Jemima Richards

Romance without rules, captured with intention.

Jemima Richards approaches weddings with an editorial eye, a documentary instinct, and a belief that the most meaningful celebrations are the ones that embrace individuality. Australian-born and now based in Massachusetts, she documents weddings around the world with a style that is both refined and deeply emotive, blending digital, film, and Super 8 to create imagery that feels timeless yet unmistakably personal. In the Q&A below, Jemima shares more about the creative perspective behind her work, the influences that continue to shape it, and what inspires her most.

What first drew you to weddings as a subject to photograph?

When I was younger, I thought I was going to be a writer. I imagined travelling the world, telling incredible stories. Eventually I realised words weren’t the medium that felt most natural to me, and photography became the way I wanted to tell them instead. It took me a little longer to realise weddings were the stories I was meant to document, but every couple, every family, and every celebration kept pulling me back. When friends started asking me to photograph their weddings, it felt like the universe was trying to tell me something.

How would you describe your visual style to someone encountering your work for the first time?

I always describe my work as documentary with an editorial flair. I want to capture the real moments, the emotion, the movement, and the quiet in between. Alongside that, I create portraits that feel refined, effortless, and unmistakably like the people in them. My goal is for every gallery to feel honest, artful, and deeply personal.

What is your favourite kind of chaos to photograph?

The dance floor, every time. It’s where everyone’s personalities come alive. Whether it’s grandma dancing with the cousins or the wedding party completely losing themselves in the music, it’s the part of the day where people forget they’re being photographed, and that’s when the magic happens.

What part of your personality do you think quietly reveals itself in your images?

My constant search for whimsy. I’m always looking for ways to make moments feel playful, unexpected, or just a little different. I love encouraging couples to embrace ideas that feel true to them, even if they’re slightly unconventional.

What is one thing couples do that always makes for great photographs?

Have fun with your cake cutting. Better yet, rethink it altogether. Whether it’s tiramisu, a cheese tower, or something completely unexpected, adding a little theatre to that moment always creates photographs full of joy and personality.

What influences beyond photography continue to shape the way you see the world?

The people I surround myself with have shaped me more than anything else. Moving across the world has shown me the importance of finding community, and I’ve been incredibly lucky to build one while still feeling the unwavering support of my family back home. That sense of connection reminds me to give everything I do my full heart, not just for myself, but for the people who believe in me.

What kind of atmosphere or energy tends to bring out your best work?

I love couples who approach their wedding with creativity and intention. I want to understand your visual language, the art you love, the music you listen to, the little details that feel like you. The more personal the celebration, the more meaningful the photographs become.

What is one unexpected or in-between moment you always hope to catch?

Guests holding hands during the ceremony. It’s such a small gesture, but it says so much. Watching people celebrate someone else’s love by quietly expressing a little of their own always feels incredibly special.

If your photography had a soundtrack, what would it sound like?

Eclectic. A little acoustic, a little reggaeton, probably some progressive metal, and absolutely a healthy dose of yearning emo. It might sound chaotic on paper, but every song evokes a different feeling, and that’s exactly how I hope my work feels too.

What kinds of stories or celebrations are you most excited to document in the years ahead?

I’m becoming increasingly drawn to vow renewals. As more of my friends reach new chapters in their marriages, I’ve seen just how meaningful these celebrations can be. They’re a chance to honour everything you’ve built together, but they’re also an opportunity to create the celebration you’ve always imagined. There’s something incredibly beautiful about choosing each other all over again.