THE ART of REMEMBERING: The Heart First Approach

A wedding day moves quickly—filled with quiet glances, happy tears, unexpected laughs, and once-in-a-lifetime moments that can pass in an instant. For Heart First Weddings, the focus goes beyond simply documenting the day; it’s about preserving the emotions, energy, and connections that make each celebration unique. We spoke with owner and photographer Joshua Tyndall about his journey behind the lens, his storytelling approach, and the passion that drives him to capture memories couples can relive for years to come.

Photographer & Videograher Joshua Tyndall of Heart First Weddings

What began as a creative passion has grown into a collection of brands dedicated to storytelling through photography, film, and visual experiences. With an approach rooted in authenticity and emotion, Heart First Weddings creates imagery and films that don’t just show what the day looked like—they capture what it felt like.

From building a creative business to finding the right connection with every couple, Joshua shares the story behind Heart First Weddings and why choosing the right photographer and videographer is about more than the final gallery—it’s about trusting someone to preserve the moments that matter most.

Can you share the story behind your photography business and what drew you to capturing weddings?

My journey into weddings really started around 2015 when I was doing creative work at my day job and was asked to become an associate photographer and videographer for a local wedding company. I fell in love with the process—the creativity, the pressure, the emotion, and the challenge of capturing a once-in-a-lifetime moment. About a year later, that opportunity came to an end, but I had realized this was something I wanted to continue pursuing. I launched Heart First “Creative,” which started as a little bit of everything—photo, video, weddings, music videos, brand shoots, graphic design—you name it. It was messy, but it was exciting.

In 2021, I left the corporate world to become a full-time entrepreneur, and that same year I split the company into two entities: Heart First Weddings, focused on all things love, and Heart First Agency, focused on corporate, content, and branding. In 2023, I opened PHILM Studio, Wilmington’s first rentable content studio, located in Cargo East. Weddings have always stuck with me because they’re unlike anything else. They’re fast-paced, emotional, unpredictable, and full of energy. You’re chasing the shot, running on adrenaline, and trying to preserve a day that people will never experience exactly the same way again. It’s exhausting—but it’s also incredibly beautiful. The team and I genuinely have fun being part of that experience.

How would you describe your photography style, and what sets your work apart?

I’d describe our style as real, romantic, and centered around wedding memories you can feel. While we love creating beautiful images, what matters most is capturing the moments that bring you right back to how the day actually felt—the in-between moments, the quiet exchanges, the laughter, the emotions you may not even realize were happening. A big part of what sets us apart is our approach to storytelling. While I think there are a lot of incredible photographers in this area, where I feel we’re especially unique is our video work. Our films are polished, but they’re also raw and emotional. We’re not focused on creating something overly staged—we want you to feel something when you watch it. There’s less emphasis on slow-motion perfection and more focus on genuine moments, real emotion, and the personality of each couple. Whether that means happy tears, a wild dance floor, or a quiet moment together, we want your wedding film and photos to feel like you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbf5vjV4QaI

What’s one thing couples can expect when working with you?

Beyond capturing the day itself, couples can expect us to be there as a true part of their team. We’re there to protect your peace, your love, your vision, and the overall feeling you want your wedding day to have. We’re not just showing up with cameras—we’re there to support you, keep the energy positive, and be your ultimate hype team. Weddings can be overwhelming, and having vendors who make you feel comfortable, confident, and celebrated makes a huge difference. Our goal is for you to look back at your photos and videos and not just remember what happened—but remember exactly how it felt.

What are some of the most meaningful or memorable weddings you’ve captured, and what made them stand out?

One of the most meaningful experiences is getting to capture weddings for people who are already close to you. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with a family that I’m incredibly close with—they’ve even jokingly called me an honorary member of their family. I’ve been part of so many important moments in their lives, including capturing two of their children’s weddings. That’s what makes this work so special. You’re not just a person behind a camera. You still get to experience those moments, celebrate with people you care about, and then give them something they’ll have forever. Being trusted to preserve those memories is a pretty incredible responsibility.

What advice would you give to couples when choosing the right wedding photographer?

I think couples should look beyond just the portfolio. Obviously, you want to love the work—but the “vibe” matters just as much. Your photographer and videographer are with you for a huge portion of your wedding day—sometimes more than your planner, and in some ways even more than your partner. They influence the energy of the day more than people realize. Choose someone whose personality fits yours. Someone you feel comfortable with. Someone who understands your vision and makes you feel like yourselves. And most importantly—have fun. You’re planning your wedding! It’s easy to get caught up in the details, but at the end of the day, the memories you’re creating are the whole reason you’re doing this.

For More Information Contact Heart First Weddings.