Classic looking photographs. 10+ years of experience. Easy-going personalities.
Provided by a husband and wife team who genuinely believe in marriage.
THE WINNING COMBINATION
How I see it, when you're looking back on your photos years from now, you'll want to see the emotions from your wedding day. The emotions you, your family and friends all felt. You'll want to see the legacy that formed from the generations before you. And the legacy that continues-on from immersing yourself within your community of family and friends.
My family and I grew up poor but well traveled - Experiencing many different countries and cultures. It's the reason I choose experiences and people over something money can buy any day. And is the reason I focus most on the people and emotion surrounding your day rather than the material.
As you go through my portfolio, you'll find that I photograph the personal details with people. Because instead of photos of your dress hanging in the window and his cufflinks on a table (yes, I get those, too), I'd much rather capture the affection you have for those details as you interact with them.
PEOPLE > materials
The people, the venue, the weather... Whatever surrounds you on your wedding day, I want you to remember it in the most authentic way possible. For you to feel like you're on cloud 9. And for you to feel comfortable in front of the camera.
But to help you get there, we first have to connect.
I'm not a surface person, so be prepared for me to ask you about some deep stuff. But also know I'm aware that trust isn't built overnight. For some people, it takes a long time to get what's on the inside, out. And to get to the big stuff, we have to start small.
SMALL TALK LEADS TO BIG TALK
If you know the East Coast, you know it rains here. A lot. Which is why, as photographers, we must learn how to improvise when it comes to weather. This is why I have multiple options running through the back of my mind (and umbrellas in my car) at all times.
I've honed my craft to work any time, anywhere and anyplace. And I have a natural ability to walk into any space and find the beauty in it. But I promise you this... if you let me take you out in the rain, I'll deliver photos you'll never forget.
FINDING THE BEAUTY IN ANY SITUATION
Integrity is a big deal to Jaime and me. So is respect and kindness. And for these reasons, we believe in treating you how you deserve to be treated.
What you deserve is the best possible experience. And we create this for you by communicating quickly, personalizing your collection, recommending quality vendors, assisting you with your timeline, and anticipating and meeting your needs... sometimes before you even know what they are.
WE BELIEVE IN THE PLATINUM RULE
"He was kind, courteous, professional, and his eye for creative details is like nothing like I have ever seen. I was not feeling happy with myself and was dreading having pictures of myself at this exact moment in time. But somehow, some way, Steven made it magical."
"Steven and Aaron captured the emotion of the day. They say a photo is worth a thousand words. The photos that Steven took of our wedding are more of an epic novel."
"We loved that he was able to capture really unique, elegant, and non-cheesy looking posed photos as well extremely emotional and candid ones throughout his portfolio."
"Being in the wedding industry since 2004 myself, I’ve worked with many photographers, and Steven Dray Images is hands-down, one of the best! Professional, friendly, easy to both get along with and work with, and most importantly - His images are perfection!"
Meet Jaime...
STEVE (A.K.A. DRAY) | THE FREE SPIRIT
If I'm being honest, my talent doesn't lie solely in photography... It's being creative in general. And whether that creativity is channeled into photography or some other artistic outlet, it's an itch that's in constant need of scratching.
In fact, that's why I turned to photography as a profession in the first place. It has allowed me to hone my deep connection with people...Leverage my experience growing up in a big, crazy family...And rely on people as the constant in my work - rather than style, editing, or locations.
When I'm not photographing or with my family, I get lost in pop- impressionism oil paintings. Check out some of my work here.
And if you have a few moments, watch my brand video here.
JAIME | THE ANALYZER
Jaime is a true type-A personality. So it's no wonder she was a crazy amazing wedding planner before she took over the logistics of our business. She not only brings that industry insight and behind the scenes experience to the table, she also brings her organization skills, sense of urgency, and routine. All of which allows me to remain focused on my creativity and explore my artistic curiosities.
When Jaime isn't in front of her computer keeping our business running, she and I raise our 3 kids, Brooklynne, Carter and Preston.
Meet Aaron...
AARON | THE BROTHER/SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER
Family is important to me. So much so, I built my entire business around it.
When I needed a second photographer to come out with me to weddings, I wanted to bring along someone who I could trust. And who understood my eye and personality. So, I taught my brother everything I knew and entrusted him with a camera.
Aaron has now worked over 100 weddings with me. And in that course of time, we've developed a seamless system where we rely on our individual strengths as well as team roles and responsibilities. While my favorite part of the day is photographing portraits, Aaron is my second set of eyes for small details and intimate moments. And his pictures are often included in the favorites of our clients.
"From the first moment we booked Steven Dray for our wedding, he made us feel like a part of his family. He was with us every step of the way. He was always looking for our input and ideas to make sure he captured us and our relationship exactly how we are."
"Being in the wedding industry since 2004 myself, I’ve worked with many photographers, and Steven Dray Images is hands-down, one of the best! Professional, friendly, easy to both get along with and work with, and most importantly - His images are perfection!"
"He made our entire bridal party feel at ease and all of them commented on how awesome it was to work with him. I didn’t realize how important it is to have chemistry with your photographer (and other vendors), but working with Dray made what can be a somewhat stressful day so much more relaxing, calm, and fun."
"Steven and Aaron captured the emotion of the day. They say a photo is worth a thousand words. The photos that Steven took of our wedding are more of an epic novel."
