Jill DeVries

All the good stories are out there waiting to be told in a fresh, wild way.
Anne Lamott

I’m deeply fascinated by humans, endlessly inspired by relationships, and continually learning what it means to love and be loved. This is why I’ve spent the last 15 years telling wedding stories.

I strive to document the intricacies of a romantic relationship between two partners, but also the connection between family and the laughter between friends. A wedding is a celebration of more than just one relationship – it’s about all of them. Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to gather those you cherish all together. It’s less about cake and flowers (though those things are wonderful!) and more about commitment. About marriage. You ought to have beautiful photos to do all of that justice.

I want to show what the day looks like, but also what it feels like. My focus is more on genuine interactions than stiff poses. I try to see things that others (including you!) might not catch. I don’t shoot with Instagram in mind — I shoot with your children and your children’s children in mind. I seek to make images that have an impact far beyond social media.

My approach is inspired by this beloved poem by Mary Oliver:
Instructions for living a life. 
Pay attention. 
Be astonished. 
Tell about it.

I approach weddings as a truth teller and an active observer, keeping my eyes open for moments both magical and ordinary. Less of a creative director, more of a documentarian. During portrait time, it’s a collaboration — I show up with an eye for light and the hopes of making you feel comfortable. You two show up and be yourselves.

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I’ve photographed hundreds of weddings, endured nearly every type of weather, witnessed a multitude of emotions, and cried through countless vows. Even with a decade and a half of experience, none of this is old or redundant to me. Each wedding feels like a new day, and I’m honored to be at each one. You can trust me to know what to do when the weather turns foul or the veil flies off. You can count on me to help ease your worries when the stress is running high, to be simultaneously discreet and totally present, and most importantly, to commit myself to seeing and documenting your celebration in a way that’s as unique and beautiful as the love you’re celebrating.

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My name is Jill (she/her) and I’d rather buy a plane ticket than almost anything, but I’m pretty content with long days of nothing but Netflix at home. Grand Rapids, Michigan is home, by the way. If you ask me, the best part of self employment is spending 96% of my life in stretchy pants. I celebrate queer love, believe Black lives matter, and know that all bodies are good bodies. Cilantro, sweater weather, and Beyoncé are just a few of my favorite things… and I’m definitely gonna dance at your wedding.

Instagram (weddings) / Instagram (personal) / Facebook

Jill DeVries Photography does not discriminate on the basis of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, size, ability, or age.

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Selected Features
Griffin + Andrew on The Knot
Tiana + Zain on The Knot
Erin + Scott on Style Me Pretty
Stephanie + Ryan on The Knot
Nicole + Tim on The Knot
Chris + Jon on The Knot
Marina + Kevin on BRIDES
Melody + Ashkan on BRIDES
Emily + Jay on Grace Ormonde Wedding Style
Alyssa + Danny on Ruffled
Sarah + Phil on Carats & Cake
Megan + Zac on Wedding Chicks
Bianca + Nick on The Knot

Vogue Wedding Trends 2017
Grand Rapids City Guide on VSCO Journal
Home tour on Design Sponge