Hi y’all! I’m back with another vendor spotlight for you, this week we have Opal Onyx Photography, based out of Dallas, Texas. Bailey is the kind + free-spirit behind the business; she began her career as a wedding photographer after she got engaged and saw the beauty of the wedding world. She likes to think of her images as telling a story and to have meaning for you to remember your big day forever. She describes her style as warm, romantic and timeless, which you can truly see through her beautiful imagery. We were able to connect with this amazing soul at a Styled Shoots Across America conference at The Olana, so we were thrilled to be able to do this vendor spotlight on her! Continue below to read more about the talented artist, Bailey, from Opal Onyx Photography!

How did you get into photography? How did you learn your way around a camera?

I was on the yearbook staff at high school and fell in love with taking photos. When I graduated high school, I considered a few different options before landing on a Fine Art Photography degree from Texas State University. I learned how to use my camera properly, how to develop film, how to use studio lighting, the basics of composition, creative thinking and so much more during my time there and I'm truly grateful for that technical background. I lived in Philadelphia for two years and mostly focused on creative projects after college. After moving to Dallas, I launched Opal & Onyx Photography in 2016 and absolutely found my calling with wedding and couples photography.

Did you do anything before wedding photography, or how did you decide this was the job for you?

I worked in retail, owned a jewelry business and photographed a lot of side projects (products and artistic portraits mostly) before I started my wedding photography business in 2016. I got engaged in 2015 and when I started planning my wedding, a lot of things started to make sense for me. I fell in love with couples photography and weddings and decided that this was absolutely the career I was meant to do. I dove in headfirst and learned anything and everything I could about the wedding industry and since then my business has grown like crazy! Wedding and couples photography ignited a spark within me and I've never been so happy doing something I love. 

Favorite wedding to date?

It's so hard to choose! Each wedding has it's own unique feel and my clients are always so amazing. If I had to pick, I would say my favorite wedding would have to be Jessica & Sean's wedding at The Grand Ivory, north of Dallas, this last September (2019). They listened to all of my advice, had an incredible team of vendors, a beautiful venue, and were just so incredibly present for each other, and so so so in love. Every image I snapped that day was a dream.

Favorite moment to capture during the wedding day?

My favorite moment to capture on a wedding day would have to either be the first look or the moments during portraits when they pause, look at each other and have that "OMG we're married" realization. Sometimes it's more subtle, but it always happens, and it always makes me smile.

Favorite theme or color combo you have seen to date, or one you wish you could see/photograph?

My favorite theme I've come across so far definitely has to be a wedding I photographed at Hickory Street Annex with gorgeous pops of light blue, pink, blush, yellow and gold. The bride incorporated a lot of texture into her wedding design (textured table cloths, hanging Edison bulbs, a gorgeous hanging floral ceremony display) and just a lot of really gorgeous small details like a wedding program with an illustration of the entire wedding party. I also seriously love a wedding with fall jewel tones! As far as something I would love to photograph, I'm obsessing over celestial details and Pantone's color of the year, Classic Blue. 

What has been your biggest wedding day challenge to date?

It's always rain! I bring camera covers, rain jackets and umbrellas (including bubble umbrellas for my couple) to weddings so I'm always prepared and I have no trouble shooting in wet weather. This is why I think choosing a venue with options for inclement weather is important, especially for photos. I had a wedding that rained all day long and there were pretty much zero options for indoor portraits, so we braved the weather and went outside with our umbrellas, and their portraits turned out beautifully. It may not have been what they imagined for their wedding day, but the couple was flexible and trusted my creativity and expertise and it truly paid off.

What is something you wish fellow planners or coordinators knew or did to make your job easier? Either on the wedding day, before or after?

Reaching out and working with me on the timeline beforehand is always a huge help! I know exactly how much time I need for photos, so it's so much easier when planners/coordinators take the photography timeline into consideration. Also, gathering the brides details in one area, so when I arrive I can immediately get to work, is always amazing!

Care to share 3 tips for future clients to get the most out of wedding day images?

1) Schedule enough time for the photos that are important to you. If you want magazine worthy detail shots or gorgeous sunset photos, you'll need to build those things into the timeline. Making a family list will also help to speed things up during family formals. {Wedding Day Photo Tip from Epoch - we also suggest having a photo wrangler from each side of the family! While you may have Aunt Sally on the family photo shot list, a photo wrangler can quickly spot Aunt Sally sneaking off to the bar for a quick cocktail, and the photographers aren’t yelling out for, “Aunt Sally” to a group of new faces, hoping she stayed put.}

2) Invest in a great hair and makeup team. This is not a service you want to skimp on. Your face will be in so many photos throughout the day and hair/makeup can seriously affect how you view your photos. Find a team who specializes in wedding hair and makeup and make sure you have a contract with them.

3) Pamper yourself before your wedding day. Things like hiring an amazing planner/coordinator to take some stress off of your plate and taking an intentional spa day will help so much. Also, as tempting as it is to go out with all of your friends after your rehearsal dinner, don't do it! The last thing you want is to feel tired and hungover on your wedding day.

Give us 3-5 fun facts:

1) I am obsessed with crystals and have a home full of them. My favorites are Labradorite, Ye Ming Zhu and Tourmalinated Quartz. My love for crystals is what inspired my business name.

2) I'm a big coffee and tea drinker and I love my Chemex. My drinks of choice are a Lavender Latte and Moroccan Mint Tea.

3) My two favorite movies are Pride & Prejudice and Amelie. I listen to both soundtracks often when I'm editing.

4) My favorite place I've visited definitely has to be the Pacific Northwest, specifically Portland. The natural beauty, the food and the people are just totally my vibe. I'm visiting Bali and Japan in 2020 though so I'm pretty sure the PNW will have some competition!

5) My favorite home-cooked meal would definitely have to be my husband's creation: meatless meatloaf. We are both vegan so we experiment in the kitchen quite often with different ingredients. It's made with a beyond meat base so it's very similar to the texture and taste of a regular meatloaf. We've cooked this at family gatherings a few times now and everyone always goes back in for seconds! I love southern comfort food so we serve it with a side of mashed potatoes, collard greens and vegan mac & cheese.