Inside the World of Ashley Joyce’s Wedding Photography
Ashley Joyce began photographing weddings in 2013, after a second-shooting experience showed her the creative freedom of a wedding day. She was drawn to the energy, the movement and the significance of creating photographs that genuinely matter to the people in them. Her work today focuses on thoughtful, artful storytelling, with feeling always leading the way.
THEODORE Mag: When did you start wedding photography, and what inspired you to become a wedding photographer?
AJ: I began photographing weddings in the summer of 2013. Before that, I had spent a couple of years photographing friends and family, but I hadn’t yet considered weddings as a path until a fellow photographer invited me to second shoot alongside them at a wedding in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
That experience shifted everything for me. I was struck by the energy of the day: the emotion, the movement, and the creative freedom that weddings allow. I loved how immersive and fast-paced it felt, and how meaningful it was to create images that truly mattered to the people in them. Seeing the joy my photographs brought to couples is what ultimately inspired me to pursue wedding photography more intentionally.
THEODORE Mag: How would you describe your style in your own words?
AJ: I would describe my work as artful storytelling, with elements of candid portraiture, editorial-inspired posing, and elevated artistic depth.
THEODORE Mag: What inspires you outside of photography and weddings?
AJ: The things that creatively inspire me the most are cinematic films, attending art museums, and discovering new artists online.
THEODORE Mag: What can couples expect when they book you for their wedding?
AJ: Couples can expect thoughtful storytelling from start to finish, with photography that prioritises feeling over posing, and an editorial-inspired aesthetic. My approach to my couple’s photography experience is rooted in intention and care; I want to ensure my couples feel seen and heard, while receiving a photography experience that is true to them and their personal preferences. No two couples are the same, and I work hard to ensure each photography approach is tailored to my couple’s needs. With a calm, intuitive approach, I strive to blend seamlessly into the wedding day, remaining unobtrusive yet truly present to capture the whole day as it unfolds.
THEODORE Mag: What’s your favourite part of a wedding day to capture?
AJ: While I love the creative freedom of photographing portraits, my favourite part of a wedding day is often during the toasts. There’s something incredibly meaningful about witnessing the people who know the couple best speak from the heart. These moments are layered with emotion - laughter, nostalgia, tears - and I’m especially mindful during this time to quietly observe and document those genuine reactions as they unfold.
THEODORE Mag: How do you approach telling each couple’s unique story?
AJ: To tell each couple’s unique story, I first begin by taking the time to truly understand them, through conversation, listening, and observing what matters most to them. I learn what they’re drawn to, what feels meaningful, and just as importantly, what doesn’t.
That understanding allows me to approach their wedding day with sincere intention, creating space for moments to unfold naturally. Rather than forcing a narrative, I focus on capturing the genuine emotion, quiet connections, and in-between moments that reflect who they are, honestly and authentically.
THEODORE Mag: Has your work changed or evolved since you first started?
AJ: Yes, my work has changed a lot over the years. I believe my work has evolved for the best in ways that honour my couples and what they value the most while moving away from strict posing and incorporating more intuitive and intentional posing guidance. Today, I’m far more interested in how a moment feels than how it looks alone. I approach each wedding with patience and intuition, paying attention to the subtle, in-between moments that tell a deeper story. My work has become more refined, more honest, and more emotionally driven, not because I’m chasing trends, but because I trust my eye and my instincts more than I used to.
At its core, the heart of my work hasn’t changed. What’s evolved is my ability to slow down, listen closely, and tell each couple’s story with greater intention and restraint.
THEODORE Mag: Looking back, what’s a moment from a wedding that really stays with you?
AJ: What often stays with me from the weddings I photograph are the moments that quietly reaffirm why I do this work. One wedding in particular stands out: later in the evening, the bride shared that after the ceremony, she and her husband took a few moments to themselves and looked through their rehearsal dinner photos that I had sent the night before. She told me it helped calm her nerves and reminded her that everything was being thoughtfully taken care of.
Moments like that mean everything to me. They remind me that this work goes beyond photographs—it’s about trust, presence, and creating something that allows couples to feel seen, at ease, and fully themselves. Being invited into that level of trust is something I never take lightly.
Visit ashleyjoycephotography.com
Instagram @ashleyjoycephotography
DISCLAIMER: We attempt to credit the original photographer/source of every image we use. However, in most circumstances, the images we use are provided by the brands spoken about, and we rely on them to inform us of the image source. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@theodoremagazine.com
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