scene setters + architecture in 2023 v04 artistic guild

2023 v04 Artistic Guild Judges

Denny Simmons, Jeanie Adams-Smith, Lisa Krantz, Tom Reese

The Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association is proud to present the winners of 2023 v04 artistic guild Contest. Since 2002, the WPJA has only worked with highly respected and awarded picture editors and newspaper photojournalists for the judging of our contests. Winning an AG WPJA competition award is a major accomplishment in the wedding photography industry.

A wedding photographer captured a mesmerizing scene at the Santa Maria venue in Villefranque, France. By shooting from behind a giant screen, they captured both the beautiful scene and the screen in one stunning image.

William Desse

Photographer captures a stunning black and white portrait of the bride, groom, and priest at the Church of Beaulon, Allier, France, as they face towards Christ, creating an award-winning wedding day image.

David Blateyron

The bride gracefully walks herself down the aisle at Heinz Chapel in Pittsburgh, PA. The historic church serves as a grand backdrop for this beautiful wedding ceremony.

Erica Dietz

The artistic wedding day image showcases the bride and groom's back view, while they stand entranced by the mesmerizing stained glass arches of Église Saint-Sauveur du Petit-Andely in Les Andelys, Eure, France.

Julien Michel

This award-winning image beautifully portrays the bride's grandmother, immersed in anticipation and reflection, as she sits alone at a gorgeously adorned table in the majestic setting of Istanbul's Esma Sultan Yalisi.

Nilufer Nalbantoglu

In Milan, Italy, at the Sant'Ambrogio church, the bride gracefully walks alongside her father through a stunning cloister while the groom eagerly awaits their arrival at the altar.

Michela Bocciarelli

A serene moment amidst the festivities, guests gather outside El Peregrino Restaurant in Navarre, Spain, exchanging conversations and enjoying a smoke break during a pause in the dance. This striking black and white scene sets the ambiance.

Matt Kolf

A talented wedding photographer captured a shot of a man decorating a white trellis on a balcony with a breathtaking view, adding a modern touch to the Amalfi ceremony preparation.

Elodie Ruelleux Dagorne

Wedding photographer captures stunning sunset ceremony scene at Enchantment Resort in Sedona, AZ. The serene green pasture beneath majestic cliffs is illuminated by the golden sunlight, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

Laura Segall

Amidst the intermittent downpours at The Mountain Terrace in Woodside, CA, this award-winning wedding photographer skillfully framed a stunning image, showcasing the unique charm of a rainy ceremony.

Steve Kpa

Award-winning wedding photographer captures the magic of love against the rustic backdrop of a private field in Steamboat Springs, CO. Amidst the romance, a diligent pack mule awaits its next adventure.

Justin Edmonds

Wedding guests become part of the stunning barn backdrop at Irons Mill Farmstead in New Wilmington, PA. The sun shines on their faces during the ceremony, captured in beautiful black and white.

Erica Dietz

Award-winning image captured by a professional wedding photographer in Samui, Thailand. The bride and groom exchange vows amidst breathtaking ocean views from a cliff. A stunning shot taken from above.

Chaiyasith Junjuerdee

Award-winning image captured at Three Peaks Ranch in Westcliffe, CO. The bride elegantly prepares for her special day in the charming and romantic getting ready cabin.

Trent Gillespie

In this award-winning wedding day photo at Greylock Works, North Adams, Massachusetts, the photographer captures the bride and groom basking in a romantic spotlight during their ceremony.

Simi Rabinowitz

In Budir, Iceland, a wedding photographer captured this image of a bride and groom walking away from the camera amidst strong winds, just as a storm loomed in the distance.

Ambre Peyrotty

A modern wedding scene captured as the bride and groom sign their marriage license on a Washington state ferry, with their officiant by their side, contemplating their new journey together.

Marla Manes

In Banff, Canada, an award-winning wedding photographer captures a mesmerizing image at the Banff Gondola. The picture showcases a romantic winter ceremony with the breathtaking Rocky Mountains and a reflection in the scene.

Eliza Slobodzian

Award-winning wedding day pic taken at the Crown Casino Hotel in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. This captivating black and white photo captures the symmetrical frame with guests mingling.

Gaelle Le Berre

In Tuscany, at Villa Medicea di Lilliano, the bride and groom celebrated their wedding day by toasting after cutting the cake. The photographer captured the moment from a high angle, recording the artistic scene in BW

Julian Kanz

At Arapahoe Basin, a bride and her parents ride the chair lift to the mid-mountain ceremony. The photographer captures this stunning image, showcasing the unique venue and creating an award-winning image.

