Emily Cappelen shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Emily, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I have been loving traveling to the different US National Parks and exploring new places. So far I have been to 20 and my favorite by far is Grand Teton National Park, but I am going to Glacier next year and I am so excited for that!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Emily, the owner and lead creative behind Evergreen Photo Co. I’m a wedding and elopement photographer who splits my time between the coasts of Florida and the mountains of Colorado. I specialize in documentary-style storytelling with a touch of editorial, blending digital, 35mm film, Super 8 video, to create wedding galleries that feel both nostalgic and intentional.
I started Evergreen because I’m genuinely obsessed with preserving memories in a way that feels effortless and honest. The unposed moments, the in-between things, the stuff you don’t even realize is happening, that’s what I’m drawn to. That approach shows up in how I shoot, how I connect with my couples, and how I make the experience feel calm, grounded, and personal from start to finish.
Evergreen has grown a lot in the last few years, and now I’m expanding fully into Colorado while still serving couples in Florida. I’m also building out an educational side of my business, helping other photographers level up their SEO and marketing so they can attract the clients who really fit them.
Whether I’m documenting a wedding day, filming on Super 8, or coaching another creative, the heart behind it is the same: telling real stories in a way that feels beautiful, intentional, and completely true to the moment.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
Honestly, the people who have taught me the most about work are Maddie Mae of Adventure Instead and Henry Tieu of Henry’s Diary. I’ve learned so much from both of them through The Art of Weddings & Elopements and Thrive for Photographers. They’ve shaped the way I think about storytelling, client experience, and running a business with intention.
Their mentorship, even from afar, has pushed me to refine my vision, trust my creative voice, and build a business that feels aligned with the kind of life I want. They’re both incredible examples of what it looks like to serve your couples well, stay curious, and always continue growing as an artist.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell her that it all works out, even if the path looks nothing like what she expects. You don’t need to have your 1-, 3-, or 5-year plan figured out, you just need to keep going. Life unfolds in ways you can’t imagine yet. You have to trust that you’re building something real, even on the days it feels scary.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They’d say I care deeply about connection, with my people, my work/clients, and the experiences I choose to do. I’m someone who values honesty, growth, and making sure the people around me always feel supported and understood. I am always working toward a life that feels like mine and building something I’m proud of, surrounded by people I love and work that actually lights me up.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m absolutely doing what I was born to do. It just took me a while to trust it. I didn’t grow up thinking “I’m going to be a wedding photographer,” but every step I’ve taken has led me here, and it feels like the most natural thing in the world. I spent years doing what I thought I should do, I have two bachelor’s degrees, and I’m finishing my master’s in social work, and even with all of that, this work is what feels the most natural and true to who I am.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.evergreenphotoco.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/evergreenphoto.co
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/evergreenphotocofl
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/evergreenphotocofl/
Image Credits
Evergreen Photo Co. – Emily Cappelen
