Meet one of our fabulous Modesto wedding and engagement photographers, Karissa at Karissa Wright Productions! Make sure to keep scrolling so you can read all about Karissa, and get to see some of her amazing work!
Tell us a little about your company.
[I am a] wedding and engagement photographer.
When did you establish your business?
2016.
What made you want to start your business?
Karissa accidentally shot her first wedding while abroad in Austria for a year. Since then, Karissa fell in love with the wedding industry. Using her creative eye, Karissa loves connecting with her couples to capture their natural beautiful self.
How has your business evolved since you first started?
Karissa Wright Productions started out as a wedding videography company. We then added photography and fell in love with it even more and now offer photography exclusively.
What sets you apart from your competition?
We connect with couples who want to remember how they felt and not how they were posed. We aim to create candid looking photographs that showcases each couples’ personality, relationship, and joy.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is golden hour during the husband & wife portraits of the wedding day. When the couple finally has some alone time to embrace that they just got married in front of their family and friends! It so beautiful being able to capture the love, joy, and emotions of that moment.
Where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere! But if I had to pick, I’m super drawn to nature – specifically florals. Put me in a garden, and it feels like Disneyland to me!
Any trends you’re hoping make a comeback? Or don’t make a comeback?
Trends come and go. I’m honestly into the classics of weddings. But I’m okay with the bouquet/garter toss disappearing! And I’m here for the champagne tower trend!
Have you won any awards and if so, what and when?
Wedding Wire’s Choice Award 2018, 2020, 2022, 2023. [And] published in The Real Wedding Magazine Summer 2023 Edition.
Anything you’re dying to see a couple do, but haven’t yet?
I’m dying to see more couples integrate live artists at their wedding like a live painter or classic sketch artist for guests or a single canvas of the couple.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
I know there was a crazy article posted where the photographer deleted the photos because the caterer didn’t want to serve the photographer their meal until all the guests are served first. While I do agree with the majority that deleting their photos was extreme. I do find it a pet peeve when the caterer doesn’t serve the creative photo/video team right after the couple. Reason being is that we want to be ready when the couple is ready to take photos. Whether that be table visits, leaving during dinner for golden hour portraits, or simply capturing them mingling with guests. Plus, photographing while people are eating isn’t the most flattering, so it’s a perfect time for the team to be eating any way!
What’s your favorite comment/compliment that one of your clients has given you/your business?
The first time I was told that I’ve become part of their family. Now, it’s pretty normal for couples and their family to feel like I’ve become part of their family. But it was the first time where I realized how intimate my role is for not just the couple, but their families.
When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Commercial pilot.
What was your first job and what experience did you gain from it?
My first working experience was helping my dad’s company who serves corporate companies for their events. I learned the importance of how a small job can impact the bigger picture of the smoothness of putting together an event.
Who has been your biggest inspiration personally and professionally?
My Dad. My dad has been in business since before I was born and even started in the wedding industry before moving serving corporate businesses. I learned a lot from him both as his daughter, employee, and fellow business owner. My dad always prioritize his family, but we all understood that when a job came it – it was what provided for the family.
What is your favorite fun thing to do locally?
I’m a huge thrifter! I love finding quality pieces for a fraction of the cost!
What’s your favorite local charity?
Hope Chest Thrift stores supports those who are needing hospice care. I love supporting them with my thrifting hobby and monetarily.
What’s your favorite local restaurant?
Pho 7 out of Modesto is my favorite restaurant! I could eat pho lighting speed!
Do you have a signature scent?
Jasmine.
Do you have a signature drink? If so, what is it?
Barry’s Irish Black Tea with whole milk and sugar.
If you weren’t in the business that you are in now, what other business/profession would you have liked to have done?
I would have love to be in the reseller industry full time flipping fashion.
How did you meet your significant other?
I met my person on Twitch!
If you were to plan your own wedding, or re-do your wedding, what element(s) would be most important to you?
If I were planning my own wedding the most important element to me would be my wedding portraits. If we are talking a physical element – florals. If I had an unlimited budget- there would be floral galore with many colors!
What advice would you can give to soon-to-be-married couples?
Advice I would give to soon-to-be-married couples would be – remember what you will have after the wedding is over. Your memories will be the most important. They are worth investing in. People are here today, but we don’t know where they will be tomorrow.
Anything else you’d like to share with Real Weddings Magazine’s readers?
Wedding planning should be fun! Take your time to enjoy this short season you are in engaged. Don’t feel pressured to meet the expectations of others. Make sure that whatever you do/choose is true to you and your fiancé.
In the meantime, for more information about Karissa / Karissa Wright Productions, visit her website, karissawrightproductions.com and follow her on socials @karissawrightproductions (IG) and @karissawrightproductions (FB)
Tune in for more business spotlights in our Partner Profiles series!
