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!!

Meet Rachel!  She has an oil for everything, is a true empath, and obsessively checks and cleans all of her equipment before every wedding.  She is eternally positive, has an infectious laugh, and will hug a light pole if she thinks it’s having a bad day. She is drawn toward dramatic lighting, superheroes, whiskey, and Canon lenses.

HOW DID YOU BECOME A PART OF AKP?

I was a new photographer with a fresh business license, in art school full time, and learning how to run my own photography business. In our area there were monthly meet ups of other professionals who would get together and speak on certain topics to encourage community over competition. I decided to go because I wanted to get to know other fellow creatives and make some friends in the industry. At the first meeting I went to, I heard Aislinn speak. She spoke about her team and how they organize their workflow and I absolutely loved it! She invited anyone who would like to come see her downtown studio and of course I had to go! They all were so kind to me and I was taken back by their professionalism and humor and wanted to be a part of that. I continued to stay in contact with Aislinn and ended up assisting her at weddings, then as a second shooter, to finally exclusively working with her and her team as an Associate Photographer in 2017.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PHOTOGRAPHER?

I have always loved clicking the shutter and playing with cameras since I was a little girl, but my passion developed for photography back in 2006 when I entered my first darkroom in high school. Some years down the line, I decided to further my education and career by attending Pensacola State College for photography where my world opened up to its history and many methods of photography. Since then my path has taken me here to Aislinn Kate Photography where I am able to use my abilities and capture breathtaking moments that will last a lifetime for couples and it truly is an honor.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD?

Food, how I love that word. I love all types of food and could never just choose one. I love french toast, soul food, all the pizza, a good bowl of phó, surf and turf, sushi, good authentic Mexican, and everything else in between. I could keep going so I’ll just stop myself.

SECRET TALENT?

Hmmm I don’t really have a secret talent but I am an artist. I love all things art. Usually when I put my mind to it, if I see it and study it, I can produce it.

FAVORITE PART OF THE WEDDING DAY?

The part where the bride and groom no longer have any nerves, fully relaxed and just having a good time at their party after they said the big “I do!” It truly is my favorite. I love so many parts of the day, but that part always makes me smile. The moment may happen during dinner, their first dance, or after they eat cake, but when it does it just makes me do a little happy dance.

MOST DIFFICULT PART OF THE WEDDING DAY?

For me, I would have to say it’s the part when something doesn’t go exactly the way a bride or groom wants it to go. Whether the weather decided to throw down a tsunami, or someone didn’t show up, or their flowers weren’t what they expected – that always breaks my heart a little because it’s out of my control. My job is making sure, despite those disappointing moments (IF they even happen), that a client sees that it all will be just fine. The pictures will be beautiful and at the end of the day it’s about marrying the love of your life.

WHAT IS YOUR FAMILY LIKE?

My family is everything to me. I married my soulmate in 2008 and have two girls that have our hearts tied around their artistic little fingers. We love spending time together playing cards, creating art, and cooking. Our daughters are smart and sassy but still have their southern manners and I couldn’t be more proud of the little humans we’re raising.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?

I have so many of them, I overwhelm myself sometimes by not having enough time to do them all! I paint, draw, cross-stitch, garden, read. I absolutely love going spring-hopping, sling mud on the wheel when I can, and definitely enjoy zoning out for hours on end playing video games. When I am not doing any of those things, I also find the perfect day sitting somewhere alone on the beach listening to nature and all its glory. I am also a collector of crystal rocks and essential oils. At a minimum, I travel with at least three pouches of oils loaded with tons of rollers balls for all your needs; whether you have a headache or just a little stressed, I got you covered. See, I told you I have a lot of hobbies!

FUNNIEST STORY FROM A PAST WEDDING?

I’ll never tell.

WHY DO YOU LOVE TO SHOOT WEDDINGS?

Weddings bring so much to the table. Throughout the process before the wedding, I get to know so much about my couples and some of their relationships turn into friendships (which is pretty doggone cool). I get to photograph one of the most important days of their lives, documenting all the love and happiness and at the very same time making art – SOMETHING I LOVE! Weddings are just the gift that just keeps on giving.

THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY:

Empathic. Passionate. Perfectionist.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF WORKING WITH OUR TEAM?

I’m not alone. I get to work with some of the most talented people in the industry, people who have the same passion and devotion to their clients as I do and nothing is cooler than being surrounded by people who inspire you and push you to be better. We get to be support beams for each other; if we need help, someone is there. If we need a laugh, someone always has a joke. Working with this team helps me be a better wedding photographer and I am grateful everyday for each and every one of them.

BEST TIP FOR SOMEONE PLANNING THEIR WEDDING?

Hire good vendors! I can’t say that enough. You want individuals who treat your wedding as if it is their only one. You want people who are efficient, reliable, and easy to communicate with, vendors that you know can handle any bumps in the road, that take the burden and stress off of you because they know their job and how to do it. The Gulf Coast has some AMAZING vendors whom I love to work with each and every wedding! When your vendors are exceptional your wedding will be too, trust me.

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!

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!