Aislinn is our fearless leader! She founded AKP in 2009, from a laptop at her kitchen table, with only a love of photography and weddings and a whole lot of determination. She drinks her coffee black, never turns on the radio, and graduated from Yale with a degree in English. Her lipstick is always red, doesn’t sleep past 7am ever, is most comfortable winging it, and will never ever turn down a slice of pizza (extra cheese).⁠

WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND HOW DID YOU END UP IN PENSACOLA?

I’m originally from New York City, but I did most of my growing up in Texas, so my answer depends on whether I want to be Southern or Northeastern! In truth (and if we’re going to speak in stereotypes), I’m a little bit of both. I talk fast like a New Yorker but say “y’all” like I was born to it.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PHOTOGRAPHER?

When I was a kid, I was always the one with the camera. In 8th grade, I remember going to Washington, DC with my school for a four-day trip, and coming home with 13 rolls of film. In college, I always carried a camera and I have the evidence to prove it. It wasn’t until 2008, when my husband gifted me with a “real” camera and suggested I consider pursuing photography, that my childhood hobby became a feasible career path – and I haven’t looked back since.

SECRET TALENT?

I can recite all 50 states, in alphabetical order, in 16 seconds. I can also find anything on the internet in under a minute, and pretend that my laundry doesn’t need to be done for an infinite amount of time.

FAVORITE PART OF THE WEDDING DAY?

I love the gowning. The moment when the bride slips on her dress signals a change in tone – the emotion intensifies and it feels like a mini-crescendo, as though all of the planning was leading up, in part, to transforming a woman into a BRIDE.

DREAM WEDDING LOCATION (TO PHOTOGRAPH)?

We’re pretty lucky to live on Florida’s Emerald Coast, which is a bucket-list destination for so many photographers around the world. I love the opportunity to document weddings in locations very different from Florida – send me to the mountains, give me snow, or maybe a villa in Tuscany?

DESCRIBE YOUR FAMILY (PETS, KIDS, ETC).

I’m incredibly fortunate to be married to a man I fell in love with in college, and we have two pretty amazing kids. Our son is 14 and loves sports, friends and video games (so basically, he is 14). Our daughter is 9 and wants to be either a professional cheerleader or a veterinarian in the Army, so cheers to keeping your options open!

FUNNIEST STORY FROM A PAST WEDDING?

In 12 years of photographing weddings, I have seen some THINGS. Most of them can’t be published here, but maybe I’ll write a book when I retire (names changed, of course!).

FAVORITE WEDDING DETAIL?

Lighting! String up market lights or white twinkle lights – twice as many as you think you will need. They make the background of every photo look magical.

YOUR MOST OVERUSED PHRASE?

“…at the end of the day…”

WEIRDEST JOB YOU EVER HAD?

This is a toss-up. I worked as a tap dance instructor for a time, and in college I got an internship at a publishing company in NYC only to walk in on day one and realize that the books this company published were very, um, adult (cough, cough). Oops.

BEST PART OF WORKING WITH OUR TEAM?

Our team is composed of humans who are just really, really, GOOD PEOPLE. There is tons of talent in the room, and everyone brings their own flair to the studio – but at the end of the day (see, I told you!), everyone is moral, ethical, kind, and drama-free. And I love that.

BEST TIP FOR SOMEONE PLANNING THEIR WEDDING?

Give yourself the freedom to obsess over every detail, but in return promise yourself that on your actual wedding day, you will let everything go. At that point, what can be planned will have already been planned (and if it isn’t, then it’s not that important). You are surrounded with people who love you and want to support you – let them worry about why Aunt Sally is late. Smile, laugh at the things that go wrong (because they will make the best stories later), and do your best to be kind to everyone around you. Also, wear a long veil and pretty shoes to make your photographer happy!

