As the owner and operator of the Jersey Shore-based wedding and portrait photography company, Wild Magnolia Photography, Brit Bott is no stranger to the ever-changing landscape of the photography industry. 

From trendsetting beach weddings to more traditional affairs, Bott has seen it all and is ready to share her take on the newest and most exciting trends she’s seen while capturing couples on the most memorable day of their lives. 

Q: Why did you decide to get into wedding photography? 

A: Growing up, I loved how photography could impact people and document all of the major events in life, from the good to the bad. 

My mom has a wall of family portraits, including wedding photographs from generations. When I spoke to her about her wedding photography experience, it opened my mind to wanting to do better for others. 

[My parents’ wedding] photographer did not take a photograph of my parents together or my mom with her brothers. Hearing that made my heart sad because they’ve been married for over 40 years. The story of my parents’ wedding is a big motivator for why I wanted to focus on wedding photography. I hear all of these horror stories about bad wedding photography, and I want to provide my couples with the best experience possible.

Q: What has changed in the industry since you first started? 

A: I think that the industry is always changing. However, one thing I noticed making a comeback is film. The photography industry started phasing out film cameras in the early 2000s and now here we are bringing film back, especially in the wedding industry. 

Q: Tell me about the most unique wedding you’ve shot so far.  

A: Every wedding is unique in its own way, so I can’t pinpoint one specific wedding. I’ve seen weddings where the couple is staying in the same house while getting ready and the bride sees the groom throughout the day, a wedding on a Christmas tree farm, [weddings at] haunted mansions, and even a McDonalds and a Hoffman’s Ice Cream truck with late-night ice cream.  

Q: What are some current wedding trends that you love?  

A: Wedding trends that I’ve been loving are the mix and match color bridesmaid dresses, more unique seating charts, bows, bright colors, beautiful flower arches and candid photos – especially the direct flash ones.

Q: Are there any older wedding trends that have started to make a comeback recently? 

A: Definitely film, as mentioned earlier. I think disco balls are still a thing, and we will see more in 2024. Also, smaller cakes with piping that give a more retro look.

Q: What does the future of the wedding photography industry look like to you?  

A: Great question! I think as we start seeing more [artificial intelligence] programs coming out, the expectation for turnaround times with wedding galleries will increase. People are educating themselves more on photography, which has made for some interesting conversations. And I think it’s really important for people to have an opinion when it comes to wedding photography. There are photos that they will have to look at for the rest of their lives. 

Q: What do you love about being a wedding photographer? 

A: I love getting to know couples, how they met and where life is taking them. There are billions of people in the world, and for two people to meet and decide they want to spend the rest of their lives together is pretty cool in my mind!

Q: Why do you think photography is such an important part of someone’s special day?

A: Photography has a different impact on each person. Photography on someone’s special day is so crucial because, for most people, it’s one day in their lives that they will never get to repeat, so they want to have all the little moments captured as perfectly as possible. Who can blame them?