Wesley & Emma

We are so excited to introduce you all to our newest photographer friends, Emma and Wesley, of Birmingham-based W+E Photographie.  This passionate pair shares one of our most treasured loves- fusing the old with new to make beautiful art. Here at moxii, we design living spaces that combine antique and modern aesthetics to create rooms that are equally as warm as they are fresh. W+E does just the same when they capture images. It’s a like-minded spirit that appreciates, as they appropriately phrase it,”vintage charm with a modern twist.”

So without further adieu, let me present our newest favorite couple. Trust us, it won’t take long to fall head over heels with this adorable duo.

When exactly did you two meet?  And how long after did you decide to do photography as a pair?

We met five years ago, about a year after our initial encounter in a Spanish class. One of our first “unofficial” dates consisted of a photo excursion of sorts, as we affectionately liked to call them. One of the many reasons why we were drawn to one another was our common interest in photography. Shortly after that, we enrolled in a film photography class [at the University of Alabama], and soon followed the dreams of taking photographs for a living.

When did each of you decide you wanted to pursue to photography as a profession?

{Emma}: Around my sophomore year of college I realized that I could take my love for photography and turn it into something more than a hobby. I was encouraged by all of the photographers I’d seen who had similar beginnings, transitioning their passion from a hobby to a job. I suppose I was more drawn to the idea of taking photographs for a living.  Wesley, however, was (and is) equally (if not more) talented behind the lens. It only made sense for us to do this together.

Do you have a more long-term vision for your passion as photographers?

We would love to inspire others, just as other photographers have inspired us! On the business side of things, one goal of ours is to evolve our business into one that shoots 50% digitally and 50% film. We would also love to shoot destination weddings and combine our love for travel and photography!

What does W+E find most inspiring (together or separately)? Are there any specific locations and/or people that influence your work?

Simply interacting with people equally inspires us both. Everyone has a story to tell; that is what motivates us to capture life with our cameras. Nature, colorful locations, sunshine, and places with character (i.e. old things and architecture) are also very influential for us. Currently, we are extremely inspired by our surroundings in Europe and all of its history!

Since you are the traveling types, how do you choose where to go for your next trip? What does your time away usually consist of, particularly in your current excursion?

Oh goodness, do we love to travel! We took our first “big” trip to Europe with our school when we had only been dating for two months. Ever since it seems to be a theme in our relationship, which is just fine with us since we enjoy traveling together.

We’re currently living, working, and traveling through Europe with our home base in Sevilla, Spain. We’ve made it a goal of ours to take at least one trip each month while we are here. We usually work with a very tiny budget, so our trips largely depend on what flights have the best prices. Cost aside, our travel choice is ultimately based on the type of experience we want to have. One of our favorite ways to learn about a new culture is staying with the locals. We are a part of an international community called couch surfers, where we can connect with people who host us for a few nights in their city. It never hurts to have a free place to stay!

Recently, we took a road trip through the south of France. Our vision for this trip was super laid-back, so we opted to avoid all bigger cities, and mapped our way through villages and beach towns. At the end of May, we’ll be hitting as many countries as we can in one week! Normally, we make it a point to eat local foods, learn a few words in the local language (aside from English and Spanish), and visit any art or history museums… and put the camera to work!

We see you have quite a few categories… do you have a favorite subject to photograph?

{Emma}: I specifically love engagement shoots!

Sarah+Matthew: Engagement

It’s a time to really get creative and connect with other couples! I also really love taking pictures of kitties. Wesley loves being the subject just as much as he does being the photographer.

Emma {captured by Wesley}

Of course, being the good husband that he is, says I am his favorite subject.

On your website you say that you enjoy vintage charm with a modern twist. Seeing that moxii shares that same love in creating a personal space, what are the must-haves in your home?

A gallery wall composed of mixed frames showcasing antique prints, old and new photographs, and various artworks. Lamps- we could do away with overhead lighting all together as far as I’m concerned. And I’m a sucker for mismatched dinnerware. I love collecting random bowls and plates from flea markets and antique stores.

Do you have a favorite moxii product or collection?

{Emma}: Oh man, that is such a hard question! I’ll go with the decorative pillows- specifically the ‘Verdure Emb Green‘ and the ‘Azalea Stencil Velvet‘ in yellow.

So now you know why we are so enamored with these wonderful artists. Do yourself a favor a like their page on Facebook. You can also follow them on Twitter. You may even feel the urge to check out their old blog.

And for anyone wondering, Wesley and Emma will be returning home in June. Until then, we hope you follow their travels through their postings as we have.