Meet Tiffany! She has been a pineapple for almost four years (what?!), has a knack for seeing the quiet moment within a big scene, and will giggle like a 4-year-old if you give her funny socks. Her obsession with red lipstick rivals Aislinn’s, she changes her hair every four months, and all of her cats have multiple names. She travels with a minimum of two beverages and four meals, all neatly tucked in reusable Tupperware containers, will feed you a snack if you are cranky, and keeps everyone else in the studio on task and in line.⁠

WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND HOW DID YOU END UP IN PENSACOLA?

I was born in Fort Walton Beach, grew up in Reno, NV, and eventually moved back to the Gulf Coast for good in 2000 (that makes me a local, right?). Truthfully, I miss the northern Nevada/California area often, but Pensacola has become home – our little slice of paradise is pretty special!

HOW DID YOU BECOME A PART OF AKP?

A bit accidentally! I owned my own photography company from 2008 to 2016 and my desire to continue on path as a business owner was beginning to wane in 2015, but I still loved being a professional photographer. While scrolling my Facebook feed in late 2015, I saw that the company was hiring a full time associate photographer and was interested then, but waited too long to inquire and the opportunity passed. Fast forward a year and I knew I was nearing the point of moving on from my company, though I did not yet know what that meant. To my utter shock, while doing the daily Facebook feed scroll one morning I saw (quite unexpectedly!) that AKP was again looking to add a full-time associate photographer to the team. I emailed immediately (without even running it past my husband first, oops!), we scheduled a breakfast meeting (because breakfast is clearly the best meal of the day), bonded over a shared love of orange tabby cats, and the rest is history!

FAVORITE FOODS?

I LOVE food and will try just about anything! It would in fact, be easier to list the things I don’t care for (if I never have to eat another canned beet again!) That said, most days my palate leans strongly in the direction of Latin and Asian flavors.

DESCRIBE YOUR FAMILY (PETS, KIDS, ETC).

I adore huge family gatherings (which might be a big part of the reason I love weddings so much!), but my own family is quite small. My husband and I have three cats, Punkin (my best buddy), Baby Kitty (aka, Sweet Pea, who never really got a name), and Ellie (the three-legged wonder cat!). Like most moms, I have plenty of pictures of them on my phone and I will gladly show them to you, whether you ask or not!

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?

Reading, cooking (and EATING), working out, fitness nutrition, gardening, drinking wine in my garden, DISNEY WORLD TRIPS!! My interests are varied and my dedication to them ebbs, and flows, but these are the hobbies that have remained pretty constant over the years and the ones I can talk your ear off about!

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT SATURDAY IF YOU’RE NOT SHOOTING A WEDDING.

It depends on the time of year. A Saturday off in the spring or summer time means finding a way to be outside most of the day. Brunch on a sunny patio with friends or a lazy day spent at the beach are my go-to activities. A free fall or winter Saturday means pajamas all day, brewing full pots of coffee to leisurely enjoy (probably with a little Bailey’s snuck in there), and taking my time cooking something delicious for my family!

FUNNIEST STORY FROM A PAST WEDDING?

Wedding days tend to move at a dizzying pace, and your photographer is often “on” for hours at a time. We love capturing every moment, but it can mean breaks are often few and far between. Generally speaking I try to carve out at least a few minutes at every wedding prior to the ceremony to eat something, rehydrate, and take a quick restroom break, as once the ceremony begins it can be HOURS before I’ll again have the opportunity to do any of those things. Several years into my wedding photography career, having followed that formula for some time, I took my customary pre-ceremony break and then positioned myself at the front of the church in anticipation of the bride’s entrance. Immediately following the ceremony we did a slew of family portraits (all eyes on me), couples portraits (full attention on me), and the usual reception events (fortunately, no eyes on me). As I mentioned above, HOURS had gone by since the ceremony and as I got in place for cake cutting I realized that my pants were unzipped. This was immediately followed by the realization that they had been unzipped for the duration of the ceremony (the one where I stood at the front of the church facing ALL of the guests), the family portraits (where all focus was on me), and the first several hours of the reception. NO ONE TOLD ME MY ZIPPER WAS UNDONE!! I was absolutely mortified, but at least it now makes for a good story! And I now I wear leggings.

