Martha Grace Gray’s cheerful personality and friendly demeanor exemplify the true Southern spirit of graciousness. She began her photography business with the mindset to serve her clients and capture unforgettable memories. Her photography work in the wedding industry is inspiring. Premier Bride of Mississippi asked Martha Grace to share with us her journey into the world of engagement and wedding photography.
- Martha, how long have you been in business?
I have been a professional wedding photographer for the past eight years. I started taking photographs when I worked as a photography intern, and later as a photography assistant, for Health magazine, a division of Southern Progress Corporation, the publisher of Southern Living magazine. After seeing my photographs in print, I was hooked! Being published in a national magazine gave me the impetus to continue to pursue my love of photography.
- How did you get started?
After receiving my Master of Fine Arts degree from Mississippi College, I began my career as a custom portrait photographer. Matt and I had just gotten married and we lived in Oxford, Mississippi, for a while and
I took my very first photographs in “the Grove.” I enjoyed taking photographs of families and children, but later decided to specialize in southern weddings; and that has been my passion ever since. There’s nothing like capturing those unexpected moments at a wedding, and interacting with the wedding party and wedding guests. I have also expanded my business to include videography and photo booths. I have truly enjoyed getting to hear couples stories unfold as they open up to the video camera. Recently at a wedding I was interviewing the brides parents who had been married for 35 years and it was such a joy to hear the story of how they met, and how proud they were of their daughter, and how they had planned for her wedding day.
- What do you like most about what you do?
Part of our advertising slogan is “We love what we do!” My experienced staff and I enjoy working with people to document their momentous occasions, and that is something that we just never get tired of doing. We love it! I have met so many interesting people and I have traveled to some very exciting places. From small towns in Mississippi with beautiful rustic old churches to grand reception venues in Boca Raton Florida I have had fun capturing every couple’s love stories.
- Tell us about you and your company: what you do, special services, products, exclusives, etc.
I like to think that I provide the very best wedding photography services in Mississippi. My years of experience have provided me with valuable insight into what brides (and their mothers J) want in their wedding day photography. I am a member of the Professional Photographers Association, P.P.A., and I attend their conventions annually to keep up to date with the latest advances in photography and videography. In addition to taking beautiful photographs, I also provide videography services which I believe are a “must-have” at every wedding. There’s nothing like having a video of your special day to re-live over and over. We can record every step of the day, or just cover the ceremony and reception…it’s all up to you.
Photo booths are also an entertaining and often hilarious addition to the wedding day fun. We have a customized photo booth and props to suit every wedding guest’s look. Even the most reserved among your guests will enjoy this!
Another highlight of our business is taking photographs and videography at rehearsal dinners. The guys often get a little left out of the wedding planning activities, so this is one way for their side of the family to plan a little extra something that will last forever. My mother did this when my brother married, and she was able to use some of the photos for Christmas cards that year. Having a photographer at the rehearsal dinner provides a perfect opportunity for casual, fun pictures, and my mother loved having her own photographs to send to friends and family. And no one wants to forget the hilarious groomsmen speeches. Having a video of all of the wonderful toasts is something to treasure.
We also provide an extensive selection of custom Italian leather wedding albums, custom designed canvases, large format metal prints, and the our latest addition we offer is photos on wood.
I love what I do, and I think it shows in the photographs and videos I take and in the joy I have helping to preserve wonderful memories for my clients.
- If you could give a bride one tip/one bit of advice, what would that be?
Enjoy being the Bride, and hire professionals to assure that everything goes well during your special day! A friendly, professional photographer can put your wedding party and guests at ease, and this contributes to getting the very best photos.
- Do you have any funny stories that you would like to share (no names please)?
In case you are considering a wedding day without professionals to help you, let me share this incident from my very own wedding. This doesn’t have anything to do with photographers, but it shows you how you really can’t predict all of the things that can go wrong! Here it is: I had hired a chauffeur and a beautiful white stretch limousine to take us from the church to the reception site after the ceremony. Little did I know, but the limousine had been running outside and the battery died! Had it not been for the quick thinking of my wedding coordinator …and a set of jumper cables … my new husband and I would have exited the church to find a beautiful white stretch limousine that wasn’t going anywhere!
For more information about Martha Grace Gray Photography, she can be reached at 601-899-2789 or at [email protected] or through her website at www.marthagracegray.com
Are you still interested in seeing more wedding planning tips? The Winter/Spring issue of Premier Bride of Mississippi is out and throughout the state of Mississippi. Best of all, it’s free! You can pick one up at any one of our advertisers or go online to http://www.premierbridems.com/wedding-free-copy-of-premier-bride and find a wedding professional near you that has the latest copy! Or view our Winter/Spring issue online here.