“I genuinely couldn’t imagine doing anything else,” said Kylee Meyer Reed, owner of Kylee Jade – Photographer.
“Photos have held so much meaning and joy for me, and I wanted to help others have that, too,” she said.
Meyer Reed’s love for photography started back in college. After dabbling in art during high school, she became obsessed with interesting lighting conditions and would wake up early to walk around town.
“My friends and I had the best time putting together photoshoots and trying new ideas,” said Meyer Reed.
Now, the creative offers documentary-style photography, always aiming to capture the natural beauty and authenticity of weddings in an unhurried way.
In addition to weddings, Meyer Reed offers unposed “day in the life” family sessions that range from two to 10 hours.
Meyer Reed says she loves working with couples who want to be immersed in their wedding day, and not have to worry about a “to-do list.”
Read more about the photographer, wife, and creative.
My goal as a business is…
to document wedding days in an honest and reflective way. To show up for people in a manner that makes them feel seen and appreciated just as they are.
Something I’m excited about right now is…
I think there’s a lot of interest in weddings being true to the couple. Instead of following certain rules, having fun with it, and I love to see it!
My services are perfect for those who…
treasure photos and the memories they hold, but want a hands-off, laid-back approach to the day.
Personalized Portraits
Meyer Reed has had engagement sessions including the following hobbies:
Arcades
Baking
Books
Camping
Dance Lessons
Family Farms
Fishing
Ice cream
Ice skating
Pets
I offer…
documentary wedding coverage that keeps the day as undirected as possible. The top two packages include “date night” engagement sessions, where we spend part of a couple’s session enjoying a favorite activity, place, or hobby. Every session is different from the next!
I’ve traveled to…
Ecuador — the birthplace of my youngest brother — to volunteer at the children’s home, For His Children.
One thing I love about South Dakota is…
the Black Hills. From childhood reunions, our wedding, and anniversary trips, the Hills have always been a place of peace for me. Sioux Falls-wise, I love all it offers when it comes to art, small businesses, and food, while still having a small-town vibe.
The best part of my job is…
getting to witness people share memories with those they love most. It’s such an intimate, special thing to be a part of. Getting to know the amazing people I work with is always a perk, too!
TRUE TO LIFE
Documentary-style photography aims to record the world as it is by capturing candid & unposed moments.
PICK A PACKAGE
Kylee Jade – Photographer offers the following package options:
the basic
6 hours of wedding day coverage
Consultation prior to wedding day
Online gallery of images
USB of high resolution images
the medium
9 hours of wedding day coverage
Engagement session included
2 photographers
Online gallery of images
USB of high resolution images
the all day
11 hours of wedding day coverage
Engagement session included
2 photographers
Online gallery of images
USB of high resolution images
My favorite way to spend free time…
with my husband, parents, and siblings. I became an aunt last year and it’s been so much fun! Otherwise, I love reading, attempting to bake, a good crime show, and trying new restaurants.
I love to grab a bite or drink at…
Sanaa’s Gourmet Mediterranean, Swamp Daddy’s Cajun Kitchen, or Oppa Chicken. Recently, I’ve had some great non-alcoholic drinks at Maribella Ristorante and The Hello Hi.
“Micro-weddings are so chill, but full of the biggest emotions. Highly recommend!” – Kylee Meyer Reed
My advice to aspiring photographers is…
photograph the small details of your life and the “in between;” the characteristics of people you love and don’t want to forget. Photograph with your heart first. Lighting and composition can be practiced, but I believe the ability to know a real moment comes largely from your gut. Make lots of photos, and focus on improvement over perfection. Celebrate your growth!
Before I was a photographer…
I wanted to be an English teacher. That didn’t pan out, but it’s still my favorite school subject.
“My mission statement is to show people the simple, real beauty that exists in their lives.” – Kylee Meyer Reed
My favorite place to go for inspiration…
is work from storytellers such as Gordon Parks, Pete Souza, and John Dolan. There have also been great photo and art installations at the Washington Pavilion that inspire me to see the world with playfulness and curiosity.
People might be surprised to know…
I am the daughter of a retired pastor — I credit him for my deep love and respect for wedding ceremonies. My dad always used to tell me, “The ceremony is why we’re here. Everything else is extra.” It keeps things in perspective.
I balance my work and family life by…
blocking off time for family or to be at home with my husband. Being with them always fills up my cup, so I try to make it a priority.
Something that is influencing me right now…
is old family and wedding photos. Finding humor, mischievousness, and affection from decades we associate with stoic and posed photos always feels magical to me.
For more information, visit Kyleejade.com+
