In summary, get ready for a hug (if that's your thing) or really enthusiastic jaz hands!
Your wedding is about you two, and I'm here to be an active supporter of that, even if it breaks every tradition in the book.
I give loads of time and attention to detail to each client. I believe your experience with your photographer impacts the way you will view and remember the images in the future. I want you to have only the best memories of this day. I work with limited couples who truly value intentional photography.
I celebrate this love and contentment you've found in each other. I want to know your unique story. I cherish you, no matter your size, shape, gender, religion, color, ethnicity, or past.
My values
A DIFFERENT KIND OF WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
I’m Jo Mahaney, an Augusta County and Staunton wedding photographer dedicated to creating images that showcase the connection between each couple I get the joy of serving. There's nothing more personal than your wedding day, and it'd be my honor to document that for you. The instant they happen, the moment is gone. As much as we try to remember and cherish, our memories fade and our lives, families, faces, all change so fast. I want to preserve these memories and stories of your wedding day for you and your loved ones. My goal is to document the emotions and unique story of each wedding day as authentically and raw as the events unfolded. I specialize in documenting candid interaction and emotional expression. We spend our whole lives seeking joy and contentment, and I love that I get to spend my career celebrating and sharing love.
Staunton Wedding Photographer, creating aesthetic imagery that's authentically you
Photography by Jo
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PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY
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WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
booking 2023 and spring 2024 weddings photography experiences
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A personal message regarding selecting your wedding photographer
Finding your wedding vendors should feel like finding your dream team. They should be supportive, informative, and encouraging, in addition to being great at their profession. It's a special honor to be chosen to photograph each couple's union, and it's not lost on me what great trust these brides and grooms have in my ability to handle documenting their wedding day with care.
While wedding photography is a job to some, to me it is a life calling. There are wedding vendors who do their jobs, and there are wedding vendors who truly serve their clients. As your wedding photographer, I’ll start by giving you resources for mapping out the perfect stress-free timeline, finding other amazing vendors to support your vision, and planning an engagement session that will get you warmed up and ready for the camera on your wedding day. No two wedding days are the same, and I can't wait to hear about yours!
What makes me different from other Staunton Wedding Photographers?
I could have specialized in anything, but I chose wedding photography. Watching two families come together is unlike anything else. After dozens of weddings, I have come to love the emotion in the transitional moments and unexpected experiences of each wedding day. I used to look forward to sunset portraits with my clients the most.
But now, I love returning wedding photos filled with sweet looks between mother and son, bridesmaids wiping a tear away, the awe on a groom's face as he first sees his bride, and the giggling flower girl taking her dress for that first twirl. I will give you great portraits to hang on your walls too, but these unplanned and unposed memories are the moments that make your wedding unique and memorable. I focus my whole experience around making more time for that.
Whether you realize it yet or not, choosing a wedding photographer is a very personal choice. Staunton is full of talented wedding photographers, and our style, approach, perspective, and demeanor are all a little different. I created this page to tell you all about how I work and make sure that we're a great match. If not, many of these of photographers are great friends of mine, who I'd love to introduce to you!
What drew me in about wedding photography.
VIEW ADDITIONAL TESTIMONIALS
Emily and Ron Buzon
Leesburg, Virginia
She is so relational and kind. She helped us feel comfortable with each other and have fun at the same time. Her quality of work is out of this world! Do it. Do it. DO IT! YOU WONT REGRET IT!
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
VIEW ADDITIONAL TESTIMONIALS
Ashley and Aaron Calnek
Blacksburg, Virginia
We loved having Jo as our wedding photographer and guest. She really took the time to get every detail. Her talent is obvious in the photos!
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
VIEW ADDITIONAL TESTIMONIALS
Alicia and Zach Jost
Roanoke, Virginia
Jo is great to work with! She is friendly, easy to talk to, and excellent at capturing those little moments as they happen. We absolutely love our wedding photos.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
VIEW ADDITIONAL TESTIMONIALS
Shawn and Bri Jordan
Frederick, Maryland
You will never find a better photographer. Jo is personable, friendly, and goes the extra mile. We were lucky enough to have her for both our engagement and wedding photos, and they are beyond perfection
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
Wedding Photography Testimonials
Do you offer studio photography locally?
I do! I have a small studio in Staunton, Virginia. The studio is a collaborative effort with multiple photographers. We opened our doors in spring 2022. You can book studio sessions at my regular rate, utilize the studio for brand photography, or we can use the studio as a backup location option for rainy days.
Do you sell albums and prints, or only offer digital photography?
Yes! Purchase is not required. After your images are ready, you can come view samples of wall art, albums, and print options at my studio in Staunton. Or, you can purchase print products online. I do deliver both print and digital products.
What are your photography prices?
Wedding collections range from $2,900 (elopement) to $6,400, but the average investment is currently $4,900. Most wedding packages are custom made to the needs of the client. Portrait photography prices begin at $390.
Do you do newborn photography?
While I love the chance to photograph precious newborns, it’s not my specialty. I do offer in-home lifestyle family portraits and studio mini sessions, typically for existing clients. I'd rather refer you to someone who specializes in newborns.
Do you travel for photo sessions and weddings?
Yes! I primarily serve Virginia clients, but am available to travel elsewhere. I have a current passport and am comfortable with air travel with my equipment.
How far in advance should I book?
For weddings, inquire as soon as you have booked your venue and know your photography budget. It’s okay to inquire up to 18 months before your wedding date. For sessions, this depends on the season. In peak fall and spring seasons, I may not have openings for 4-6 weeks due to demand.
What should I wear for my photo session?
I’ll help you figure this out! I offer styling consultations as well as a comprehensive guide to coordinating your outfits and accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
LYNCHBURG
ROANOKE
RICHMOND
LEXINGTON
ORANGE
NELLYSFORD
HARRISONBURG
CHARLOTTESVILLE
WAYNESBORo
STAUNTON
Virginia local service area:
With a location off Churchville Avenue in Staunton and studio in downtown Staunton, I primarily serve Augusta County. I do work throughout Virginia, Maryland, DC and West Virginia very often, and occasionally travel for destination wedding photography. Below are my general service areas available without travel fees:
Service areas
After years of working with friends and vendors in the wedding imagery on their brand and social media images, I've finally added brand photography as a service!
Brand Photography New service!
Whether looking for on-location and outdoor family portraits, in-studio work, or in home lifestyle family photography, I have you covered for family photography!
FAMILY Portrait PHOTOGRAPHY
I offer photography for surprise proposals, traditional engagement photos, anniversary sessions, and other couples’ sessions.
ENGAGEMENT & PROPOSAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Wedding photography services include elopements, microweddings, bridal portraits, engagement and proposal photography, multi-day wedding events, religious ceremonies, casual weddings, large celebrations, and destination wedding photography.
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography SERVICES
GRAB YOUR GUIDE
Just getting started planning? You need my wedding day timeline templates, built for all seasons and kinds of ceremonies! These are tried and true guidelines for having a stress free wedding day schedule, while still capturing all your must-have photos. I’ve used these to coordinate dozens and dozens of weddings, and rarely need to make a tweak.
The Perfect Wedding Day Timeline Templates
Grab my free guide to plan the perfect timeline for your day.
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