Now that you've got a minute let's dive in .
again
good to see you
HEyo,
super 8
super 8
-or-
video
video
Like our photography, our films have a natural, artistic feel. We skip the sacharine sweet and predictable cuts
in favor of a more organic approach. This film will bring back all the memories and make you want to do it all
over again. Our packages always include 2 videographers for complete coverage of your day.
Shot on real film with a vintage camera. Super8 films have a warmth and intimacy ingrained from the history of film-making. With its nostalgic color pallet and recognizable camera flicker, it goes beyond being a piece of memorabilia from your wedding to being a piece of art. For us, it’s the perfect mix of fun, documentation and unobtrusiveness. Super8 uses minimal equipment and only one shooter. It definitely has that wow factor for being truly unique.
Megan + Joe
FRONT & PALMER
PENNSYLVANIA
Caroline + Mike
GRACE WINERY
Katrina + Colin
OVERBROOK GOLF CLUB
Jessica + Chase
"Working with you both was an absolute joy from start to finish and if we had to do it all over again, you two would still be our #1 vendor to book."
LIZ
"We love that your amazing, artistic shots totally captured the spirit of our wedding."
CHRISSY + ADAM
"Not only are the extremely talented at what they do, but they were so much fun to hang out with on the day of our wedding. It was like having another two best friends by our side all day."
KELLEY
"Besides picking each other, selecting Sweetwater was hands down the best decision we made for our wedding! Julie and Dutch are amazingly talented photographers who obviously love what they do."
AMY + HAAVARD
"I do not think it would have been possible for me to have looked so beautiful in the photos without your calming presence."
LAUREN
"Their work is unbelievable - they have an incredibly artistic eye, but also have a wonderful way of capturing emotion with their photographs."
ALEXA + ZACH
"Their professional yet laid-back personalities made us feel so comfortable and at ease. The super-8 film exceeded all our expectations, being a different and unique way to video the whole day."
MEGAN + JOE
"We had the absolute BEST experience working with Sweetwater for our wedding! Sam was fabulous to work with and shot the most amazing photos. Our guests are STILL complimenting our photographer's style and quality of the photos we received."
KATIE + RYAN
"In addition to their talent as photographers and the simple, honest nature of their work, Julie and Dutch are two fantastic people. They work in perfect synchrony to capture different angles and perspectives of the same scene. Julie's calm and easy demeanor could soothe even the most anxious bride."
ALYSSA + MAX
"Not only are they talented, but they are the sweetest people to work with."
LINDSAY
"We absolutely loved sharing our wedding day with you. Thank you for being more than our photographers that day –we’ve so appreciated your friendship through the whole experience and we hope that there are many reason for our paths to cross again in the future."
KELLEY + BRYAN
"Our bridal party loved hanging out with them
(which I think says it all)."
NICOLE
"Julie and Dutch are two brilliant photographers! They were not only able to capture the true essence of our wedding and who we are as a couple but they did it with such joy and passion.
You can tell that they absolutely love what they do. "
REBECCA + BRAD
"Julie and Dutch captured every moment with grace, style and ease. They are true professionals, who will go above and beyond to make your wedding pictures perfect, literally."
ROSEMARY + BEN
"Sweetwater was the perfect choice for stunning, natural, un-posed photography on our wedding day! We chose Julie and Dutch for both their photography style and their calm, warm personalities."
BECCA + A.J.
"The best part about them, aside from their amazing talent, is how comfortable they make the bride and groom feel. We felt like we were with friends every time we were shooting photos!"
ALEXIS + EVAN
"It's clear that Julie and dutch are extremely talented at their craft and very passionate about it as well. We found them both very professional, responsive and reliable while also being very fun, outgoing and personable at the same time. Julie and Dutch were both very calming presences amid the chaos of a wedding day and we relied on them to take charge and direct when we needed them to."
SARA
"Working with you both was an absolute joy from start to finish and if we had to do it all over again, you two would still be our #1 vendor to book."
