I’ve documented post wedding brunches to beach bonfires, boat days and poolside hangs. While I haven’t followed a couple on their honeymoon, I’m always up for travel – especially when it involves a beautiful location! I’m so grateful to be trusted and honoured with documenting such emotional, intimate moments for my couples. I don’t take that responsibility lightly and every wedding is a chance to tell a new story…”
Alyssa Forbes, Wedding Photographer
Alyssa Forbes is a digital and film wedding photographer based along the scenic 30A coastline of Florida. She specialises in destination weddings, offering full wedding weekend coverage and crafting nostalgic storytelling through her lens. Here we discuss her inspirations and how she achieves her unique artistic vision. With a keen eye for authentic moments and a deep appreciation for the beauty of each couple’s journey, Alyssa draws inspiration from the heartfelt narratives that unfold during weddings, and her commitment to capturing genuine emotions ensures that every photograph resonates with timeless elegance…
C&B: “Alyssa, your photographic style is gorgeous – what first inspired you to pursue a career in wedding photography, and how did you develop your unique style?”
AF: “My family inspired me to pursue photography; when my son was born, I wanted to capture everything about him and our lives, and that really drove me to dive headfirst into photography and storytelling. I transitioned to photographing families, then couples, and weddings came soon after. I fell in love with telling people’s stories in a documentary and relaxed style…”
Most of my couples come through word of mouth from wedding planners, former couples and vendors that I’ve worked with. I’ve found that building genuine relationships within the industry is essential…”
Alyssa Forbes, Wedding Photographer
C&B: “Can you describe your process for capturing the essence of a couple’s love story through your photography?”
AF: “It starts with connection and trust; I want to truly get to know my couples. I want to know how they interact, what their hobbies are, what makes them laugh, what feels natural to them. I really push for an engagement session or to meet before the big day so we can shoot and get to know each other. On the day, I blend unobtrusive storytelling with gentle direction to bring out authentic emotion and I feel like through digital and film photography I can create a gallery that feels intentional and genuine to the specific couple and their day…”
C&B: “What type of packages do you offer your couples; can you make them bespoke?”
AF: “Yes, I offer custom-tailored collections that include full weekend coverage, unlimited planning and consultation calls, multiple shooters, heirloom albums and prints. I also offer additional event coverage such as welcome parties, bridal luncheons, day after brunch, etc. I am introducing Super 8 video as well…”
C&B: “Couples are always keen to see their photographs as soon as possible; how quickly are you able to get the images to them after their big day?”
AF: “I deliver a sneak peek gallery within 48 hours so that the couple and their loved ones can see images right after the big day! Full galleries are delivered in 6-8 weeks which gives time for film development as well…”
Recently, I had the opportunity to collaborate with local vendors and planners to create our most recent WIPA event, which was a Slim Aarons retro beach party at the local restaurant, Daytrader, in Seaside. I also shot Super 8 and film for the event! I find a lot of joy in creating styled editorials with vendors and my collaborations with hotels and venues all across the Southeast. Our next editorial will be located in New Orleans this upcoming fall!”
Alyssa Forbes, Wedding Photographer
C&B: “You live and work in a truly beautiful area – do you have favourite venues and/or locations that you’ve shot at?”
AF: “I love photographing at Rosemary Beach on 30a for its European charm. The iconic Pearl hotel is located there and it is such a dream to photograph for its architecture and light. The receptions take place on the rooftop overlooking the stunning Gulf and it’s the dreamiest spot to watch the sunset. Another great location I love along 30a is the Watercolor Resort. It has enough space to do a full on tented event with the luxury of having all your guests feel like they are on vacation for your wedding. With the luxury pools, restaurants and events that take place on 30a, there’s never a dull moment on wedding weekends! Some honourable mentions that I’ve worked at: I loved shooting in New Orleans when we photographed a wedding at the Museum of Modern Art, and also in Atlanta at the Swan House. There are such gorgeous venues in the south east!”
I think that having authentic connections with my couples is a key element of great photography; real timeless images come from couples being fully present on their wedding day. Not forcing moments, but allowing them to unfold naturally. Film photography also plays a big role in my work; it slows down the process and keeps me intentional with every frame…”
Alyssa Forbes, Wedding Photographer
C&B: “How do you ensure that your work resonates with diverse couples who may have different aesthetic preferences and cultural backgrounds?”
AF: “It starts with listening. I want each one of my couples to feel seen, understood and celebrated. I take the time to learn about their culture, traditions and what matters most to them. From there, I can photograph the day with the nuance and respect it deserves while also keeping their aesthetic vision in mind…”
C&B: “Can you share a memorable experience or standout moment from a wedding you photographed that significantly impacted your artistic vision?”
AF: “A memorable experience I had at the beginning of my career over ten years ago was photographing my first intimate wedding. Before this wedding, I generally shot many of my weddings in the same way. In the beginning, while learning, I felt like there were ‘must-have’ shots that I had to get at every single wedding – first looks with bridesmaids, pajama pics, etc. This was my first intimate wedding, and they did not do a single traditional thing that they did not want to do – they had no wedding party, private vows, and only close family members in attendance. This wedding shifted how I viewed the ‘must-have’ wedding traditions and helped me lean more into a curated experience, as wedding storytelling is personal and meaningful to the individual couples…”
I’m a member of WIPA and regular attend industry events when I can; I love to connect with other creatives in the industry and stay inspired. I also love creative retreats and editorials. Any event that blends education with artistry is a must for me!”
Alyssa Forbes, Wedding Photographer
C&B: “Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for your photography career, and how do you see the evolving landscape of wedding photography influencing your work?”
AF: “I’m excited to continue expanding my destination work and create more space for education and editorial collaborations. I see wedding photography moving toward a more intentional, art driven storytelling approach and I want to be part of that movement. The dream is to blend storytelling with editorial and timeless artwork that creates heirloom quality pieces for my clients and their families for generations to come. I’m so grateful that through my photography, I get to do what I truly love!”
CONTACT: http://www.alyssaforbesphotography.com
