Today we’d like to introduce you to Joie Thongsavath.

Hi Joie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

Sometimes, I look back at my earliest work and smile—it felt groundbreaking at the time, but in hindsight, it was charmingly “silly.” It all started with a bootleg copy of Adobe Photoshop, shared with me by a college boyfriend who was studying graphic design. Before that, I was making posters and flyers using Microsoft Word and Paint. Photoshop unlocked a whole new world of creativity for me. I’d scan photos I took with my film camera, process them in Photoshop, and even took stills with my webcam to create “portraits” for family. My mom still has some of those photos framed to this day.

My first “clients” were my cousins, who trusted me with their senior portraits. Looking back, I cringe at some of my decisions—poor lighting, awkward compositions—but to them, the photos were priceless, and their faith in me meant everything.

After graduating from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in International Affairs and Political Science, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do. I took a leap and moved to Montana for love. What followed were a series of dead-end jobs until I stumbled into an unexpected opportunity. When I overheard that my temp job was letting me go because they wanted to merge my role with a graphic designer’s, I started looking for work immediately. By chance, I saw an ad in the paper for a graphic designer and applied out of curiosity. Even though I was already familiar with Photoshop, I taught myself InDesign over a single weekend, landed the job at the local newspaper’s design team, and spent the next six years designing ads and layouts.

During that time, photography became more than just a hobby. I started capturing moments around town—small, beautiful scenes that caught my eye. A few coworkers encouraged me to share my photos with management, and to my surprise, they wanted to include my work in the newspaper’s local guides. From there, things began to snowball. A sales rep needed custom photos for a client, so I bought my first DSLR camera to make it happen. I was thrilled to finally feel like a “real” photographer, but then a moment of clarity hit me: I’d been giving away my talent for free.

When I asked for recognition—whether through purchasing gear for me to use or a promotion—it didn’t go over well. Instead of supporting my growth, the paper started shifting priorities in ways that made it clear I had outgrown the space. I knew I had more to offer, and the environment no longer felt aligned with where I was heading. So, I made the scariest decision of my life: I quit.

I didn’t have a clear plan, but I knew I couldn’t keep undervaluing myself. I took a full-time graveyard shift job, and during the day, I poured everything I had into building my photography business. I networked with local businesses, photographed friends and family, and volunteered for nonprofits. It wasn’t glamorous—I worked, hustled, and barely slept—but I believed in the dream.

Then, I shot my first wedding. It was magic. Being surrounded by so much joy and love—capturing a once-in-a-lifetime day for a couple who truly valued photography—felt like stepping into my purpose.

Since then, it hasn’t been easy. There have been bumps, doubts, and slow seasons, but I’ve never looked back. Today, I’m in a position where I can spend my weekdays watching my kids grow and my weekends documenting love stories. During the week, I continue to flex my creative muscle through graphic design work for small businesses, which allows me to stay close to my little ones while still doing what I love.

I’ve built a life I’m proud of, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

I’ve learned that photography is about so much more than taking beautiful photos—it’s about connection, trust, and telling stories that will outlive us. For me, every wedding is a reflection of the journey that brought me here. I didn’t take the conventional path, but it’s made me who I am: a photographer who values your memories as much as my own—and a designer who’s never stopped creating.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

The road to where I am today has been anything but smooth, but I think that’s what makes the journey worth it. After my time in Montana, where I first started building my photography career, I faced a pivotal moment in my life—one that closed a chapter and led me to California. My first marriage had ended, not messily, but with the realization that we’d grown up too soon and in different directions. It wasn’t easy to leave a place I had worked so hard to build a life, but sometimes walking away is the best way to start over. California seemed like the fresh start I needed—a place where I could chase the sun, be closer to family, and hopefully find my way again.

But I wasn’t fully present in the work. After nearly seven years in a relationship, I was lost in trying to rebuild a life on my own. My focus wasn’t where it should have been, and I struggled to balance my business with the need for stability and self-discovery. I took on a full-time job to pay the bills, feeling that maybe photography wasn’t for me after all.

It wasn’t until I met my husband that I started to see my potential again. He looked at my work—images I thought were decent—and told me they belonged in magazines. He believed in me at a time when I didn’t believe in myself. His unwavering support reignited a spark I thought I’d lost. Together, we moved to Sunol, California – a small town on the outskirts of San Francisco, for a new opportunity for him. I worked two jobs during the day while photographing weddings whenever I could on weekends—splitting my time between the Bay Area and the Central Valley, where I’d already started to gain traction. It was exhausting but rewarding. I was finding my way back.

I joined the Rising Tide Society, a community for small business owners, and it became a turning point. After months of showing up and connecting with like-minded creatives, I stepped into a leadership role for my local chapter. It not only allowed me to grow my network, but it gave me a community I didn’t know I needed.

Then life threw some hard punches. My brother was killed in a tragic car accident. My mother-in-law passed away the following year. My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. All those losses forced me to reevaluate what mattered most. I realized I wanted to be close to the people I loved—there was no more waiting for the “right time.” On a visit to Oregon to run in my sister’s place during Portland to Coast (which she was suppose to do herself), I was struck by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The fresh air, the lush greenery, and the thought of living near my best friend—my sister—sealed the deal.