LIZ
"We love that your amazing, artistic shots totally captured the spirit of our wedding."
CHRISSY + ADAM
"Not only are the extremely talented at what they do, but they were so much fun to hang out with on the day of our wedding. It was like having another two best friends by our side all day."
KELLEY
"Besides picking each other, selecting Sweetwater was hands down the best decision we made for our wedding! Julie and Dutch are amazingly talented photographers who obviously love what they do."
AMY + HAAVARD
"I do not think it would have been possible for me to have looked so beautiful in the photos without your calming presence."
LAUREN
"Their work is unbelievable - they have an incredibly artistic eye, but also have a wonderful way of capturing emotion with their photographs."
ALEXA + ZACH
"Their professional yet laid-back personalities made us feel so comfortable and at ease. The super-8 film exceeded all our expectations, being a different and unique way to video the whole day."
MEGAN + JOE
"We had the absolute BEST experience working with Sweetwater! Sam was fabulous to work with and shot the most amazing photos. Our guests are STILL complimenting our photographer's style and quality of the photos we received."
KATIE + RYAN
"In addition to their talent as photographers and the simple, honest nature of their work, Julie and Dutch are two fantastic people. Julie's calm and easy demeanor could soothe even the most anxious bride."
ALYSSA + MAX
"Not only are they talented, but they are the sweetest people to work with."
LINDSAY
"Thank you for being more than our photographers that day –we’ve so appreciated your friendship through the whole experience and we hope that there are many reason for our paths to cross again in the future."
KELLEY + BRYAN
"Our bridal party loved hanging out with them
(which I think says it all)."
NICOLE
"Julie and Dutch are two brilliant photographers! They were not only able to capture the true essence of our wedding and who we are as a couple but they did it with such joy and passion. "
REBECCA + BRAD
"Julie and Dutch captured every moment with grace, style and ease. They are true professionals, who will go above and beyond to make your wedding pictures perfect, literally."
ROSEMARY + BEN
"Sweetwater was the perfect choice for stunning, natural, un-posed photography on our wedding day! We chose Julie and Dutch for both their photography style and their calm, warm personalities."
BECCA + A.J.
"The best part about them, aside from their amazing talent, is how comfortable they make the bride and groom feel. We felt like we were with friends every time we were shooting photos!"
ALEXIS + EVAN
"It's clear that Julie and Dutch are extremely talented at their craft and very passionate about it as well. We found them both very professional, responsive and reliable while also being very fun, outgoing and personable at the same time."
SARA
this
defines us
our team
BLOG
press
FAQ
Sweetwater is known for our natural wedding photography, unique Super8 films, and unobtrusive video team.
Our greatest talent is making people feel confident and beautiful when we photograph them. You can see that in our work. There’s an authenticity, an engagement with the camera. It’s not just a portrait or a moment we’re trying to capture, it’s a feeling for you to relive.
Find what you connect with visually, in your gut.
What makes you feel the moment?
What makes you say, yes, I want my photos to look like that.
When you feel that connection, both stylistically and personally, then you have found your photographer.
Photographing cowboys in Montana led me to photographing weddings in a long, meandering way. But that’s a story best shared over beers and Rocky Mountain oysters some day in our future.
I started Sweetwater 12 years ago and have put my whole heart into it.
I have 3 D’s in my life: husband Dutch, 3 year-old Dane, and Doc dog.
We live in the city and love it. Midnight bike rides, music, good food.
But my heart is in the wild places.
Backpacking the Himalayas, surfing in Sri Lanka, ice climbing Morocco.
I love cooking late, late into the night.
And eating tomatoes from my garden, straight from the vine.
My decadence is quiet time: reading, running, yoga.
When I gave birth to my son I felt like a warrior queen.
Dutch was the best of the best of the best by my side.
Nothing will top that experience.
And I like to make pictures of people.
It’s always been that way.
JULIE
DUTCH
HIEU
NAOMI
Dutch met Julie in a darkroom in Maine (ooooh!).
