My Journey to a Top Nebraska Wedding Photographer
This November brings a new season to my business with a surprise front-cover feature in Nebraska Wedding Day’s magazine. My photograph, submitted by Vintage Venue and then voted on by the public, took 1st place. The win came as a huge surprise and a big milestone for my business as well.
Like with any small business, there are stages of growth, doubt, confidence, and learning. But those seasons of growth and accomplishment— they make it all worth it. This magazine cover is a big win. Knowing that people, on a large scale, respect and love my work as a top Nebraska wedding photographer is truly amazing. I can see my own growth in a clearer light. I’ve never considered myself an artist (and definitely am not good with a brush or pen). But to create beautiful images worthy of being considered for a magazine cover… I guess I found a niche as an artist.
How I Got Here: My Journey to Becoming a Top Nebraska Wedding Photographer
Becoming a Nebraska Wedding Photographer wasn’t originally on my radar. During college at UNL, I took photojournalism as an elective, thinking that I’d get to practice my love of taking photos. I didn’t know anything outside of using my iPhone. One class period a speaker came and talked about wedding photography, and that was that!
A spark was lit.
I decided to give it a go, and in January of 2020, I pulled together a basic portfolio and website. I posted more on Instagram, did a few free sessions, and built up my clientele. In 2020, I shot my first two weddings. Then I dreamed big and gave myself an ultimatum. I told myself: book 15 weddings in 3 months or get a full-time job elsewhere. One by one, the weddings trickled in, and before I knew it I had 15 weddings booked for 2021.
I never looked back.
Over fifty weddings later, with over 200 photo shoots, my business has grown more than I could have imagined. I’ve photographed weddings in multiple states across the Midwest and internationally. Hundreds of thousands of photos later, I am in awe that this is my real life and job.
I delivered over 300,000 little moments through curated photos in 2022 galleries alone.
The Growth Zone
With each and every wedding, I push myself a little further out of my comfort zone. Throughout 2022, I really tried to focus on two things: wedding day energy and finding good lighting in all the scenarios.
It takes a special focus and dedication to bring the right stress-free energy to a wedding day. I match the energy my couples have while bringing my own calm confidence that calms nerves, encourages, and helps my clients remain present on their wedding days. During the chaos of the day, I stay grounded, working alongside vendors to bring my bride’s wedding day dreams into a reality.
I focused on mastering lighting in every venue, scenario, or weather condition. No matter if we have a natural lit ceremony or have to use artificial light often, I dedicated my efforts to using light to create storytelling, cinematic images.
All of these efforts led up to this milestone: a front-cover magazine feature. Something I never dreamed of!
For me, this feature reaffirms that my work as Grace Trexel Photography is worth it. I love my job. I’m passionate about storytelling and creating art. It offers me a place to grow and lean into for years to come.
New Seasons and New Goals
With a new season comes new goals to be even more intentional with every couple, from initial connections to personalized engagement shoots to wedding day romance, I want to take photos in a way that reflects the unique relationship between each couple. As 2023 approaches, I am excited to lean into my editing sets– a new challenge to undertake to create true-to-life edits for all of my sessions.
This win encourages me to grow my work and provide more value to my clients through the experience they get with me as their wedding photographer.
A huge thanks to Nebraska Wedding Day, Tressa & Adam, and Vintage Venue for making this magazine feature a reality.
Inquire here to chat with me about your wedding day hopes and dreams!
Vendors
Photographer | GRACE TREXEL PHOTOGRAPHY
Venue | VINTAGE VENUE
Gown | NOA BRIDES
Bridesmaids’ gowns | BALTIC BORN
Hair | SARAH SHERMAN HAIR
Florals | THE PURPLE CONEFLOWER
