I was born and raised in Northeast Ohio, with a camera in my hands from the time I was two. Documenting through photography has always been part of my heart. Long before I knew what photography could become, I was paying attention to the little things — the moments most people might miss.

There isn’t one big defining moment that led me to wedding photography. I fell into it in college and the rest is history. What I do know is that God gave me a gift to see moments — and I don’t take that lightly. I never expected to meet so many incredible souls who would turn into dear friends, or to be entrusted with days that mean so much. It’s hard to put into words how grateful I am to tell your stories through photographs.

& To think — it all started with a Barbie camera.

About Emily Ruth

happiest by the water always

photographing music

all for his glory

With my whole heart and soul, I will show up for you.

My promise to you

From beginning to end, I’m here to serve you. These are your memories, and they should look and feel like you. One of my greatest joys is the moment I turn my camera around and show you a photo — when you see yourselves and recognize the beauty, the connection, the love that was already there.

I’ll worry about the details. All you have to do is be present in what’s unfolding in front of you.

My approach blends documentary storytelling with gentle editorial guidance. I’ll guide you when you need it, then step back so the real moments can breathe. The result is imagery that feels intentional, emotive, cinematic, and timeless — photographs that don’t just show you what it looked like, but bring you back to how it felt.

I believe your wedding day isn’t something to perform — it’s something to experience.

From beginning to end — your wedding journey and beyond — I’m here. That means consistent communication, thoughtful guidance, and honest connection. You’re never “just another wedding” to me. Making sure you feel comfortable, confident, and personally cared for is my top priority, because that’s how I’m able to capture who you are when no one’s looking.

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Presence over performance.

Your wedding day isn’t a production — it’s a lived, sacred experience. I create space for you to be fully present, guiding gently when needed and stepping back when the moment deserves to unfold on its own. The most meaningful images happen when you’re not trying to “do it right,” but simply being there.

My values

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Connection comes first.

Real connection is what makes photographs come alive. I take the time to truly know you — your dynamic, your energy, your people — so you feel seen, understood, and at ease. When trust is there, the images reflect something deeper than appearances.

My values

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Intentional care, start to finish.

From our first conversation to gallery delivery, I show up with consistency, thoughtfulness, and heart. Clear communication, honest guidance, and a steady presence are non-negotiables for me — because how you feel throughout the process matters just as much as the final images.

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Storytelling that honors what’s real

I document weddings honestly as they unfold, focusing on the moments that carry meaning — the quiet ones, the emotional ones, the ones you didn’t realize you’d want to remember forever. My work is rooted in empathy, faith, and respect for the story God is writing through your lives.

My values

Connection is everything.

When we truly connect, something opens up — a sense of trust, vulnerability, and ease. That connection allows me to witness some of your most intimate interactions, and in return, I give you you — images to celebrate now and return to for years to come.

From our first conversation to the moment your gallery is delivered, your experience is about more than pretty pictures. It’s about feeling seen, supported, and cared for every step of the way.

My approach — grounded in empathy, presence, and respect for the moment.

the experience

Nerd about fonts and spelling

Get to know me

can quote most of gilmore girls

my alter ego photographs music

pizza is my love language

Happiest by the sea

the experience

Photography should feel personal. Relaxed. Unforced. I pay attention to the little things about you as humans and as partners, because those details matter. Through questionnaires, FaceTime chats, and intentional conversations, I get to know you beyond the surface — so the photo-taking process feels just as meaningful and enjoyable as the final images.

You don’t need to know how to pose. You just need to be yourselves.

“Ahhh — these are so us.” That’s always the goal.

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jess + kyle

"She made us feel very special from the beginning. There are countless things we could rave about as to how great she made our day, here is just one example out of so many. On our way to our second location we realized our cake was beginning to melt in the car. Since we were already on our way, we didn’t have a ton of time to pivot. Unbeknownst to us, she replaced our cake and surprised us. It meant the world to us!"

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"I wish I could leave 10 stars for Emily! She captured our engagement photos in 20 degrees and kept pushing through making us feel comfortable and getting the BEST shots regardless of how freezing cold it was. I will definitely be using her in the near future and will continue to spread the word about how amazing of a photographer she is!" 

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sara + gio

maggie + nick

"Emily is very genuine and so easy to work with! Our engagement and then our 'big day' was such a special time in our life and she was there to capture it all! We felt so comfortable with her which really took a lot of stress off us. She was great at planning a timeline, prompting us, and communication. Emily really got to know us and was able to capture out essence in beautiful shots. With Emily Ruth, you are guaranteed incredible, natural, romantic photos!"

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love notes

the investment

Feel like we’d be a perfect match? let's do this.