Today we’d like to introduce you to McKenna Hutchinson.
Hi McKenna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always been someone who notices the little moments…how people interact, the way emotions unfold, the in-between stuff that often goes undocumented. I picked up a camera early on and never really put it down. When I was 8 years old, I was even photographing Barbie weddings in my backyard. Looking back, it’s no surprise I ended up here.
I started 1828 Collective in 2016 with the goal of creating wedding photography that feels genuine and story-driven. I wanted my couples to look back on their photos and feel like they were truly reflected in them—not overly posed or forced, just real. Since then, I’ve had the absolute joy of documenting love stories across the Carolinas and beyond.
My favorite part? Getting to be fully present on one of the most meaningful days of someone’s life. I’ll guide you when you need it, blend into the background when the magic unfolds naturally, and make sure you walk away with images that feel like you.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Running my business for over 8 years has been full of growth and evolution. One of the most rewarding parts was relocating to a new city and building a fresh community of clients from the ground up. It pushed me to grow, connect in new ways, and establish myself all over again with a stronger, more intentional foundation.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What I’m most proud of is the experience I create for my couples on their wedding day. From the planning process to the final sendoff, it’s never just about the photos. It’s about helping them actually enjoy the day. I’m all about building in space for the moments that matter: taking that extra five minutes to soak in the sunset together, spending intentional time with their favorite people, and feeling fully present. The result? A gallery full of candid, documentary-style images mixed with creative, artistic portraits, and a wedding day that doesn’t just look beautiful, but feels it, too.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I’ve always been a “yes” person. If you bring me a wild idea—something totally out there or maybe even a little crazy…I’m all in. I’ll help you figure out how to bring it to life and make it even better than you imagined. I’m definitely stubborn, but in the best way: I’m determined to make your vision happen, no matter what it takes.
Pricing:
- Weddings: $5,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://1828collective.com
- Instagram: @1828collective
