I once heard a high-end wedding planner say, “We all look the same on paper.” And honestly, she’s not wrong. When you’re deep in the planning process and researching vendors — whether it’s a photographer, planner, or DJ — it can start to feel like everyone blurs together. The websites are polished, the Instagram grids are beautiful, and the portfolios all look impressive. At first glance, the only clear difference might be price or style.

So how do you decide?

How do you know who’s right for you?

I wish there were a magic formula — but the truth is, it’s deeper than just what you see online.

That’s why I want to share what makes the Mollie Jane Photography experience different — the things that might not show up on a price sheet or in a perfectly curated highlight reel, but that truly make a difference on your wedding day. Because there’s more to your wedding photography than just beautiful images — and that’s where I come in.

EXPERIENCE MATTERS

EXPERIENCE MATTERS: But what does this even mean?  Why is it even necessary?  How does this benefit you, the bride and groom, on your wedding day?

After photographing more than 500 weddings over the last 20 years (yes, you read that right — five hundred), I’ve seen just about everything a wedding day can throw at you. Rainstorms, ripped dresses, missing groomsmen, timeline chaos — you name it. The beauty of that kind of experience is that I don’t just show up to take pretty pictures (though, trust me, you’ll get plenty of those), I show up ready to guide, calm, adjust, and pivot — all while keeping us on track and making sure you’re enjoying your day. When you’ve been in this wedding world as long as I have, you learn how to keep things running smoothly, even when it feels like the wheels might fall off. And most of the time, you, the bride and groom, won’t even notice — because I’ve already handled it before you have to.

There’s a confidence that comes with having photographed hundreds of weddings — but it’s not the loud, know-it-all kind. It’s more like the calm friend who has a plan, a backup plan, and snacks in her bag. (Kidding. Kind of.) My job is to create space for real joy, keep you relaxed, and make sure your day stays centered on you. From navigating family dynamics during formal portraits to knowing exactly when to sneak you away for golden hour magic, experience lets me anticipate moments before they happen and stay five steps ahead — so you can stay present, soak it all in, and actually enjoy your wedding day.

And these aren’t just fancy words.  I have backed it up with “the goods”, my wedding guides.  Honestly, I should patent these.  So much good information so you are prepared and confident going into your wedding day.

The FIVE Guides

THE BRIDAL GUIDE:  Over 70 beautiful pages of inspiration and information for every aspect of your wedding day!

THE ENGAGEMENT SESSION GUIDE:  It covers everything from choosing your style, your location and your outfits and even how to prepare your groom for this first session with me.

THE GROOM GUIDE:  He is the other half of the day, and sometimes they have no idea what is going on.  That changes NOW!  This guide goes over everything a groom needs to know as we go into the big day.

THE DETAILS GUIDE:  This covers all the pretty things of the day.  Many brides what those pretty detail pictures, but don’t know what they need to do or bring to make the happen.  Don’t worry!  I’ve got you!

And the newest guide-

THE FAMILY LIST GUIDE:  This walks you step by step through creating the all important family list with the Mollie Jane Exclusive Tier System.

No one has these!  These are, literally, 20 years of information from my brain into your inbox!

Katy said, “Mollie took time to get to know us through questionnaires.  We had a phone call before the wedding to make sure that she knew our exact shot list and timeline for the wedding, with her taking notes on every detail. This resulted in the most seamless day‑of photo experience!”

I’M NOT YOUR “HYPE GIRL”

If you have looked at any number of wedding photographer’s website, you have seen the phrase “I am your wedding day hype girl.”  I completely understand where that sentiment is coming from.  But I don’t feel like that even comes close to adequately describing what I do as your wedding photographer.

I’M YOUR GUIDE – Most of my clients haven’t been in front of a professional photographer’s camera since, at least, their senior pictures.  And even more probable, not posing with someone else.  I am there to guide you through poses and prompts so you can have comfortable, natural pictures for your engagement and wedding pictures.  I’ve learned how to walk couples through every part of the process — from our very first email to your sparkler send-off. 

