When we set out to find a photographer for our wedding, we didn't want a run of the mill photographer. We wanted someone with a true artistic vision who could capture our spirit. Since the chapel is relatively dark, we started looking at photographers who already worked there, and then found ones that matched what we found valuable in pictures. We found Dave and then looked at his other work and knew he was the one for us. We reached out and Dave scheduled a call; it was similar to a screening for a job interview. He wanted to make sure that our vision and energy was something he understood and appreciated. We hit it off immediately! We were so excited to have our big party....then Covid hit. We decided to still have our wedding on the date of October 10, 2020, but it was going to be super small. At that time, only 15 people were allowed indoors, so it wasn't even all of our immediate family. Five days before the wedding, my brother and his family tested positive for Covid. We had to cancel immediately, since we had been exposed to them and the reception was going to be at their house. Dave understood right away, and promised to be there when we rescheduled. Cut to December of 2020 when we rescheduled, and my other brother's wife took a turn for the worse after valliantly battling cancer, so we did it again...we cancelled. We FINALLY made it down the aisle in March of 2022, and it could not have been more perfect.

We decided to keep it relatively small still, 50 guests, and it was just right. Dave worked with us every step of the way, sharing his expertise and assurance that he's got us covered. The second shooter he had, Ben, was just as amazing and so personable. We had them until 9:00 pm but our reception kept getting turned up and up, and they stayed to keep shooting. I was concerned that we were cutting into their personal time at that point, and I said, "Dave, it's past 9:00!" He told me all is good, and they'll leave when they are truly ready. Just as they were getting ready to stop for real, a friend started an impromptu performance and Dave kept shooting. It was magical, it was special, it was just right.

Dave Shay Photography was amazing to work with. Form the first time I reached out to Dave, throughout the pandemic ruining our original plans, to our “big day,” Dave was professional and knowledgeable throughout the whole process. He answered all of my detail-oriented questions and then some! In addition to all of the pre-wedding confidence I felt using this company, the day-of was incredible. Dave and his associate, Josh, took the reins to the day’s timeline and made sure I got all of his and my desired shots within the time limit we had (pre-ceremony photos). In addition to his organization and beautiful shots, I think it’s important to say that my husband and I didn’t even notice Dave or Josh shooting during the ceremony and his candid shots during the reception are total keepsakes! He even made sure to sweep my husband and I away after the ceremony for some time alone before the day got too crazy; during this time, Dave and Josh made us laugh and got the real, candid side of our relationship.

Not only was Dave on top of capturing the small moments we would never expect, he made sure we were the priority all day, helping us take in the small moments, even using his team as a human shield so we could enjoy a quick dinner before mingling. I could not recommend more.