Justin Edmonds

Captured at the stunning Malcom hotel in Canmore, Canada, this award-winning photo showcases the romance of a couple's wedding day against a breathtaking backdrop of majestic mountains through the hotel's magnificent windows.

Eliza Slobodzian

A stunning image captured amidst the captivating allure of Matera; showcasing a breathtaking outdoor ceremony in the courtyard of a historic building, with guests witnessing the proceedings.

Samuele Ciaffoni

Capturing the enchanting beauty of a historic Montpellier church, this award-winning image showcases the pipe organ player, immersed in their music, adding a touch of artistry to the wedding day.

Yohan Bettencourt

An artistic wedding photographer captured the opening dance of the wedding couple from a high angle at Lüntenbecker Höhe in Wuppertal. The image, in black and white, features a tilt-shift effect.

Nadine Lotze

An award-winning wedding photographer captures the scene as the bride, flanked by her parents, gracefully walks down the aisle at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago. The golden sun casts long shadows, creating an enchanting ambiance.

Justin Edmonds

This award-winning photo captures the wedding dinner at Villa Catignano in Siena. The deep blue sky and string lights create a dramatic atmosphere, making it a truly artistic wedding image.

Andrea Sampoli

An enchanting scene unfolds at Ring Oak Plantation in Florida as the reception tent sparkles with warm, romantic lights. The talented wedding photographer captures the great light in this award-winning portrait.

Trent Gillespie

Award-winning artistic wedding day image captured by a professional photographer in Poitou-Charentes, France. The picture showcases a beautiful outdoor ceremony in a forest, with a deeply in love couple, creating a timeless and enchanting pic.

Benjamin Dupuy

A talented wedding photographer captured this incredible pic at Nanping Park in Fujian. The image highlights the beauty of an indoor wedding during a snowy day, creating an award-winning artistic shot.

Xiang Qi

Capturing the essence of love, this award-winning photographer frames the couple's intimate setting through a doorway encased in ivy, revealing the beauty and romance of their Burlingame wedding reception.

Chris Shum

Romantic newlyweds embrace aboard a boat at Isola del Garda, Italy. The setting sun casts a golden glow on the flat waters, as their reflection intertwines with a passionate kiss captured through the rearview mirror.

Julian Kanz

Award-winning wedding photograph captures bride and groom sitting at the altar during their ceremony at Santa Maria Assunta's Church in Arezzo, Italy. The black and white shot adds a timeless artistic touch.

Simone Bacci

Capturing the essence of modern romance, this award-winning image showcases the stylish bride and groom sharing a twilight kiss at The Landing Tahoe Resort, with the beauty of Lake Tahoe as their backdrop.

Chris Werner

Crested Butte, Colorado - Aspen trees encircle a couple's romantic picnic spot by a mountain lake. The sun shines through the foliage, creating a beautiful burst of light.

Lucy Schultz

Icart, Guernsey - A stunning award-winning wedding day pic captures the bride getting ready at home, bathed in light that creates a beautiful silhouette against the window, with a helping hand.

Nick Despres

In this award-winning picture, taken in Icart, Guernsey, the groom and his groomsmen are seen enjoying a relaxing chat on a balcony as they prepare for the ceremony. The picture captures the bright sunlight and the breathtaking view of the ocean.

Nick Despres

This award-winning photo was taken by a professional wedding photographer at Mar de Eucaliptos. It features a symmetrical view of the chapel at Aurora, with a reflection of the scene at the bottom of the frame.

Renner Boldrino

A professional wedding photographer captured the stunning bride getting ready at Villa Augustus, Dordrecht, Netherlands. The image cleverly features a reflection in the glass, showcasing the picturesque venue as well.

Judith Kuivenhoven

Award-winning wedding photographer captures the romance of the ceremony with a stunning, artistic image at a church in West Bend, Wisconsin. Reflective elements add depth and beauty to this captivating ceremony image.

Taber Lacie

A bride and groom hold hands while walking along a trail on their wedding day. The photo captures Mt. Rainier in the background, adding a stunning touch to this wedding image.

Marla Manes

WPJA contest judges have been recognized by their industry peers, winning top awards as staff picture editors, staff photojournalists, and newsroom mentors while working for these and other leading publications and journalism organizations.