serving couples THROUGHOUT THE dmv AND MIDWEST STATES who value
an intentional approach allowing the beauty of being together to take center stage
Kelly Duerst is a fine art wedding photographer drawn to the beauty of genuine connection, romantic floral details, and celebrations filled with vibrant color. Based both in Washington, DC and Madison, Wisconsin, she serves couples throughout the DMV, Midwest, and beyond, creating a highly personalized experience rooted in trust and an understanding of what matters most to each couple. Blending a refined aesthetic with heartfelt authenticity, Kelly documents weddings with an eye for true color, capturing the fleeting unscripted moments and the joy of being surrounded by the people you love most.
Hi, I'm Kelly — the photographer behind the lens. I've always been drawn to romance: from classic love stories to films that leave you feeling a little softer than when they began (yes, I blame the 2005 Pride & Prejudice for setting the standard). I've long believed the quiet, in-between moments tell the most meaningful stories, and that belief shapes the way I photograph every wedding day.
I believe your memories should look and feel the way they did in the moment, with true color that preserves the vibrancy, emotion, and atmosphere of the day as you remember it. Together, we'll create images that feel deeply personal to you and preserve the moments, people, and feeling that made your day yours.
From the very beginning, she was incredibly organized, thoughtful, and on top of every detail. Her knowledge of the best shoot locations made planning effortless, and it showed in every stunning photo she captured. Kelly has an incredible eye; she caught moments and angles we never would have thought of ourselves. She also guided us through poses in a way that felt natural, comfortable, and genuinely fun."
- Fiona, Bride
My fiancé and I recently had an amazing engagement session with Kelly, and we absolutely cannot recommend her services enough. Kelly understood everything we told her perfectly, and as a result, we walked away with some of the most incredible shots!"
-Sean, Groom
Booking a session was seamless and Kelly had good communication leading up to it. She was great with helping us pose and have fun at the same time. Family and friends are already remarking about how beautiful the photos turned out and we can't wait to send out our Christmas cards."
-Sabrina, Bride
If you’re planning a celebration that feels entirely your own, filled with genuine connection and moments you’ll want to remember exactly as they felt, I’d love to hear more about your day. Together, we’ll create photographs that feel personal, timeless, and true to your story.