FAVORITE WEDDING DETAIL?

I love a gorgeous paper suite, the fabulous shoes you splurged on, and a showstopper bouquet, but the details that are personal and perhaps not the most obvious are my favorite. Maybe it is the bit of lace from your mom’s wedding dress wrapped around the stems of your bouquet, the inscription in your soon-to-be husband’s wedding band, or the pearls your grandmother wore on HER wedding day. Hearing the stories behind those details will forever be the ones I love the most!

WHY DO YOU LOVE TO SHOOT WEDDINGS?

When describing why I love what I do, I have often said, “we don’t save lives, but we do document them, and that is pretty significant too.” Photographs and the stories attached to them are the way future generations know who we are. Preserving that history is incredibly important and something I am grateful to be able to do for our clients. Plus, if you have to work for a living, spending the BEST DAY EVER with people isn’t a bad way to do it!

THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY.

Meticulous. Nurturing. Thoughtful.

YOUR MOST OVERUSED PHRASE?

“AMAAAAAAAAZING!!” Or, “awwwwwwww, buddy.” Cats, dogs, and adorable small children are all referred to as, “buddies.” Really, ask the rest of our team.

DO YOU HAVE A NICKNAME?

Booplesnoot. Unless someone puts the scissors back in the wrong place. Then I am a Spiky Floof.

BEST PART OF WORKING WITH OUR TEAM?

Working with smart, talented, kind people who love what they do is AMAZING!! We have an incredible team who show up every single day for our clients and each other. They make me better as a photographer, coworker, and human. What more could I possibly ask for?

BEST TIP FOR SOMEONE PLANNING THEIR WEDDING?

Don’t worry about the things you think you SHOULD do and focus instead on the things that are important to the two of you. Not a fan of cake, but love doughnuts? Do that doughnut tower in place of a cake you don’t really want in the first place! Your family and friends love you for YOU, and will be just as excited to celebrate, so make it personal, make it weird, make it the day YOU’VE been dreaming of and don’t worry about the rest!

Mel’s natural state is cheerfulness, and she breathes life into the room whenever she walks in. Mustard is her signature color, but she hates eating it. She will ask you your life story, and then she will remember it forever. She orders triple pickles on her sandwiches, got bangs so her hair looks “done” even when it isn’t, and on her desk chair, she keeps a pillow that features a dog dressed as Napoleon.

THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?

I find this question difficult…so I asked my husband. He said “You are bubbly, sweet and effervescent…just like a cold can of La Croix!” I will take it.

BEST PART OF WORKING WITH OUR TEAM?

Who wouldn’t love working with a group of intelligent, driven, and creative people?! But what makes it great is everyone has something unique and amazing that makes the team whole. Whether it is their amazing essential oils they keep burning, attention to detail, refreshing perspective, or just incredibly kind demeanor, it is all essential to making our space so incredible!

FAVORITE FOODS?

On my very first date with my husband this question came up! He could not believe that my favorite meal would be a cheeseburger and french fries. So much so that he asked me again. No, for real? …for real.

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TALENT?

My only secret talent is line dancing (lol)….

WE KNOW ABOUT YOUR WORK FAMILY – TELL US ABOUT YOUR HOME FAMILY!

The boys in my life are my favorite thing (it is a 4:1 ratio in our household!) This means my life consists of mostly sports, dad jokes, and great bbq. I have two rescue pups (well, three if you count my husband), and the sweetest, and cutest firecracker baby born on the 4th of July! Clearly, he is the most photographed baby of all time.

WHAT’S YOUR MOST OVERUSED PHRASE?

OH I have a few Mel-isms..but daily in the studio you will hear me say…”HEYYY GIRLLL,” “…and that is what I think about that!” and “thanks, I got it on sale!!”

FAVORITE BINGE WORTHY TV SHOWS OR MOVIES?

