If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be running my own photography business, capturing candid, elegant and soulful love stories from NYC to Italy, and getting featured in an online magazine as an up-and-coming Tampa Wedding Photographer—I probably would’ve laughed and ordered another drink. But here we are!

I’m beyond excited to share that I was recently featured in VoyageTampa’s Rising Stars series, where I got to talk about my journey as a wedding and elopement photographer, my love for storytelling, and the winding road that led me to where I am today. You can check out the full article here, but I also wanted to share a bit more about how Wild Heathen Images came to life—raw, real, and straight from the heart.

From Corporate Burnout to Destination Wedding Photographer

Photography has always been more than just clicking a button for me. It’s about freezing time, capturing a feeling, and telling a story that words could never quite do justice to.

I’ve always been a creative at heart, but the path to becoming a full-time photographer wasn’t exactly linear. I spent years in marketing and communications—learning the ins and outs of branding, storytelling, and human connection—without realizing that those skills would eventually help me build a business of my own. It wasn’t until I picked up a camera with the intention of capturing love in its rawest form that everything just clicked (pun totally intended).

Building Wild Heathen Images

When I started Wild Heathen Images, I knew I wanted to create more than just pretty pictures. I wanted to capture the kind of love that makes your heart race. The stolen glances, the inside jokes, the moments that feel like poetry. My style has evolved into something I describe as vintage, warm, and free-spirited—a blend of nostalgia and candid emotion, perfect for the adventurous souls who crave something real. See for yourself in my wedding galleries.

But let’s be honest—building a business from the ground up is hard. There were moments of doubt, imposter syndrome, and the ever-present voice in my head whispering, ‘Can I really do this?‘ (Spoiler alert: I can. And I did.) Every couple I’ve had the honor of photographing has reinforced my why. Seeing people light up when they relive their wedding day through my lens? That’s everything. The proof is in the reviews. Read what my past couples have to say here!

The Feature & What It Means to Me

Being featured in VoyageTampa was a surreal moment. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of running a business, always looking ahead to the next goal, the next booking, the next creative challenge. But this feature made me pause, reflect, and celebrate how far I’ve come. It’s a reminder that every step—even the messy, uncertain ones—has led me to this place.

If you’re curious to read more about my journey, the challenges I’ve faced, and what fuels my passion for wedding photography, you can get to know more about me here.

What’s Next?

Wild Heathen Images is growing, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead. More love stories, more travel, more art, and more moments that make life feel like a damn good movie. If you’re newly engaged and looking for a photographer who gets you, will bring out your best in front of the camera and deliver stunning photos, let’s make some magic together. Inquire for your day here!

Thanks for being here. Thanks for supporting this wild dream of mine. Here’s to the next adventure!

Xx, Shayla

The images featured in this post were captured by Redlands Retro Photography & Co. | @redlands_retro_photography