Nering Photography: Telling Wedding Stories with Care, Creativity, and Heart
“Every couple has a love story, and their wedding is a part of that. Therefore, I feel their photos should reflect all the elements that make up their story.”
For Rachael Nering, wedding photography is not about creating something staged or picture-perfect. “People are no longer looking for those ‘picture-perfect,’ posed images that belong on a Hallmark card. Rather, they want something that reflects their genuine connection and all the elements of their day — the laughs, the intimate glances, and the emotional, unnoticed moments.”
It is that belief that shapes every wedding she photographs and every interaction she has with her couples. “It really is about staying alert and being present for my couples throughout their day.”
Rachael’s approach is deeply personal, informed by her own experience as a bride. “The photos I look back at the most from our wedding are the unplanned ones,” she says. “It was the photo of my mom holding my ring lovingly before she gave it to my husband; the photo of my husband and me looking out at our family and friends for the first time at the start of the ceremony; the photo of our twin nephews crying as they came down the aisle; and the photo of our friends high-fiving us as we walked into our reception that I cherish most.”
“These are the images I look back at,” she adds. “I feel couples today are looking for these types of wedding photos as well, so I am always on the lookout for these moments when I photograph a wedding.”
Moments That Matter Most
“When it comes to the elements that make up a wedding day — moments, people, emotions, and details — I feel most connected to moments,” she says. “When you look back at your wedding day, it’s the moments that matter most.”
Because of that, she prioritizes capturing “hugs, quiet conversations, tears, and laughter — that people will hopefully look back on and smile.”
“I show up with a calm presence, a supportive smile, encouraging words, and step in to direct when needed,” she says.
Creating Space for Authentic Emotion
“One of the biggest ways I do this is by meeting with a bride before the wedding to discuss what family photos will look like and how that flow will go,” she explains. “I like to have a list of groupings beforehand so the bride doesn’t have to direct on the day of or be the ‘bad guy’ if only certain groupings were requested.”
“When I lead the charge during family photos, it alleviates a huge amount of stress for brides and their families,” she says. “That allows them to feel comfortable enough for authentic moments to unfold later on.”
“Let’s face it,” she adds, “those moments during a bride’s day are what it’s all about, not a perfectly posed, interrupted picture.”
“I know when moments are ‘mine’ during the day — family photos, telling people where to stand, and who’s up next — and which moments are definitely not ‘mine,’” she says. “First looks and getting ready.”
Flexible Packages, Intentional Coverage
“Smaller weddings offer a special advantage — they show me what a bride cares about most in her photos,” she says.
“This is because a bride choosing an intimate wedding package will have me arrive and leave during the windows that matter most to her,” Rachael explains.
“Knowing this as a photographer is so beneficial to fulfilling the vision a bride has for her wedding,” she says.
“Because every bride values different things, I remain flexible with my packages,” Rachael says. “Brides don’t have to stick within the three set packages — they are all tailorable.”
A Thoughtful Client Experience
“I strive to be organized while also personable with all my clients, no matter what type of photography they’ve booked,” she says. “I’m always upfront about rates and next steps.”
“Previews are sent within 24 hours, and full galleries are delivered within three weeks, along with a surprise — photo books, exclusive for weddings.”
“These details are just as valuable as the photos themselves,” Rachael says, “because they shape a client experience that is memorable and meaningful.”
Looking Ahead
“I’m focused on making the experience as special as possible for every client,” she says. “I’m constantly brainstorming ways to make things even better.”
“I want the experience to be special because clients deserve more than just a ‘good’ experience,” Rachael says.
And that philosophy — rooted in moments, trust, and heartfelt storytelling — is exactly what defines Nering Photography.
