Brooke Ellen Photography

Turning life’s in-between moments into treasured memories.

Brooke Ellen Photography captures weddings with a timeless, nostalgic lens, blending candid documentary moments with touches of editorial artistry. Drawn to photography from an early age, Brooke has always been passionate about preserving the joy, connection, and in-between moments that make each celebration unique. Her work is rooted in storytelling, ensuring every couple’s day is remembered as beautifully and authentically as it felt.

How did you first discover photography, and what drew you to weddings?

From a very young age, I was drawn to anything with a camera – old flip phones, iPads, point-and-shoots and film cameras. I loved documenting everyday life, family moments, and holidays. There’s something so special about receiving an image from a real-life experience, you weren’t expecting to be reminded of the joy in that moment. I’ve always loved capturing the feelings that come from connection and time spent together, and even as a kid I loved taking photos of friends and family. Weddings felt like a natural extension of that love for capturing connection. While working at weddings in high school for a catering company, it didn’t feel like work at all! Being part of someone’s special day, witnessing the love and excitement from friends and family, was incredible. I was always captivated by the photographers, watching them document it all, and I knew I wanted to do the same.

How would you describe your signature style behind the lens?

My style is timeless, nostalgic, and true to the moment. I love creating photos that people will cherish forever, ones that feel like looking back at treasured images from previous generations. I aim for a natural, authentic look, with touches of editorial or film-inspired style. I focus on the small, in-between moments that people don’t expect to notice, capturing the details, gestures, and emotions that tell the story of the day. Ultimately, I want people to feel at ease and trust that I’ll represent their wedding exactly as they’ve dreamed it.

What do you look for when capturing the in-between moments?

A wedding is the culmination of a lifetime of love, relationships and memories, and I aim to capture that. I love the laughs, tears, and glances, the small gestures that say the most. Parents’ pride, friends’ admiration, the quiet connections, those are the things that tell the bigger story.

Is there a wedding or couple that shaped the way you approach your work?

Being part of many weddings growing up, and imagining my own fairly-tale wedding, has shaped how I approach my work. Every couple is different, and every wedding is unique. I’ve learned that getting to know each couple beforehand makes the biggest difference. When people feel relaxed, they can just enjoy the day, and I can capture the joy naturally.

What role does storytelling play, and how do you balance candid documentary with creative direction?

Storytelling is everything. I’ll usually mood board with couples before the day so we can capture both the raw emotions and the intentional, beautiful details. I was top of my class in English for my love of creative writing, and I see photography in the same way, as a visual story. My background in marketing and creative direction helps me balance natural, candid moments with styled, editorial shots.

How do you build trust and connection with couples before and during the wedding day?

Meeting in person is key. Having a coffee, talking through the day, and being available for any questions helps couples feel comfortable. I keep things relaxed so they can enjoy themselves while I capture it all authentically.

Where do you draw creative inspiration from outside of photography?

I also pull inspiration from travel, movies, art galleries, magazines, and just observing everyday life. The way light hits different objects, the way different colours sit together, or the shapes and details you notice when you slow down.

How do you keep your perspective fresh from celebration to celebration?

Every wedding is completely unique, and that’s what keeps me inspired. Taking the time to connect with couples beforehand allows me to really understand their story and be fully present on the day. In between, I recharge with travel, reading, and spending time with friends at the beach or outdoors. Each wedding has its own energy, personalities, and stories, which keeps my perspective fresh and my work evolving.

Advice for couples to feel relaxed in front of the camera?

Don’t worry about the perfect shot – just be yourselves. Laugh, move naturally, breathe. Trust me to capture you as you are. I’ll guide you when needed so you feel confident and comfortable.

Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of wedding photography?

I love seeing couples make weddings more personal and creative. At the same time, I’ll always love the simplicity of a classic wedding. The diversity of weddings today excites me, and I’m thrilled to keep capturing love stories in all their unique, beautiful forms.