Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Antonelli.
Hi Emily, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m Emily – a music teacher turned wedding photographer who loves black coffee, Friends, the crackling sound of an old vinyl record, and everything bagels. I grew up in the western ‘burbs of Chicago, and a piece of my heart still lives in that beautiful city. I moved to Cincinnati to attend Xavier University (Go X!), met this cute guy named Alex, and never looked back.
After graduation, I began teaching music, got married to my husband, Alex, and started a photography ‘side hustle’.
I have always loved photography. When I was little I would answer the question of, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” with, “A music teacher, or a photographer! Or an interior designer!”. Well, I think 2 out of 3 ain’t bad.
In 2016, my husband bought me my first ‘fancy camera’ as I called it. I ditched my old crop sensor and dove headfirst into the photography world. I photographed my first wedding in 2018 and never looked back. In 2020, I left my full-time job and am now working full-time as a wedding and couples photographer! I truly can’t believe I get to live this dream every day.
Now I photograph weddings around the country, but mostly in Cincinnati and Chicago. I have two beautiful daughters, Charlie and Quinn, and a perfect rescue pup named Louie.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not always been easy, but photography has always been there for me.
In 2016, my husband and I had a miscarriage. It was a very challenging time that sent me into a dark place. I have always struggled with a general anxiety disorder, but at this time I was also struggling with depression. My camera (and a good therapist) truly helped me through this time in my life.
I remember sitting in our OTR apartment just feeling like I couldn’t think of anything good in the world. When I felt this way, I would grab my camera and go for a walk. Seeing life through the camera lens really helped me see and focus on the beauty in the world. I remember taking photos of flowers growing in an abandoned parking lot, a red balloon floating through the sky on a gray and rainy day, and seeing a family laugh as they walked out of a restaurant. There is something so beautiful and magical about everyday moments and seeing that through photographs was a huge turning point in my life, my mental health, and my career. It was during that time that I decided I wanted to help others see the beauty in their every day. That is when I decided I wanted to chase photography as a full-time job.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a wedding photographer for couples who believe in the magic of everyday moments. Your love story is full of big moments and little moments. It is made up of memories like the very first time you met, backpacking Europe together, meeting each other’s families, getting engaged (!), but also the way you smile at each other, your partner grabbing your hand while you drive around town, and the giggle that only you can make happen. THOSE are the moments that make your story so special, and those are the moments I aim to capture in your photos.
My biggest goal with wedding photos is for the couple’s unique personality and relationship to come through. I love when I post photos and a friend of the couple comments something like, “Oh my gosh, that is so you! I can just hear your laugh looking at this photo”. That means I did my job well. Beautiful posing is great and I definitely do my fair share of posing, but capturing your personality and love in a photograph – that is magical. I want you to be able to see the beauty that exists in your life and in your story every time you open your wedding album.
I am known for making my clients feel comfortable and welcome. Most of my clients come to me and saying how awkward they feel in front of the camera, and they all walk away saying how comfortable and easy it was.
I pride myself on being an inclusive wedding photography business. I believe that love is love, Black lives matter, and I believe as a photographer, I have an obligation to create a safe and welcoming space for all of my clients, their families, and friends.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I don’t know if it necessarily counts as childhood, but when I was 15 my sister and I got to spend 6 weeks with a family friend in Norway. We traveled around the country, when on some absolutely stunning hikes, spent time in a cabin on a fjord, and explored new cities. It is definitely a moment that sticks out. Ever since that trip I have spent the majority of my free time daydreaming about our next adventure. I love seeing new cultures, exploring new cities, and spending time in nature.
Pricing:
- Wedding coverage starting at $3400
- Engagement sessions starting at $450
Contact Info:
- Email: emily@emilyantonelli.com
- Website: www.emilyantonelli.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/emilyantonelliphotography
- Facebook: facebook.com/emilyantonelliphoto