I’M YOUR ENCOURAGER – I like this more than “hype girl”.  I know that most people don’t feel totally natural in front of the camera — and that’s okay! One of the things I hear most often is, “We’re so awkward in pictures.” My answer? That’s what I’m here for. I’m going to walk you through every step with gentle direction and encouragement so you never feel stiff or unsure. I’ll help you relax, be yourselves, and even have fun (yes, fun!) while we’re shooting. I’ll let you know what’s working, remind you how great you’re doing, and create a space where you can just focus on each other. You don’t have to know how to pose or where to look — I’ve got you. My goal is to help you feel confident, comfortable, and completely present in the moment, because that’s when the magic happens.

I’M A READER – Over the years, I’ve learned how to read a room — fast. I pay attention to energy and emotion, both in quiet moments and big ones. If something feels off or behind schedule, I notice it and adjust without making it stressful. If you need a second to breathe, I’ll give it to you. If I sense you’re overwhelmed, I’ll simplify things. Every wedding is different, and my experience allows me to read each situation and respond in a way that keeps the day moving smoothly and comfortably for you.

I’M A TALKER – Okay, okay — I’ll admit it. I’m actually an introvert. But when it comes to photography — your engagement session, your wedding day — that’s my comfort zone. That’s where I light up. The thought of silence during a session? No thank you. Nothing makes a couple feel more unsure or awkward than not knowing what’s happening or if they’re doing it right. So I talk — a lot! I’ll guide you every step of the way, letting you know what’s working, what looks amazing, and what we’re doing next. You’ll know when I’m excited about beautiful light (because I will definitely say it out loud). I’ll keep the energy up, the direction clear, and the awkward silences far, far away. I never want you to feel unsure — and you won’t, because I’ll talk you through every single part.

I’M A LISTENER – I know this isn’t just about the photos. It’s about you, your story, your people, and how you want your day to feel. I take the time to understand what matters most to you — whether that’s capturing candid moments with your grandparents, making time for golden hour portraits, or keeping your timeline low-stress. I ask questions, I listen closely, and I make sure the experience reflects you. This isn’t just a job to me — it’s YOUR biggest day!!!

Some of my brides have said, 

“She made sure we all felt comfortable, let us know how to rearrange ourselves so we didn’t look awkward.” – Kat

“We are both awkward with photos and Mollie made us way more comfortable by making us laugh and keeping up talking.” – Lyndsey

“Beyond her talent, Mollie has such a fun and warm personality. She made every shoot feel comfortable and joyful.” – Alex

A GOOD “FRIEND-OR” VENDOR TEAM

One of the most important — but often overlooked — parts of my job as your wedding photographer is being a team player. Your wedding day isn’t just about one vendor doing their part perfectly; it’s about all of us working together to create something beautiful and seamless for you. I make it a priority to communicate with your planner, videographer, content creator and other key vendors before the wedding day so we’re all aligned and supporting each other. When your vendor team works as one, everything flows more smoothly — and that means less stress for you and more space to enjoy every moment. I truly believe collaboration makes your day even better than you imagined, and I’m always here to do my part in making that happen.

Ashley from Ashey’s Visions and Productions, a high end wedding coordinator said, “Mollie is an absolute joy to work with! Her kind heart and joyful demeanor make every interaction a pleasure. We always look forward to seeing her engage with couples—her creativity, responsiveness, and ability to connect genuinely shine through. Mollie makes collaboration easy and enjoyable, ensuring that every detail is handled with care. She earns a resounding 10 out of 10 from us and a well-deserved five stars for her outstanding service. Highly recommend Mollie for anyone seeking a truly memorable and smooth event experience!”

“We all look the same on paper.” And it’s true — until you dig a little deeper. I hope this gives you a better sense of what makes Mollie Jane Photography different. I genuinely love what I do, and I pour that passion into the systems, care, and personalized experience every couple receives. My goal isn’t just to take beautiful photos — it’s to make your entire experience feel effortless, joyful, and a step above from start to finish.

I’d love the chance to learn more about your day and talk about how I can be part of it. Let’s make some magic together. I can’t wait to hear from you!