The wedding photographers at Warner Hall. Oh, how we love them all and the creative visions they bring to every wedding they photograph here.

We got some time with a husband-wife photography team – Jada and David Parrish of J&D Photography – and are delighted to share our conversation with them with you here.

Without further ado, meet Jada and David and read on to learn more about their matching tattoos, the craziest thing that’s ever happened to them at a wedding and what it’s like for this dynamic duo to be partners in business and in life.

What do you love about photographing at the Inn at Warner Hall?

Everything! It is such a gorgeous wedding venue with so much to offer! We love that the bride and groom both have beautiful rooms to get ready in on the premises. It’s so nice to have everything from the getting ready photos to the ceremony all the way through the reception all occur in the same place.

There are so many great spots to photograph. We love all the land surrounding the property and the tree lined entrance. The sunsets over the water… makes for some gorgeous photos!

Can you recall a wedding that was your most inspiring? Why?

We really loved Blake + Emily’s wedding (see it here). Emily did a fabulous job styling her wedding day by mixing neutral tones with bright accent colors. It gave their wedding so much variety. We always love photographing outdoor ceremonies and they timed theirs out perfectly. They scheduled the ceremony about an hour and a half before sunset, so there was a warm glow enveloping the sky as they exchanged some of the most touching vows we’ve ever heard.

The light after the ceremony was just incredible. It was everything a photographer could ask for. Gorgeous light, an amazing venue, and a stunning couple who was crazy in love. It was the perfect wedding day.

What is it like working as a husband and wife team?

It’s so much fun! I cannot imagine doing this with anyone else. On a personal level David and I compliment each other really well. As it turns out we learned we also compliment each other really well professionally.

David used to be a web developer so he is naturally a very tech savvy person. He makes sure all of our camera gear and computers are top of the line. He preps all of the gear for every shoot, makes sure all of our shoots are backed up multiple times (you can never be too safe!), and is constantly updating our website.

I take on more of the customer relation’s side of the business. I focus on building relationships with our clients, booking weddings and shoots, managing our calendar and blogging. Together we really balance each other out!!

Can you tell us more about your matching camera tattoos?

We got a matching camera tattoos on the back of our left wrists right before we got married. David and I each already had tattoos that we’d gotten to represent meaningful parts of our lives. We wanted to get matching tattoos that represented the big step that we were about to take.

What inspires you to take great photos?

Light + emotion. A lot of people don’t realize it, but light plays such an important role in photography. We both love playing with natural light and the light just before sunset called the golden hour is our absolute favorite time to photograph.

There’s no substitute for real, raw, genuine emotion. That’s part of why I love wedding photography so much…it’s such an emotional time. People let their guards down for a little while and make themselves vulnerable to all of the love and happiness. Documenting such powerful emotion is a constant inspiration.

How would you describe your photography style?

Classic, bright, timeless and romantic. We have a wedding photo on our fridge of when David’s grandparents got married back in the 1950’s. We both love that photo because the photo quality is great even by today’s standards and it’s timeless. We strive to take photos that people’s great grandchildren will appreciate many years down the road.

Where is your favorite area to photograph at Warner Hall?

There are so many great spots, but the grassy field to the right of the house is probably our favorite. We love the trees, the wide-open space and the way the sun sets just over the river.

You are partners in business and in life. If you had one piece of advice to give a bride and groom, what would that be?

Communicate and compromise!!

What’s the craziest thing that’s ever happened to you at a wedding?

One time the VCU ram mascot showed up in the middle of the family portraits and surprised the bride and groom!

What does photography mean to you?

It’s such a wonderful way to document life. You can never get any of these little moments back. I find so much joy in capturing these precious memories and I love that my photos will still be out there for others to enjoy even after I’m long gone.