ABOUT US!
Hi, I’m Alica, a Husky mama and your wedding wing woman! I thrive on capturing the love stories of couples who, like you, are embarking on the beautiful journey of being in front of the lens for the first time. Here, we create moments that bring out the essence of your love. Laughter is the heartbeat of our sessions!
I can’t wait to chat with you about your wedding dreams and turn them into reality!
This is my little family. But also, an important part of the Fern & Fire team!
I will warn you, Gaia will likely try to say hi to you during our zoom meeting. One day, we have high hopes for her to become our designated gear guardian - keeping a watchful eye over our equipment during shoots. At the moment, we're fine-tuning her focus skills, especially when those sneaky bunnies make an appearance. Despite the occasional distractions, Gaia has surprised us with her patience at recent shoots and weddings she's attended! Nevertheless, we can't wait for you to meet her. Get ready for a meeting that's equal parts business and cuteness overload!
And by we, I mean myself and my partner Nathan, Gaia’s dad. Oh, and let's not forget the king of stillness - our feline friend, Finny (also known as Finnik or "the fish"). He may not be a photographer, but boy, can he hold a pose.
When we're not behind the camera, you can find us living life to the fullest. We're adventure seekers who love going on walks and hikes with Gaia, (sometimes also Finny), spending time with friends, lifting weights, exploring new places, and of course, capturing our own memories. Join us, and let's craft timeless memories together!
Evolution is a beautiful part of any journey, and ours is no exception. In the past, we explored the concept of a collaborative team, envisioning a collective effort to capture the essence of your special moments. However, as we began to grow, and we reflected on the experiences we cherished most, we found ourselves drawn to a more intimate and personalized approach.
Our shift in philosophy stems from a profound realization – the true essence of our craft, the heart and soul of what we offer, thrives when it’s the two of us, weaving magic into your moments. This journey took a pivotal turn, in part, because of our past roles as photography contractors for companies that dispatched shooters as if they were interchangeable.
Working in that dynamic left us feeling disconnected, sometimes barely knowing a couple's name until the eve of their special day, and occasionally not even recognizing them until we met face-to-face on the wedding day. It became a challenge to form a meaningful connection, to understand their vision, and to infuse their shoot with the personal touches that make the experience extraordinary.
We’ve grown to understand that the real value we bring to your moments isn't just about delivering stunning photos. It's about curating an atmosphere that feels fun, warm, and effortless, ensuring your time with us is as memorable as the images we capture.
Introducing gentle and fun prompts, or activities – these are not just embellishments; they are integral to the experience we promise. These aren’t just services we provide; it's the heart of our commitment to you.
As we continue this journey, we want to emphasize that when you choose us, you're choosing the promise that it will be the two of us, and no one else, who will show up to your shoot. This isn't just about trust; it's about building a connection that goes beyond the click of the camera, that continues long after your memories have been beautifully preserved.
our team & our philosophy
This dream was a surprise package, wrapped up in a hobby of discovering hidden beauty in myself.
Where it started:
Retracing the steps of my photography passion's beginning can be a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Growing up, I was plagued by feelings of inadequacy and constantly compared myself to the women I saw in magazines. At the age of 14, this insecurity manifested itself in the form of an eating disorder. Little did I know, this was just the start of my journey to self-discovery. Photography became my artistic escape, and self-portraits were my canvas. Through my lens, I saw myself in a new light, and discovered my own unique beauty.
And, my confidence bloomed like a wildflower.
This experience taught me the power of perspective, that sometimes all we need is a different lens to see ourselves in a new and positive way. This realization has inspired me to use my craft to empower others to see their own beauty, to feel confident and radiant in front of the camera, and to love themselves just as they are, flaws and all.
We've all had those days when we feel like a chaotic mess and can't seem to find our inner sparkle. But, a photograph is worth a thousand "you're gorgeous" compliments. Imagine a portrait that captures your dazzling smile, those mesmerizing eyes, and that mane of glory, (lol) all bathed in the perfect light. With a photograph like that, you'll feel like a legendary icon, even if it's just for a fleeting moment.
Continuing on this journey, I found a special resonance in working with couples who were new to being in front of the lens. Those who would candidly express, "I hate getting my picture taken" struck a chord with me. It was here that I felt the most connected and where I discovered my unique ability to guide you through the process, drawing from my own profound experiences. Having emerged from a place of deep insecurity, I intimately understand the vulnerability of being in front of the camera. In front of my lens is always a safe space for you. Know that it isn't just capturing an image, but it’s helping you transform your perception of yourself.
My hope is for you too to have the realization that all of those times you’ve “felt ugly”, the truth is, you too have been looking through the wrong lens. My job is to show you the right one, and lead you through this journey, the one that’s not just about snapping a moment; but about leaving you with the lasting energy that maybe within you, also is beauty you hadn’t seen.
2018
2020
Real footage of me doing what I love <3
My Toxic Traits:
To end this off, we’re going to share some facts about me. But, since fun facts are over rated, I’m going to share some of my toxic traits:
If I spot an ocean during your wedding, you can bet that I will make every effort to incorporate its majesty into the backdrop of your photos (unless, of course, you're deathly afraid of water, then we'll stick to the land….but Nathan used to be a lifeguard so you’d be safe!)
When I say "just one more shot," don't be fooled. That's code for "20 more shots, minimum" – I simply can't resist capturing your love.
I fill up my hard drives with pictures of Gaia..