They got married in Montana in the mountains.
There was a honkey tonk band and BBQ. It was great.
He shares a life with Julie, Dane and Doc in Philadelphia.
And is an amazing dad.
Dutch is a photographer and Super8 shooter (a rare bird, indeed).
He got his start in photography shooting documentary projects.
He printed photographic exhibitions headed to MOMA and the Louvre.
His favorite photographer is Stephen Shore.
Dutch’s personal photography also draws on the social landscape.
Dutch writes complex music, but only knows how to play 2 cover songs.
He accidentally picks up local intonations when we travel.
He’s obsessed with his motorcycle.
He is famous for his ability to nap on a hardwood floor.
Dutch is a fantastic listener and genuinely wants to help people.
JULIE
DUTCH
HIEU
NAOMI
Sam is one of those people that is everybody’s favorite.
She is quirky, sweet, dedicated and fiercely loyal.
She’s photographed hundreds of weddings
And, she’s getting married this spring!
More importantly, Sam was proposed to amidst a herd of llamas
(much to her delight)!
Her favorite thing about photographing weddings?
“Every time I go to work I get to experience the best day of someone’s life.”
Sam has had a camera in hand since she was 4.
Her first photo was of her parents on a camping trip.
She makes everyone around her happy, calm, and relaxed.
Though the girl can’t cook a lick, Sam does have a favorite recipe that I’m pretty sure represents all she holds dear,
Fluffer Nutter recipe:
Take one slice of bread, cover it with a generous amount of Fluff and Nutella, sprinkle Fruity Pebbles on top and fold it in half.
JULIE
DUTCH
HIEU
NAOMI
Naomi has the kind of creativity that can’t be learned.
She is able to find beauty in seemingly ordinary things.
A true artist with a superb understanding of light and movement.
Naomi edits all of our videos and shoots many of them.
Much of her talent comes from her background in studio arts.
Her mediums are painting, drawing, photography and film.
She’s influenced by Wes Anderson and inspired by Hayao Miyazaki.
Naomi lives in Manayunk, but Hong Kong will always be home.
Her parents are her heroes and she misses her mom’s soups.
Though Naomi can happily eat potatoes day in and day out.
It took us years to find Naomi.
We are so lucky to have her on our team.
JULIE
DUTCH
HIEU
NAOMI
WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
Should we do an engagement session?
Do you travel for weddings?
How do we receive the photos & how long will it take?
Do you photograph same sex weddings?
So how would you describe your style?
Do you SHOOT elopements and small weddings?
How much experience do you have?
Can I print them myself?
Philadelphia. We regularly shoot weddings all around PA, NJ, NY, DE, MD and MT (that’s right. Montana).
A resounding yes. First, it’s a great way for us to get to know each other. We’re with you all day at your wedding so let’s be friends and make this fun. Second, you’ll get used to being photographed (& find you secretly love being photographed) and you’ll stop wondering what your hands are supposed to be doing (squeezing your honeybuns (buns)).
Anywhere and everywhere. We’ve shot weddings as far as Switzerland and as random as the Black Hills of South Dakota. We love to travel, contact us for a quote.
We’ll send you a personalized gallery of your edited images along with a link to download the files. Weddings typically take 6 -8 weeks, engagement sessions 4-6 weeks. Proofbook, albums and other goodies to follow depending upon your package.
Love is love is love. Give us more same sex weddings to photograph please : )
We have a really organic, natural approach and our style is a mix of editorial, fine art and photojournalism. Our goal is for you to be just as excited about your photos 5, 10, 50 years from now as you are today and that’s why we shy away from overly posed or heavily edited images that won’t stand the test of time.
Yes! Happily! A recent city hall ceremony was the most emotional I’ve ever witnessed (and I was literally their only witness).
We make a point of knowing as many talented photographers in the area as possible just for this reason. We’d find you a photographer of equal style and experience. I’ve also photographed 39 weeks pregnant and on crutches so know that it takes a pretty big emergency to call us away.