I am a sucker for a good drama. I will forever be a Grey’s fan (even if Teddy can’t make up her mind and Cristina remains in Switzerland). A good docuseries is always at the top of the list…yes, I binge-watched Tiger King and Love is Blind. You know you did too.

WEIRDEST JOB YOU EVER HAD?

It may not be too weird but it really was fun! One summer I was the Promotional Trainee for the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, our awesome minor league baseball team! I was the keeper of our mascot (that furry blue sea monster Kazoo), was in charge of executing all the silly theme nights and made sure that the roach run happened in under 90 seconds. Once, we even had a game go into 17 innings….and yes we still did promotions every inning.

BEST TIP FOR SOMEONE PLANNING THEIR WEDDING?

Ask Vendors for recommendations!! They work on an array of weddings with all different styles and expectations. They will give you 100% honest advice – a quality vendor will only put their stamp of approval on vendors they trust!!

HOW DID YOU BECOME A PART OF AKP?

A fateful scroll on social media and a need for a change in pace.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PHOTOGRAPHER?

Photography has always been a side hustle of mine since I studied it in college, but I went full time almost 5 years ago and haven’t looked back since! 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD?

You could ask me this question at literally any time, day or night, and my answer will always be the same… Mexican food. 

Give me tacos, and I’ll give you my heart <3

SECRET TALENT?

I once saw a shirt that read “My brain is 80% music lyrics,” and I don’t think I’ve ever felt more seen. 

I feel like I should add that my memory is nothing to brag about, it’s actually pretty bad, but turn on a random pop song I heard a handful of times in the early 2000’s and it’s on.  

FAVORITE PART OF THE WEDDING DAY?

Ooooh this is a tough one! I really find so much joy in the getting ready rituals of the day and how unique they can be for each couple. However, I am from southern Louisiana and a former dancer, so reception shenanigans are definitely a close second.

MOST DIFFICULT PART OF THE WEDDING DAY? 

Group portraits can be a challenge on wedding days, but they don’t have to be. One common issue that often disrupts the flow of the day is poorly planned portraits. Proper scheduling and communication can help out big time when it comes to avoiding any hiccups, and taking as many portraits prior to the ceremony as possible can help keep spirits high and get you to the dance floor as quickly as possible. 

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?

I love creating + crafting pretty much whatever comes into my weird lizard brain or across my pinterest feed. I’m also a new homeowner which can be exciting, yet daunting for a DIY enthusiast. I’m the one in my house packing the powertools and coming in hot with enough blind confidence to tackle a project I am in no way prepared for. However, if I had to pick something that I’m like olympian level good at, it would have to be my most cherished pastime, napping. 

WHY DO YOU LOVE TO PHOTOGRAPH WEDDINGS?

I know this is going to sound cliche but I LOVE love. I love seeing people’s ways of celebrating their commitments to one another, the things that bind them and the ways they choose to honor them. It also doesn’t hurt that you get to be part of someone’s ‘best’ day, that’s always a plus. 

THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY: 

Creative, laid back & just a tad bit weird  (or ‘quirky’ as my husband puts it) .

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF WORKING WITH OUR TEAM?

Definitely the community! I love that I have an amazing group of individuals to bounce creative ideas off of as well as support and learn from one another.

BEST TIP FOR SOMEONE PLANNING THEIR WEDDING?

Stay true to you! I LOVE authenticity + my first piece of advice for my couples is to always sit down and prioritize the top three things that mean the most to you on your day. Whether that’s time spent with your loved ones, epic photographs (wink, wink), or indulging in decadent food + libations, make your list and build your day around those things. 

Social media + Pinterest have done a fabulous job of inundating couples with so much wedding content it could make your head spin. Don’t get distracted by the endless options and be confident in the choices you’ve already made. 

WHAT IS YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL?

Something mythical for sure, like a combination of Tina Fey and Missy Elliot in the wild. However, my husband thinks I’d make a pretty cute kitten, so either would work for me.

WE KNOW ABOUT YOUR WORK FAMILY, TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR HOME FAMILY TOO!

