Meet Olivia Anderson, Wedding & Lifestyle Photographer

As dedicated creatives who love inspiring couples’ wedding planning journeys, today, we’re thrilled that we are able to share an interview with photographer Olivia Anderson! We’re all about meeting new people and learning about the things that inspire them, so we were delighted when Olivia was kind enough to share some of her secrets.

Olivia is a wedding, elopement, and lifestyle photographer based in Michigan. She specializes in capturing moments that are natural, authentic, and real – all the things that make couples’ stories special and unique. As a creative soul, she finds solace in thunderstorms, golden hours, blue hours, fresh air, and crisp sunrises – which are some of her most common inspirations.

We were lucky enough to steal some of Olivia’s time to ask her a few questions about what inspires her and how she got started in photography. We hope you enjoy this interview as much as we did!

  

Can you please share more about your business? What do you offer and where are you based?

Hi there! My name is Olivia, and I’m the owner of Olivia Anderson Photography. I am primarily a couples and wedding photographer based in West Michigan! Celebrating people is my jam, and I just love capturing stories.

    

How did your business journey start? Do you have a special story connected to it or to your name?

I’ve always loved people’s stories. I went to school to be a social worker and worked in the field for a couple of years. I had been slowly building my photography business since my senior year of high school but never thought about the possibility of making it my career. During the pandemic, I had some friends needing a photographer. At that point, I thought I’d never do a wedding but I also felt obliged because they were close friends. After doing the weddings, everything changed. I loved it. I posted my work and fully booked myself for the following year and quit my employment in social work. That being said, I’ve never looked back – I LOVE every part of my job!

    

Why did you choose to become a photographer?

Lots of reasons! I love the creative outlet photography gives me, I love the people I get to meet, and let’s face it – weddings are FUN.

     

What sets you apart from other professionals in your field? What makes you unique?

I am there for you in every part of the wedding process! From helping you write your timeline to your free engagement session to also helping make your wedding the absolute best it can be. You can expect me to always have your back, have you smiling and cheer you on the whole time!

    

What do you love the most about working in the wedding industry?

Gosh, what isn’t to love? I love the energy and beauty of a wedding day. There’s nothing like it.

     

Who or what is your greatest inspiration?

I’m a follower of Christ and honestly, He’s the center of it all for me. I am blown away by His creation. Sunsets, sunrises, changing leaves, wildflowers, rays of the sun, the breeze: His handiwork is forever my inspiration.  

     

Can you share some cool events that have happened at weddings while working as a wedding (profession) that you remember to this day?

Too many to name, honestly, so here’s a summary of some of my favorite moments to capture: emotional first looks, the sweet glances down the aisle, dreamy golden hour portraits, hype dance floors, and tear-filled first dances.

      

What are the three favorite things in your life?

• My most meaningful relationships: Jesus, my husband, my daughter, my amazing family, and my friends
• Doing new things: I love exploring different places and experiences. It makes me feel like I’m getting all that I can out of this life!
• Pursuing healthy rhythms: I am always striving to better myself whether this is physically, emotionally, spiritually, or vocationally.

    

What are three tips you would recommend to your couples?

    •    Hire a wedding planner or coordinator. Just do it.

    •    Hire vendors that you’re confident in

    •    Don’t forget to take time to look around and enjoy the engagement. These are some of the sweetest moments of your life.

    

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned during your years in the wedding industry?

Don’t sweat the small stuff. No matter what, this is going to be the best day ever and the couple is still going to get MARRIED!

    

What is your favorite type of clients?

I love people who love LOVE!! Whether you’ve been together 1 month, 1 year, or 10 years, I hope to capture people who are absolutely obsessed with each other and want to showcase their relationship in a beautiful way.

Thank you Olivia for taking the time to answer our questions! We were honored to have you with us today!

And for all of you who fell in love with your personality, if you’re looking for a photographer who will help you capture your own story in an authentic way – whether it’s at your wedding or another special event; we recommend reaching out to Olivia!

Don’t forget to check out Olivia’s website too – she has some amazing work there!

Cover photo taken by Olivia Anderson – Holland Michigan