wedding venue, the Oakwood Inn at Okoboji.
The best man giving his speech and making the bride and groom laugh. The groom's mom can be seen videotaping the speech on her phone in the corner.
Image taken from the head of a long, family style dinner table. Frame includes the bride and family members, laughing and chatting with each other, plates full of food and drinks lining the table.

xoxo,
your faithful truth-teller

April 9, 2021

  1. Amanda says:
    June 23, 2023 at 9:41 pm

    I absolutely need to challenge myself to do this!!! Loved these photos Ashley!

    Reply

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I'm a Minnesota wedding photographer. I am best known for my candid photos that showcase the truest spirits of you and the people you love. As a documentary wedding photographer, I give you space for uninterrupted moments to experience your event as it happens. Always present, but not intrusive. I am always on the move, working my way into the middle of the action as often as I stand back and observe. This approach results in a comprehensive gallery of images that honestly and wholeheartedly tell the story of your wedding day-- the story of how you love, who was there, and why it matters.  

hey. i'm ashley (she/her)

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If you believe in people coming first, in immersing yourself in your event, in photographs that represent your life, then it's time to reach out. Together we'll make the photographs you've dreamed of along with photos you never knew were possible.

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The Coe Collective