Well it’s me and my stud of a husband. My Sister-in-law, who we’ve been guardians of since she was 12 (she just turned 20!!) Then our fur babies, Alex, Pip, and Jack.

In recent developments we’ve welcomed a new addition to our crew. A little black and white bobtailed kitten found right outside the offices of AKP. We named her Penny after Pennywise since she was found in the sewer, and are told her adoption may just be the most AKW thing ever 😊

Kendall is our resident ray of sunshine – an eternal optimist, she always has a kind word in her pocket and she says (and means) “thank you” more than any human I know.  She is calm under pressure, finds beauty where others might overlook it, and always remembers to bring an extra granola bar to share on a wedding day.

WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND HOW DID YOU END UP IN PENSACOLA?

I moved to Pensacola when I was five years old and have loved living here ever since!

BEST PART OF WORKING WITH OUR TEAM?

I absolutely love working at AKP. Everyone on the team brings their own personality and talent to the group, so it is always a positive and fun environment. I am thankful to be surrounded by talented people who challenge me to become better at my craft. Whether it is our whole team or an individual facing a challenge, everyone is there to overcome it together. At AKP, everyone is incredibly passionate about their work! We all love our clients and want to give them the best possible experience.

HOW DID YOU BECOME A PART OF AISLINN KATE PHOTOGRAPHY?

While studying Photography in College, I had the opportunity to hear Aislinn speak about her company. I loved the work the company was producing and wanted to hear more. I met with Aislinn after and I knew this was the family of creatives I wanted to be a part of! I have loved capturing beautiful moments with the team ever since!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE WEDDING DAY?

My favorite part of the wedding day is seeing the way the bride and groom look at each other for the first time, knowing they get to spend the rest of their lives together.

IF YOU COULD FILM A WEDDING ANYWHERE, WHERE WOULD IT BE?

I would love to photograph or film a wedding in New Zealand!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WEDDING DETAIL?

The cake!

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?

I love to travel, hike, run, or tie up my hammock with a good book. I love experimenting with different kinds of film and collecting old cameras. When traveling or hiking, you can typically find me with a 35mm camera around my neck and a medium format camera in hand.

FAVORITE BINGE WORTHY TV SHOW?

The Office and Friends never get old.

ALL-TIME FAVORITE TREAT?

I love cheesecake!

BEST TIP FOR SOMEONE PLANNING THEIR WEDDING?

Don’t forget that this is your day and everyone wants to celebrate you! When it gets stressful, take a breath and take time to relax. Take a moment to enjoy this time of your life. You are preparing for one of the best days of your life! We are here to help!

HOW DID YOU BECOME A PART OF AKP?

I’ve been wanting to transition to planning weddings full time for the last few years, so when I saw Aislinn post that AKP was looking for a planner, I JUMPED on the opportunity to apply!! I first met Aislinn years ago when she was shooting one of my best friend’s weddings, and I’ve been gushing over her work ever since. I knew I wanted to be an AKP gal, if they’d have me! 🙂

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PLANNING EVENTS?

I’ve been planning events, large and small, for about eight years.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD?

I love cheese in all its forms, but I also have QUITE the sweet tooth and love macarons!

SECRET TALENT?

I LOVE to sing and pride myself on being able to come up with a song to fit any occasion or any topic. Please test me – people don’t do it nearly as often as I wish they would! Haha! 😉

FAVORITE PART OF THE WEDDING DAY?

My favorite part of the wedding day is the first look. Whether it’s at the altar or in a private moment, it is such a great reminder of what all of the hard work was for. There can be so many nerves leading up to “I Do,” so I love that moment when they see one another and you can see any anxiety lift away and they are just so blissful.

MOST DIFFICULT PART OF THE WEDDING DAY? 

It’s not that it is difficult, it’s just… involved. The most complicated part of the wedding day is definitely pulling everything together before the guests arrive. There are about a million and one details that have to be accounted for, but that is why we plan! And truthfully, I love the choreography of it all. It’s so neat watching everyone working together like a well-oiled machine to create a day that this couple has been dreaming of for a long time. It’s really special!