We launched Sweetwater in 2006 so we know our way around.
Absolutely. They are high-res, edited, and un-watermarked…ready for you to enjoy.
faq
MORE?
What if there’s an emergency & you can’t make it?
How much should I invest in MY photography?
But really now, can you be specific?
Why is wedding photography expensive?
OK, let’s do this. How do we book you?
For me, photos have always been the trigger to unlock memory. After your wedding is over, you will use these photos not only to remember that moment in time, but also the moment before and after. Photography is the only wedding investment that will continue to give you joy and even gain value as a family heirloom. I recommend prioritizing photography in your budget because bad wedding photos is a regret you don’t want to live with.
Photography Coverage with Julie + Dutch starts at $5000. Email us for details and we can customize a package that works for you.
Welllll, let me count the ways. For every wedding, weeks of work are dedicated. The hours we spend photographing your wedding actually accounts for a fraction of the time. We spend time preplanning with you…developing your timeline, choosing photo locations, educating you on all sorts of weird wedding day things, meetings, phone calls, emails. We photograph your wedding (and even if it’s a 9 hour shoot, between packing, prepping, traveling, and scouting, it’s almost always a 14 hour day). Most of all, good culling and editing takes FOREVER and it’s important to us. We edit each photo to look it’s best. Then there’s archiving, delivery, album design, retouching, etc, etc. Whew, tired yet? Besides the time investment, there’s the simple cost of running a business. We have a huge amount of expensive gear, business insurance, studio rent, etc. Make sense? You can always find a cheaper option for everything in life, but there’s always trade-off. Make sure those trade-offs are things you can live with (cheaper quality albums, sloppy editing, less time spent with you, etc).
Let’s set up a time to chat or come into our studio. Our studio is in BOK building in South Philly which is THE coolest place so make time after to stop at Bok Bar (rooftop beers!) if it’s nice out! If we’re a good match for each other, we’ll have you sign a contract and put down a retainer to hold your date
faq
MORE?
Are you the photographer for me?
We put our whole heart into this, every time. It’s exhilarating and exhausting and means everything to us. Photographing someone’s wedding is an enormous responsibility that we do not take lightly. We only take about 25 weddings per year because of this. If you’re emailing 10 photographers at once to find the best price, we probably aren’t winning the budget game. What we are doing is taking care to photograph you in the most authentic, creative way possible. That means listening and spending time. Helping you organize the day and the timeline. Brainstorming amazing places to photograph. We are here to make this the best experience you could possibly have.
What is Super 8?
Hmmm Super8 sounds too indie for me,
do you offer video?
How do I choose which is best for me?
Shot on real film with a vintage camera. Super8 films have a warmth and intimacy ingrained from the history of film-making. With its nostalgic color pallet and recognizable camera flicker, it goes beyond being a piece of memorabilia from your wedding to being a piece of art. For us, it’s the perfect mix of fun, documentation and unobtrusiveness. Super8 uses minimal equipment and only one shooter. It definitely has that wow factor for being truly unique. And we’re one of the few companies that offer Super8.
Yes! Like our photography, our films (shot with HD video) have a natural, artistic feel. We skip the saccharine sweet and predictable cuts in favor of a more organic approach. This film will bring back all the memories and make you want to do it all over again.
Mostly it’s a gut reaction to which you prefer. Often our couples who had zero interest in having a videographer end up choosing (and loving) Super8 because it’s so incredibly unique. Super8 is set to music (no sound recording) and for some people that’s a plus. If capturing your best man’s speech is of utmost importance, video is the way to go. If you simply want to capture motion at your wedding in the most artistic way, Super8 might be the answer.
faq
have MORE questions? Reach out:)
You shot our wedding years ago, will you photograph our new baby?
What is Boudoir for?
A Boudoir session sounds scary, am I right?
There’s nothing I love more than reuniting with our past couples and meeting their babies so please ask! I also love photographing Maternity sessions.
