Well, it’s official – after years of dreaming, plotting and planning Courtney Kattler Photography has finally launched!

Hi there! I’m Courtney Kattler and thanks for stopping by. I’m so excited to finally get my side passion off the ground as a full time business. I’m so thankful to my husband, Matt, for truly being my number one supporter, my business partner and my best friend. We currently live in Wilmington, Delaware with our two little fur-babies, Gus and Ellie.

Ellie’s first “walk”

Last July we lived our very own fairytale and were married on the coast of Maine [cue the choir!]. It was to a tee my dream wedding come to life. Hands down the best weekend, ever! That’s how it should be, yeah?

Kennebunkport, Maine. Photo by Mark McCall Photography

For those just meeting me, I grew up in the outskirts of Charlottesville, Virginia (Go Hoos…I mean Duuuukes! Sorry, I’m a JMU girl!). Childhood was pretty awesome, days were spent riding bikes, climbing trees, and planning childhood adventures with our endless imaginations. However, my favorite times each year were the summers and Christmas holidays spent in my parent’s hometown of Orono, Maine.  We’d pack the car and travel north from Virginia. Yes, we drove! This time spent with my family will forever be some of my favorite memories.

Abby, Nana, me and Mom

1. Handwritten thank you notes were just a part of life
2. At the end of the day, family is ALWAYS the most important – take the time and make the effort
3. Don’t forget the pixie dust – something my mom always said, always add your special touch, a little bit of magic if you will

I’m far from childhood, but these years are so important to me as it was a huge defining role in my life. If I could freeze time and rollback to those Maine summers on the coast and the magical Christmas vacations with our extended family, I’d replay it over and over again. This is most likely the reason for my slight obsession with photos. Although I don’t have a DeLorean (Back to the Future!), I could spend shameless hours pawing through the stacks of photo albums at my parent’s house. Those photos collectively captured the awesomeness of childhood, the celebrations of graduation, marriage, babies, anniversaries and, in general, life. Particularly with those family members no longer here today.

The emotion and passion I have for photography is what I want to share with my clients and their families. To have these photos as a part of their family history and to look back in years to come with great affection, remembering the moments of joy and celebration.