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?

I love spending time with friends and family, performing (especially at Pensacola Little Theatre!), traveling to new places, watching any kind of British television or old musicals, meeting new dogs and taking walks with my own sweet pup, Rosie, and my boyfriend! (He’s pretty sweet, too.) And because I’m 90 years old, I also love crocheting and pretending I’m a contestant on the Great British Bake Off. Her bread skills aren’t to the level of Paul Hollywood, but Rosie gives very good handshakes and she gives them very often. 

WHY DO YOU LOVE TO PLAN WEDDINGS?

I have always gotten so much joy out of finding the perfect gift for someone that really makes them feel seen and appreciated. So when planning one of the most important days in a person’s life, it is such an honor to be able to get to know them and then help craft a day that is uniquely them. It really just makes me happy to make other people happy!

THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY: 

I had trouble with this one, so I asked my not-at-all-biased boyfriend for help, and he said “Caring, Thoughtful, and Effervescent.” I should probably keep him around. 😉

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF WORKING WITH OUR TEAM?

I love the AKP gals!! I love coming to work every day because I know I will have a group of amazing, kind, and wildly talented ladies encouraging me to be my best. It really is such a fun and supportive environment, and I’m so happy to be a part of it!

BEST TIP FOR SOMEONE PLANNING THEIR WEDDING?

Don’t let tradition or outside influences make you plan a day that isn’t your own. The only rule of your wedding (besides actually getting married) is that you should do everything exactly the way you want to! Don’t want to do a bouquet toss? Don’t do it! Want to wear a hot pink dress? That sounds incredible! Weddings can already be stressful, so make sure it is something that brings you joy and that you will look back on fondly for years to come.

WHAT IS YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL?

My spirit animal is definitely Miss Piggy. I aspire to be a combination of her and Dolly Parton. 😉

Meet Perla!  She loves pizza, her goldendoodle, claims she can’t cook, and is willing to try anything once.  She is thoughtful and deliberate when making a decision, sees beauty in the moments in between the poses, and stays calm when everyone around her is losing it.  Her camera bag is bright coral (unlike the boring black of everyone else), she shoots with Nikon equipment, and has a knack for making the ordinary looks incredible.

THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?

Goofy, outgoing and bubbly.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PHOTOGRAPHER?

I’ve been a professional photographer for three years now.

WHAT IS YOUR HOME LIFE LIKE?

Phoenix is my furbaby and he is definitely a momma’s boy. He loves anything that involves nature and going on an adventure. He loves going on walks, going to the dog beach and camping! Oh and he loves attention 🙂

ANY INTERESTING HOBBIES?

I love anything that is outdoor activity related. Just to name a few activities I love: bike riding, hiking, paddle boarding and kayaking.

HOW DID YOU BECOME A PART OF AKP?

Okay story time… it all started last winter when I received a text message from Aislinn inviting me to breakfast. I had previously second shot for AKP in the past so I figured maybe her whole team is booked and she needs my help and maybe she’s trying to bribe me with free breakfast (totally kidding on the bribing – just trying to make the story juicy). I get out of the car and I find Aislinn sitting down at a booth and she has water and coffee waiting for me.

We are probably 15 minutes into our conversation and I’m still wondering…did she just want to take me out to breakfast? After 15 minutes, she gets to the real deal. She starts off by saying “The reason I invited you out for breakfast is because my team has an opening, and you are the first person that came to mind and I’ve seen your growth and I would love to get a “feeler” if you would be interested in joining my team.”

I’ve always respected Aislinn’s company and the brand she has built. I was truly honored. A couple weeks before I met Aislinn, I was going through some personal soul searching. I was praying everyday for God to give me a sign and a week later, I received Aislinn’s text. After our breakfast date, I went home and collected all my thoughts. I knew instantly I wanted to take the offer. I am very happy where I am and so incredibly grateful for my team!