destin sparks
"Photography is the art of making memories tangible."
Welcome y'all! I'm Gray. I'm a wedding and family photographer with over 10 years of experience. Capturing memories and telling stories through photos is my life's passion. Read on to learn more about my style, my story, and life with my husband and our assortment of critters!
I have loved photography since middle school, when I inherited my uncle's diverse camera collection and began exploring both the creative and technical with nerdy enthusiasm. NOT an athletic or popular kid, my life was my small group of friends, my horse, and my camera. From photographing flowers in the front yard and then later moving on to horse shows, my little hobby eventually turned serious and I graduated from Virginia Intermont College in 2010 with a Bachelors Degree in Photography and Digital Imaging.
After graduation I worked for a renowned wedding photographer in Washington DC, gaining incredible experience and shooting some of the most beautiful weddings on the East Coast.
history
a little
While working in Washington DC, I rented a room from a stranger who would eventually become my sister in law. Kasey and I became good friends, and then I met her brother Wade, who I promptly fell in love with and married in 2012! This is when I moved to Minnesota and started my own photography business.
then came love...
and
our
In 2017, Wade and I decided we were tired of brutal Minnesota winters and wanted to enjoy a more time in my hometown of Chattanooga, TN. So we made an unconventional decision, packed up our dogs and horses, and became snowbirds. We spend half the year in Minnesota and half in the south, sharing more time with both of our families!
I primarily serve central Minnesota and the Twin Cities area for wedding season, but also book in the Chattanooga, TN area and travel frequently! Let's chat, wherever you are!
adventure
our family
Gus: yellow lab, shaped like a potato. Runs about as fast as a potato. Opportunistic pig who will eat anything he finds and steals toys from the neighbors yard. Gives the happiest greeting to everyone he meets and provides the most therapeutic snuggles.
Loki: holy terror rescue kitten. Leaves a trail of destruction in his path. Has been known to chase giant dogs and steal entire calzones off the counter. Wins you back with his sweet purrs and biscuit making.
Georgia: sassy chesnut Saddlebred mare. My first horse, she has been with me for 20 years. Full of attitude and charm, still challenging and teaching me after all these years. My heart horse, a relationship beyond words.
Rebel: gentle giant Percheron gelding. A rescue from Minnesota with an unknown and probably traumatic history. Not likely to give more physical effort than necessary, but will give more love than you could ever expect. The sweetest boy.
meet
Gus: yellow lab, shaped like a potato. Runs about as fast as a potato. Opportunistic pig who will eat anything he finds and steals toys from the neighbors yard. Gives the happiest greetings and the most therapeutic snuggles.
Loki: holy terror rescue kitten. Leaves a trail of destruction in his path. Has been known to chase giant dogs and steal entire calzones off the counter. Wins you back with his sweet purrs and biscuit making.
Photographs have always fascinated me, the idea that you can physically capture a memory and have it forever. Photos play such a key role in reminding us of the details, people, and moments that we can so easily forget in the hustle of life. This is what drives me, I want to ensure as many people as possible have their most beautiful, joyful memories archived to relive and share in years to come. Everyone has a unique story to capture, and I can't wait to hear yours!
my why
this is
