Hidden Gems: Meet Stephanie Parshall of Stephanie Parshall Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Parshall

Hi Stephanie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Photography wasn’t always my plan, but looking back, it feels like it was meant to be. My journey started in 8th grade on a trip to Alaska, where I went through 20 rolls of film in three weeks, completely captivated by capturing what I saw. But life took me in different directions—I played sports, focused on school, and never imagined photography could be a career.

Everything shifted when I tore my ACL in high school, sidelining me from sports. That’s when I picked up a camera again and joined the yearbook committee. Somehow, that year, I won an award for Best Sports Photo in the U.S., which sparked the realization that photography might be more than just a hobby.

Fast forward to 2011, when a college roommate asked me to photograph her wedding. I had no idea that one “yes” would change everything. Over a decade later, with more than 150 weddings captured, I’ve built a career that allows me to do what I love—preserve joyful, once-in-a-lifetime moments for couples in Grand Rapids, Detroit, Chicago, and beyond. Now, I create an experience where couples feel comfortable, present, and celebrated, all while capturing their love in a timeless, true-to-life way.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like any creative career, my journey into wedding photography hasn’t always been smooth, but every challenge has shaped me into the photographer I am today. Early on, I faced the struggles of building a sustainable business—learning how to price my services, market myself, and stand out in a competitive industry. Balancing the artistic side of photography with the demands of running a business was a huge learning curve.

Another challenge has been navigating the emotional and logistical complexities of wedding days. Weddings can be unpredictable—timelines shift, weather changes, and emotions run high—but I’ve learned to thrive in those moments, staying calm, adaptable, and always ready to capture the magic in between.

Additionally, stepping into the luxury wedding market has meant refining my brand, elevating my client experience, and ensuring that my work reflects the level of service high-end couples expect. It’s been a journey of continuous growth, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything—because at the end of the day, I get to do what I love: capture love stories in a way that’s meaningful and lasting.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Stephanie Parshall Photography?
Stephanie Parshall Photography is all about capturing wedding days with authenticity, warmth, and a refined, true-to-life style. I specialize in weddings and engagements across Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Chicago, crafting timeless, vibrant images that feel as real as the moments themselves.

What sets me apart is my ability to balance being a hands-on guide and a quiet observer. I help my couples feel at ease while capturing the genuine, emotional, and beautifully candid moments that unfold naturally. My approach ensures they can be fully present while I preserve every detail, every tear, and every joyful celebration.

I take immense pride in the experience I provide—one that is seamless, thoughtful, and tailored to each couple. From timeline planning and clear communication to delivering heirloom-quality albums, every step is designed to create a stress-free, luxury experience. My couples often tell me they feel truly seen, cared for, and comfortable in front of the camera, which is exactly what I strive for.

At the heart of my brand is the belief that wedding photography is more than just pictures—it’s about storytelling, connection, and creating images that will bring you back to one of the best days of your life.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was always curious, creative, and deeply passionate about storytelling—though I never imagined photography would be my path. I was that kid who loved exploring, whether through travel, playing sports, or getting lost in a good book. I was also incredibly detail-oriented, always noticing the little things that made moments special.

My love for photography started unexpectedly during a trip to Alaska when I was in eighth grade. I went through 20 rolls of film, completely captivated by the idea of preserving what I saw and felt in a single frame. Even though I didn’t pick up a camera again for a few years, that experience stuck with me.

In high school, I was heavily involved in sports like basketball and volleyball, but after an ACL injury, I found my way back to photography through the yearbook committee. That shift changed everything, eventually leading me to photograph my first wedding in 2011. Looking back, my love for connection, storytelling, and capturing emotions has always been part of me—it just took a few detours to realize photography was the perfect way to bring all those passions together.

Pricing:

• 6400.00 – 8,000.00

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.parshallphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanieparshallphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanieparshallphotography
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephanieparshallphoto