Portrait + Wedding Education

Vanessa Joy is a Canon Explorer of Light that has been an influential speaker in the community for over a decade. Starting her photographic journey in 1998, she has since branched into public speaking, earned 5 college degrees, received a PPA Photographic Craftsman degree, been named a WeddingWire Education Expert, sponsored by Canon, Profoto and Animoto to name a few. Vanessa has spoken at almost every major convention and platform in the event industry such as CreativeLIVE, The Wedding School, Clickin' Moms, WPPI, ShutterFest, Imaging USA, Wedding MBA, WeddingWire World, MobileBeat, in addition to hosting personal workshops and numerous small business and photography conventions around the globe. Recognized for her talent and more so her business sense, her clients love working with her and industry peers love to learn from her tangible, informative and open-book style of teaching. Find her at www.VanessaJoy.com.

Meredith Ryncarz is a former college art professor turned destination wedding photographer. Recently named one of the top photographers in the south by South Magazine, her work can be seen in Forbes, The New York Times, and Southern Living. As a military spouse, Meredith has crafted a business that is not situated in one regional market but rather is mobile to suit the lifestyle of her family, allowing her to restart her business multiple times over the past decade.

Anna Swanson is your quintessential Southern belle. She adores dinner parties, fine linens, whimsical florals, old fashioned hospitality, and most of all... people. Brides appreciate her warm smile, her calm demeanor, and her kind heart. She is passionate about weddings, and she progresses through the planning process in a way that is easy and step-by-step. As one bride stated, "She anticipates your needs before you even realize them yourself." Together, Anna and her team work diligently to pair all clients with a customized vendor team that matches their overall vision, personal style, personality and budget. Anna attended the University of Georgia in hopes of working in resort recreation, but it should have been no surprise that during her time in hotels and resorts, she would be drawn to weddings and formal events. After marrying her husband Mark in 2011, they relocated to the Savannah area. Throughout the past decade Anna has served as Wedding Coordinator for Lake Lanier Islands Resort, Wedding Sales Manager for a full-service venue, and Catering Manager for a conference center. Not wanting to completely leave the industry after becoming a stay at home mom in 2015, Anna started Rustic to Ritz Events to assist couples needing wedding coordination. Rustic to Ritz Events has now rebranded as Swanson Signature Events and serves couples through both full service planning and event management. Anna is a busy mom of 4 to Wilhelm (8), Wyatt (6), Paisley (4) and Palmer (1). In her free time, she enjoys cooking, gardening, interior decorating, antique shopping and traveling to see family.