We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica Wright a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jessica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Jess René Photos was born from a lifelong passion for storytelling and an unwavering belief that photography is more than just taking pictures—it’s about preserving the moments that define us. From carrying a 35mm film camera in high school to photographing weddings across the country, my mission has always been to create images that feel deeply personal, timeless, and true to each couple’s unique love story.
I believe wedding photography should be more than just a transactional experience—it should be a relationship built on trust, connection, and a shared vision. Too often, couples feel like just another client in an industry that prioritizes volume over value. I started this business to change that. Every couple deserves to feel seen, heard, and understood. My goal is to ensure that when they look back on their wedding photos, they don’t just see a beautiful gallery—they relive the emotions, the laughter, the quiet glances, and the once-in-a-lifetime moments that made their day so special.
Timelessness is at the heart of my work. While trends come and go, my approach is rooted in true-to-color, high-quality imagery that stands the test of time. I want my couples to look back on their wedding photos decades from now and feel the same love and excitement they felt on that day.
Inclusivity is also a driving force behind my mission. As someone who has often felt like an outsider, I know firsthand the importance of feeling valued and celebrated. My business is built on the foundation that love is love, and every couple deserves to have their story told with care, respect, and artistry—regardless of who they are, how they identify, or what their love looks like.
This mission goes beyond photography—it’s about human connection. It’s about making sure my couples feel comfortable, confident, and truly present on one of the most important days of their lives. It’s about crafting an experience that is as meaningful as the images themselves.
At Jess René Photos, I don’t just document weddings—I capture legacies, preserve emotions, and create art that lasts a lifetime.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Starting Jess René Photos was a dream I never saw coming. In high school, I loved yearbook class and carried a 35mm film camera everywhere, documenting the world around me. But it wasn’t until my late 20s that I realized this passion could turn into something bigger—a career built around storytelling, emotion, and human connection.
As a wedding photographer, I focus on true-to-color images with a high standard for quality. Trends come and go, but I believe timeless imagery is what truly holds value. While I appreciate a good trend, my goal is to create galleries that couples will proudly showcase for years—photographs that feel just as beautiful decades later as they do today.
I provide wedding photography that captures the moments that matter most—not just the grand, expected highlights, but the quiet, meaningful interactions: the loving glance from a partner, the squeeze of a grandmother’s hand, the way a child looks at the bride like she’s a real-life princess. These moments aren’t just beautiful; they’re irreplaceable.
For my couples, I solve the problem of uncertainty. I help them feel confident in their photography experience by offering clear communication, a seamless process, and guidance along the way. Whether it’s helping them craft the perfect timeline or making sure they feel comfortable in front of the camera, I create an experience that is effortless and enjoyable from start to finish.
Success, to me, isn’t about money—it’s about happiness and impact. Before photography, I worked a corporate job that left me unfulfilled. Now, every wedding I document feels like an accomplishment. Seeing my clients light up when they receive their images, knowing I’ve preserved memories that will be cherished for generations—that’s what fuels me.
I also take pride in my commitment to inclusivity. I believe in making every client feel seen and valued, regardless of who they are, what they believe, or how they identify. For me, it’s not just a business value; it’s a personal one. We all deserve to feel celebrated and included, and I strive to reflect that in my work and my client relationships.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
At the core of my creative journey is the belief that every love story is unique—shaped by culture, environment, and personal experience. No two couples are the same, and neither should their wedding photography be. My goal is to document love in its most authentic form, embracing the diversity of the couples I work with and the beautiful variety of traditions, backgrounds, and personal styles they bring to their wedding day.
Travel has played a huge role in shaping my perspective as a photographer. Experiencing different environments—from historic estates in New England to sun-soaked villas in Italy—has given me a deep appreciation for the way space, culture, and setting influence how a wedding is felt and remembered. Whether capturing a couple exchanging vows beneath towering redwoods or dancing beneath city lights, my approach is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about preserving the atmosphere, energy, and emotions that make each celebration unique.
Beyond locations and visuals, my mission is rooted in understanding people. I know firsthand what it feels like to not always fit into traditional molds, and that’s why inclusivity is so important to me. Every couple should feel valued, seen, and celebrated exactly as they are. I strive to create an experience where they feel comfortable expressing their love in a way that feels natural to them, without the pressure of industry expectations or trends that don’t resonate with who they truly are.
At the end of the day, my goal isn’t just to take beautiful photos—it’s to tell stories that feel deeply personal, culturally rich, and emotionally powerful. Stories that honor the individuality of each couple, the significance of their surroundings, and the once-in-a-lifetime moments that will become part of their legacy.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
The way I want to be treated and respected as a creative is exactly how I strive to treat my team. Photography is an art form, but it’s also an emotional investment—both for the clients and for those capturing their most important moments. That’s why fostering a team dynamic built on trust, long-term growth, and mutual understanding is so important to me.
When bringing someone onto my team, I think beyond the short term. Many in the wedding industry hire temporary help just to fill a role for the day, but that approach doesn’t align with my values or the experience I aim to provide. Instead, I invest in people who align with my work ethic, creative vision, and commitment to client relationships. A team that understands one another creates a seamless, intuitive workflow, which ultimately enhances the experience for couples. Clients can immediately sense when a team is in sync, and that energy contributes to the overall atmosphere of their wedding day.
High morale comes from feeling valued and heard. I prioritize open communication, respect for individual creative contributions, and ensuring that everyone involved feels like an integral part of the process. When people feel appreciated and know they are part of something meaningful, they bring their best energy to the work—and that translates into the stunning, heartfelt images we create together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jessrenephotos.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/jessrenephotos
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/jessrenephotos
Image Credits
All images captured by Jess René Photos team