The classic response would be to do it as a surprise gift for your partner for your wedding/anniversary/etc. But I love to think it’s even more important to do for yourself! Celebrate a milestone. Do it to be reminded of your own beauty and power, because we know that can be easy to forget. Do it for your 40th birthday and rock it. Boudoir is what you want it to be. First and foremost, it’s always for you. So don’t be shy, I only share photos with your approval.
Boudoir is something that every woman should do at least once in her life. It’s empowering and it’s bold. It’s an opportunity to embrace this body we’ve been given that gives us so much in return. Boudoir can be sexy, it can be quiet, it can even be fully clothed. I love photographing women and working towards that point where they let their guard down and their beauty radiates. It requires an honesty between us and the result is so stunning when it happens.
I will guide you and I promise you will love the experience.
details
Good photography involves collaboration and trust. We take the time to really get to know you. We document, we create, and we laugh.
A lot. It's what we'd want in our own
photographer; a great eye and simple approach.
From you we ask a lightness of heart, a release of expectations and a readiness to be present on your wedding day. Along with that, a relaxed schedule and good light goes a long way.
Sweetwater only accepts 25 weddings per year. We'll travel to photograph you whether you're down the block or on the other side of the world. Destination weddings are always a welcome adventure. Wedding coverage starts at $5000.
FAQ
TEAM
BLOG
PRESS
this defines us
Sweetwater is known for our natural wedding photography, unique Super8 films, and unobtrusive video team.
Our greatest talent is making people feel confident and beautiful when we photograph them. You can see that in our work. There’s an authenticity, an engagement with the camera. It’s not just a portrait or a moment we’re trying to capture, it’s a feeling for you to relive.
Find what you connect with visually, in your gut.
What makes you feel the moment?
What makes you say, yes, I want my photos to look like that.
When you feel that connection, both stylistically and personally, then you have found your photographer.
I started Sweetwater 12 years ago, my whole heart is in it.
I have 3 D’s in my life:
husband Dutch, 3 year-old Dane, and Doc dog.
We live in the city and love it. Midnight bike rides, good food. But my heart is in the wild places.
Backpacking the Himalayas and surfing in Sri Lanka.
When I gave birth to my son I felt like a warrior queen.
Dutch was the best of the best of the best by my side.
Nothing will top that experience.
And I like to make pictures of people.
It’s always been that way.
NAOMI
HIEU
DUTCH
JULIE
Dutch met Julie in a darkroom in Maine (ooooh!).
They got married in Montana in the mountains.
There was a honkey-tonk band and BBQ. It was great.
He shares a life with Julie, Dane and Doc in Philadelphia.
And is an amazing dad.
Dutch is a photographer and Super8 shooter (a rare bird indeed).
Dutch got his start in photography shooting documentaries.
Dutch’s personal photography draws on the social landscape.
He accidentally picks up local intonations when we travel.
He’s obsessed with his motorcycle.
He is famous for his ability to nap on a hardwood floor.
Is a fantastic listener and genuinely wants to help people.
JULIE
DUTCH
HIEU
NAOMI
Sam is one of those people that is everybody’s favorite.
She is quirky, sweet, dedicated and fiercely loyal.
She’s photographed hundreds of weddings
And, she’s getting married this spring!
More importantly, Sam was proposed to amidst a herd of llamas
(much to her delight)!
Her favorite thing about photographing weddings?
“Every time I go to work I get to experience the best day of someone’s life.”
Sam makes everyone around her happy, calm, and relaxed.
NAOMI
HIEU
DUTCH
JULIE
Naomi has the kind of creativity that can’t be learned.
She is able to find beauty in seemingly ordinary things.
A true artist with a superb understanding of light.
Naomi edits all of our videos and shoots many of them.
Much of her talent comes from her background in studio arts.
Her mediums are painting, drawing, photography and film.
She’s influenced by Wes Anderson and Hayao Miyazaki.
