We’re embarking on a new year and a new decade. And it’s going to be a good one! You know how I know? It’s because we’re starting off our year of vendor spotlights with none other than Justin Wright from Justin Wright Photography. Our team has gotten to work with Justin a few times over the years and once you read his answers to our questions, you’ll know exactly why we love him so much. We, too, think coffee leads to all things good and have been caught eating Taco Bell nachos post wedding. If you don’t know Justin, you’ll have a much better idea of what a great guy he is after this. So read on to meet him . . . you just might find the wedding photographer you’ve been looking for!
What was your dream job growing up?
When I was really young, I wanted to be a professional basketball player. I was always a skinny kid and tried to convince my dad that I didn’t have to work out because I believed Reggie Miller, my hero at the time, was skinny like me and never worked out either. Later in high school, my plan was to move to the coast of Spain and sell friendship bracelets to tourist. Yep…that was really my plan.
What does a typical wedding day look like for you?
Coffee is my first step to everything.
I try to create as much mental and physical space as I can before I head to the wedding because I know I will be ‘on’ for 10 hours straight. Being intentional about creating that space helps get me in a good place to be creative, relaxed, and clear minded.
I love being super organized leading up to the wedding day so we can actually relax and have a laid back experience on the day of the wedding.
What I love about photographing weddings is telling the story of the day which is why I shoot for 10 hours. This allows me to capture all the special moments that happen outside of the ‘big moments’ during the ceremony and reception. I start my day with getting ready photos and don’t leave until after the couple has made their big exit.
I love having fun with my couples and all of their guests. When I reflect back on a wedding day at the end of the night after I’m alone in my car, I just kind of sit there with a smile on my face thinking about all the fun we had.
How long have you owned Justin Wright Photography?
I have been in business for 11 years and shot over 450 weddings. It’s crazy to say that out loud. I’ve been really blessed to work with so many amazing couples and their families over the years.
Why did you decide to start a photography business?
I started a photography business because it is the intersection of two of my favorite things. I love people and telling stories with my camera. Photographing weddings gives me a direct way to show people the way I see the world and create works of art that will be cherished for generations. That’s a pretty cool gig if you stop and think about it.
What is your favorite part of a wedding day/event day?
My favorite part of a wedding day is when it’s all over and I am at home on the couch indulging in my guilty pleasure: Taco Bell. Totally kidding.
My favorite part of a wedding day changes with each wedding because they are all so different based on the couple’s story and how it plays out on the wedding day. If you forced me to give you a straight answer I would say it is when the couple gets to the reception.
They are totally relaxed and they can finally talk and interact with all their loved ones. You can really see the love people have for the couple when they finally get to see them and give them a hug because it’s written all over their face.
What would be your dream event to photograph?
I would love to shoot backstage at the Oscars; I would shoot candids only all in black and white.
What is your favorite location in Nashville to photograph?
I love Scarritt Bennett. It has so many great areas to use for photos. You have beautiful outdoor areas as well as a gorgeous sanctuary to work with. The arches and stone work are amazing.
I also really like Clementine. I kind of see it as a hip downtown version of Scarritt. You have the same beautiful architecture in a smaller downtown location with a great park across the street to use for photos.
Who would be your dream celebrity or your dream location to photograph?
This is a dream so I’m assuming time and space are irrelevant…
My dream event would be to photograph a week long wedding event of Audrey Hepburn and Ryan Gosling all over Italy, but especially in the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, and Venice. There would only be 75 guests. Everything would be classy but feel relaxed like a big Italian family meal and epic party.
At 10pm they would force me to put down my camera and I would spend the night dancing with people like Ellen, Abraham Lincoln, Ghandi, Amelia Earhart, The Rock, Emma Stone, Jesus, and of course my sweet and beautiful wife.
If you could go anywhere tomorrow, where would you go?
I would go to South Africa. I spent all 4 years of high school there and haven’t been back since 2004 and want to take my entire family back once my boys are a little older and will actually remember the trip. We would spend some time on the beach and Cape Town, explore my old stomping grounds in Johannesburg, and then head up to Kruger National Park for a game drive.
Want to know more about Justin or book him for your event? You can check him out at Justin Wright Photography.
Check out more awesome vendor spotlights at Vision in White.
