Ava Me Photography - Together Journal

For Joel of Ava Me Photography, weddings are about more than just great pictures—they’re about creating an unforgettable experience for the couple and their guests.

With a focus on creating authentic, joyful memories for couples, Joel brings not just his talent but his genuine love for weddings to every shoot. Curious about his journey and what drives him as a photographer? Read on to find out more!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do, what makes Ava Me Photography special?

Husband to my wife for 11 years, with two kids – Ava & Jacob. Of course, the name of the business does derive from the name of my daughter, Ava. Like every photographer I want to capture beautiful wedding images but I also want to bring positive energy and feel good vibes to all involved, that way my couples enjoy the day just as much as I do.

How did you get started in the wedding industry?

I first got into wedding photography when I photographed my cousin’s wedding way back in 2016, my cousin had seen baby pictures of my daughter Ava and thought they looked really good so roped me into their wedding. Now it wasn’t a particularly great experience as I had poor camera equipment and wasn’t sure of what I was doing so struggled mightily. Not too long after, I fortunately got another chance to photograph another wedding and this one turned out to be a far better experience and result, not to mention I got paid for it, which reaffirmed my belief in being part of the wedding industry. The video side of the business started up during COVID (that cursed time) in 2021 and has also grown from strength to strength each year, it was always something I thought about before but didn’t really setup until I had time and during those two years of the pandemic – I had a lot of free time.

What is your number one recommendation for couples/brides who are choosing a photographer?

Follow (stalk) the ones you like on social media, always have a chat whether in person or video conference then check their availability as early as possible because sometimes the calendar can stretch out 18 months to 2 years in advance.