Naomi lives in Manayunk, but Hong Kong will always be home.
Her parents are her heroes and she misses her mom’s soups.
It took us years to find Naomi.
We are so lucky to have her on our team.
JULIE
DUTCH
HIEU
NAOMI
how would you describe your style?
Do you travel for weddings?
How much experience do you have?
Do you shoot same sex weddings?
Where are you based?
Philadelphia. We regularly shoot weddings all around PA, NJ, NY, DE, MD and MT (that’s right. Montana)
We launched Sweetwater in 2006 so we know our way around.
Love is love is love. Give us more same sex weddings to photograph please : )
Anywhere and everywhere. We’ve shot weddings as far as Switzerland and as random as the Black Hills of South Dakota. We love to travel, contact us for a quote.
We have a really organic, natural approach and our style is a mix of editorial, fine art and photojournalism. Our goal is for you to be just as excited about your photos 5, 10, 50 years from now as you are today and that’s why we shy away from overly posed or heavily edited images that won’t stand the test
of time.
FAQ
MORE?
Do you photograph elopements?
Yes! Happily! A recent city hall ceremony was the most emotional I’ve ever witnessed.
Should we do an engagement session?
A resounding yes. First, it’s a great way for us to get to know each other. We’re with you all day at your wedding so let’s be friends and make this fun. Second, you’ll get used to being photographed (& find you secretly love being photographed) and you’ll stop wondering what your hands are supposed to be doing (squeezing your honeybuns (buns)).
Are you the photographer for me?
How much should I invest in wedding photography?
MORE?
For me, photos have always been the trigger to unlock memory. After your wedding is over, you will use these photos not only to remember that moment in time, but also the moment before and after. Photography is the only wedding investment that will continue to give you joy and even gain value as a family heirloom. I recommend prioritizing photography in your budget because bad wedding photos is a regret you don’t want to live with.
We put our whole heart into this, every time. It’s exhilarating and exhausting and means everything to us. Photographing someone’s wedding is an enormous responsibility that we do not take lightly. We only take about 25 weddings per year because of this. If you’re emailing 10 photographers at once to find the best price, we probably aren’t winning the budget game. What we are doing is taking care to photograph you in the most authentic, creative way possible. That means listening and spending time. Helping you organize the day and the timeline. Brainstorming amazing places to photograph. We are here to make this the best experience you could have.
FAQ
But really now, can you be specific?
Photography Coverage with Julie + Dutch starts at $5000. Email us for details and we can customize a package that works for you.
OK, let’s do this. How do we book you?
Let’s set up a time to chat or come into our studio. Our studio is in BOK building in South Philly. If we’re a good match for each other, we’ll have you sign a contract and put down a retainer to hold your date.
What’s Super 8?
What is Boudoir for?
HMM, Super8 sounds too indie for me, do you offer video?
MORE QUESTIONS? Lets talk:)
Shot on real film with a vintage camera. Super8 films have a warmth and intimacy ingrained from the history of film-making. With its nostalgic color pallet and recognizable camera flicker, it goes beyond being a piece of memorabilia from your wedding to being a piece of art. For us, it’s the perfect mix of fun, documentation and unobtrusiveness. Super8 uses minimal equipment and only one shooter. It definitely has that wow factor for being truly unique. We’re one of the few companies that offer Super8.
Yes! Like our photography, our films (shot with HD video) have a natural, artistic feel. We skip the saccharine sweet and predictable cuts in favor of a more organic approach. This film will bring back all the memories and make you want to do it all over again
The classic response would be to do it as a surprise gift for your partner for your wedding/anniversary/etc. But I love to think it’s even more important to do for yourself! Celebrate a milestone. Do it to be reminded of your own beauty and power, because we know that can be easy to forget. First and foremost, it’s always for you. So don’t be shy. Boudoir is what you want it
to be.
FAQ
There’s nothing I love more than reuniting with our past couples and meeting their babies so please ask! I also love photographing Maternity sessions.
