Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Doehring.
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m the owner of Wildwood Photo Booth, a luxury photo booth company serving Traverse City and the surrounding areas of Northern Michigan. What started as a simple idea to create fun, memorable experiences has grown into a business that allows me to be part of some of life’s biggest celebrations.
Like many small business owners, I started with a vision, a willingness to learn, and a passion for creating something meaningful. I saw an opportunity to offer more than just a photo booth. I wanted to create an experience that felt elevated, intentional, and memorable for every guest. From elegant backdrops and custom designed photo strips to thoughtfully curated setups, my goal has always been to provide something that complements an event rather than simply occupies a corner of the room.
Over time, Wildwood Photo Booth has grown through word of mouth referrals, social media, and relationships with incredible couples, venues, planners, and fellow vendors throughout Traverse City and Northern Michigan. I’ve had the privilege of being part of weddings overlooking Lake Michigan, waterfront celebrations, luxury venues, and intimate gatherings, each with its own unique story.
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey is seeing the joy a photo booth brings to an event. There’s something special about watching family members, friends, and even complete strangers step in front of the camera together, laugh, and leave with a printed keepsake they’ll treasure long after the celebration ends. Those genuine moments are what make this business so fulfilling.
As Wildwood Photo Booth has grown, so has my commitment to creating exceptional experiences. As a small business owner, I personally handle everything from client communication and design to setup and guest experience on event day. That personal involvement allows me to ensure every detail reflects the level of quality and care I want my brand to represent.
Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for every couple, client, venue, and supporter who has trusted me to be part of their special moments. What began as a small idea has become a business that combines creativity, hospitality, and entrepreneurship, and I’m excited to continue growing while helping people celebrate life’s most meaningful occasions throughout Northern Michigan and beyond.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like most entrepreneurs, the road hasn’t always been perfectly smooth, but every challenge has helped me grow both personally and professionally. One of the biggest challenges has been learning to wear so many hats at once. As a small business owner, I’m responsible for everything from marketing and client communication to equipment maintenance, event logistics, design work, and setup on event day.
Another challenge has been building a business in a highly seasonal market. Northern Michigan has an incredible wedding and event industry, but much of that activity is concentrated into a few busy months each year. Learning how to manage growth, plan ahead, and make the most of both busy and slower seasons has been an important part of the journey.
There is also a lot that happens behind the scenes that people don’t see. Every event requires careful planning, preparation, transportation, setup, testing equipment, and making sure everything runs flawlessly. When you’re part of someone’s wedding day or special event, there’s very little room for error, so attention to detail is critical.
Despite the challenges, I genuinely believe they’ve made me a better business owner. They’ve taught me the importance of adaptability, problem-solving, and always putting the client experience first. Looking back, I wouldn’t change those experiences because they’ve helped shape Wildwood Photo Booth into what it is today and continue to push me to improve with every event.
We’ve been impressed with Wildwood Photo Booth, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Wildwood Photo Booth specializes in creating elevated photo booth experiences for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations throughout Traverse City and Northern Michigan. Known for luxury backdrops, premium flower wall installations, custom designed photo strips, and high quality prints, Wildwood focuses on creating experiences that feel like a seamless extension of the event itself rather than just another vendor service.
What sets Wildwood Photo Booth apart is the attention to detail. From elegant draped backdrops and our signature flower wall to custom print designs and thoughtfully curated setups, every element is selected to complement the event’s aesthetic and create an experience guests genuinely enjoy. I believe a photo booth should enhance the atmosphere of an event, not simply occupy a corner of the room.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the personal experience I provide. As the owner, I work directly with every client throughout the planning process and personally handle setup and event execution. That hands-on approach allows me to ensure every detail reflects the client’s vision and the level of service I want my brand to represent.
Wildwood Photo Booth combines modern technology with timeless keepsakes. Guests can enjoy instant prints, digital sharing, and an interactive experience while also leaving with something tangible they can take home. In a world where so many photos live only on our phones, there’s something special about holding a printed memory in your hands.
Some of my favorite moments happen when guests gather around a fresh photo strip, laugh together, and relive the fun they just had in front of the camera. Those genuine interactions are what make this business so rewarding. It’s not just about taking photos, it’s about creating moments people will remember long after the celebration is over.
Above all, I want clients to know that I genuinely care about their event. Whether it’s an intimate wedding, a large celebration, or a corporate gathering, I approach every event with the same goal: creating an experience that is beautiful, seamless, and memorable for everyone involved.
As Wildwood Photo Booth continues to grow, I’m excited to serve more couples, families, and organizations throughout Northern Michigan and beyond while continuing to provide the personalized experience that has become the foundation of my brand.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Looking back, I think I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset. As a kid, I was constantly finding creative ways to earn money, whether that meant running a lemonade stand in the neighborhood or selling items I no longer needed. I loved the idea of creating something, sharing it with others, and seeing it succeed.
I was also drawn to bringing people together. One of my favorite childhood memories was organizing little events and shows in my backyard and inviting neighbors to come watch. Even then, I enjoyed creating experiences that people could be part of and enjoy together.
Personality wise, I’ve always been creative, driven, and willing to try new things. I enjoy solving problems, learning new skills, and figuring out how to turn ideas into reality. Those qualities have carried over into adulthood and ultimately helped shape my path as a business owner.
When I look at Wildwood Photo Booth today, it’s funny to realize that many of the things I loved as a child; being creative, organizing events, and bringing people together, are the same things I get to do every day through my business. In many ways, entrepreneurship feels like a natural extension of who I’ve always been.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Wildwoodphotobooth.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildwoodphototc?igsh=Mzk2cjI4eWFkcDdp
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CR7sJ6R3B/