So, we packed up and moved in February 2020. I was ready to hit the ground running—excited to network, start second shooting, and build a presence in Oregon. But then the pandemic happened. Suddenly, the world paused. All my 2020 weddings postponed to 2021, and I was left wondering how to move forward. It was one of the most uncertain times of my life.

Amid that stillness, something beautiful happened: my husband and I found out we were expecting our first child. For years, we’d hoped for this moment, and in May 2020, we learned we’d be parents. The quiet of the pandemic gave us time to focus on our health and each other. In the last five years, I’ve welcomed two babies into the world while continuing to navigate work and family life.

Balancing motherhood and business hasn’t been easy. I’ve felt torn between California, where I built so much of my career, and Oregon, where I’ve been planting new roots. The wedding industry itself shifted—smaller micro weddings became the norm, and budgets tightened as people adjusted to a new reality.

But I kept going. I built connections, stayed true to my craft, and showed up for couples who trusted me with their stories. This year, I finally started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Weddings are a little bigger, celebrations are brighter, and the energy feels renewed.

The journey hasn’t been smooth, but I’ve learned that with persistence and passion, you’ll always find your way. Every bump in the road has shaped who I am today—someone who values connection, storytelling, and creating memories that stand the test of time. And as I look ahead to 2025, I can’t help but feel grateful and hopeful for what’s to come.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

I am a wedding photographer with a passion for capturing stories that feel personal, timeless, and full of heart. Over the last 18 years, I’ve had the privilege of documenting weddings that are not only celebrations but reflections of each couple’s love story and the quiet moments that led them to their big day. I specialize in blending film and digital photography to create images that feel artful and authentic—images that stand the test of time.

What sets me apart is my dedication to connection and storytelling. I take time to get to know my couples, understanding the unique details that make their story theirs—whether it’s the handwritten notes they exchange, the family heirloom tucked into a bouquet, or the quiet joy of seeing their loved ones come together. I’m intentional about weaving those details into their wedding imagery so that years from now, when they look at their photos, they don’t just see beautiful portraits—they feel their memories come alive.

I’m proud of the trust my couples place in me. Being chosen to capture someone’s wedding day is a deeply personal experience. It’s more than just showing up with a camera—it’s about being present, supportive, and fully invested in creating a seamless, joyful experience. I’m honored when my couples tell me that I felt like part of the family or that I helped calm their nerves on such an emotional day. To me, those moments of trust are as valuable as the photos themselves.

In terms of style, my approach is true-to-color with a film aesthetic—timeless and elegant, yet full of life. I’m known for creating photos that balance polished artistry with candid storytelling. I love the grandeur of thoughtfully designed celebrations—the vibrant florals, exquisite tablescapes, and cultural traditions—but I’m equally drawn to the in-between moments: a tearful embrace, a joyful dance floor, or the way the light hits a couple at sunset.

My experience in the industry also gives me an edge in navigating weddings seamlessly. I understand the flow of a day, the importance of timing and lighting, and the art of being both unobtrusive and present. I work closely with wedding planners to ensure a stress-free experience so my couples can be fully immersed in their celebration while I handle the rest.

Ultimately, what sets me apart is my belief that photography is more than just documentation—it’s an art form that preserves not just moments but emotions. My couples invest in their details, their loved ones, and the experience of their day—and I match that investment by ensuring their story is captured in a way that is both meaningful and timeless.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?

The Covid-19 crisis taught me the power of resilience, adaptability, and slowing down to appreciate what matters most. Before the pandemic hit, I had just moved to Oregon with big plans—networking with vendors, building relationships, and getting my business established in a new market. When everything came to a sudden halt, my weddings were postponed, my plans were put on hold, and like so many others, I was left wondering what to do next.

In that stillness, I realized two things: first, that life will always throw curveballs, and second, that the moments we cherish most are often the quiet, simple ones. While the pandemic took away the busyness of weddings and work, it gave me the chance to focus on my health, my family, and, unexpectedly, starting my own. My husband and I struggled with infertility for years, but it was during this time of less stress and more intentional living that we welcomed our first child—a silver lining that I will forever be grateful for.

Professionally, the pandemic pushed me to pivot. With weddings on pause, I leaned into my other creative strength—graphic design—and began supporting small businesses that were trying to stay afloat and adapt themselves. It reminded me that design had always been a part of my story, and it was still a skill I could offer to help others show up beautifully and intentionally during uncertain times. That season helped me reconnect with why I love what I do: it’s not just about capturing or creating beautiful things—it’s about helping people feel seen, supported, and empowered.

As weddings slowly returned, they looked different. Celebrations became smaller, more intimate, and focused less on grandeur and more on meaningful connection. It reminded me that the heart of a wedding isn’t the big celebration—it’s the love, the relationships, and the shared moments that make the day unforgettable. I learned to work with couples on shorter timelines, micro-weddings, and elopements, capturing those quieter, deeply personal celebrations with just as much care and artistry as larger events.

Now, as things return to a sense of normalcy, I carry that perspective with me: that weddings are about the people, the love stories, and the small, fleeting moments that can never be recreated. Covid-19 reaffirmed my belief that what I do—whether through photography or design—is not just important, but essential. Life is unpredictable, but creativity—through images, through story, through design—is a tangible way to hold onto what matters most.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://simplejoie.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/simplejoiephoto
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/simplejoiephoto
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/simplejoiephoto
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplejoiephoto
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/simple-joie-photography-beaverton-2

Image Credits

Simple Joie Photography