Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Nelms.
Hi Sarah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I launched this business solo after realizing the traditional 9-to-5 corporate world wasn’t the right fit for me. Photography had always been my creative outlet, so when my husband and I relocated to Houston, I took the leap and turned my passion into a profession. I never could have predicted that we would grow into such a thriving wedding photography business, let alone expand to include my husband as our lead videographer. Today, we are in the exciting process of restructuring to accommodate our growth into new markets. Looking back, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come—I feel truly blessed that we get to spend our days together, preserving the most meaningful moments of other people’s lives.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Honestly, it has been far from smooth. For a long time, I wrestled with constant self-doubt, comparing my work to others and questioning whether this path was truly mine. I prayed for clarity, asking for a sign that I was on the right track—and then I felt this undeniable urge to leave my job and commit fully. The moment I went all in, things started falling into place. That said, the internal work didn’t stop there. As someone naturally prone to anxiety, I had to push through overwhelming nerves before every single session. But I knew deep down that documenting people’s lives was what I was meant to do, so I kept showing up. My husband is still balancing his full-time job alongside our business, which means there are weeks he doesn’t get a single day off. We’re pushing hard right now, with the goal of getting him to full-time with me—because we both believe this is our future.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At our core, we’re storytellers with cameras. We specialize in weddings and lifestyle photography, but we’re really in the business of preserving feelings. Our couples often tell us we’re known for making them feel comfortable and natural—no stiff poses or forced smiles here. We capture the authentic stuff: the nervous excitement before the ceremony, the uncontrollable laughter during toasts, and the quiet moments no one else notices.
I’m most proud of the relationships we’ve built. It’s one thing to deliver beautiful photos, but another to have clients tell us we felt like family on their big day. That means everything to me.
As for what sets us apart? It’s the two-perspective advantage. With my husband and I both shooting, you get double the coverage and double the emotion—his wide-angle context and my intimate close-ups working in harmony. Plus, we bring our own love story into the room. We know what it’s like to build something together, so we capture yours with extra care and understanding.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’ll be honest—networking and finding a mentor used to intimidate me. But I’ve learned that mentorship doesn’t have to be this formal, intimidating arrangement. For me, it’s been about finding people who inspire me and simply reaching out with genuine curiosity—not asking them to take me under their wing, but asking specific, thoughtful questions about their journey. The relationships that have meant the most grew organically from there.
In terms of networking, what’s worked is showing up as my real self. I engage with other creatives online by celebrating their work, sharing what I love about it, and starting real conversations—not just dropping a ‘great work!’ comment and moving on. Locally, I’ve made an effort to attend small meetups and workshops where I could actually talk to people, not just collect business cards.
Honestly, the game-changer was being open about my own struggles. When I stopped trying to look like I had it all together, other people felt safe to share their own challenges too. That’s how real connections—and eventually, real mentorships—start. So my advice? Be curious, be generous, and don’t be afraid to be human.
Pricing:
- Wedding Photography – $3000-$5600
- Wedding Videography Start at $900-$2400
- Wedding Photo + Video Start at $3400-$8500
- Elopements Start at $500-$1000
- Portraits Start at $350-$550
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.capturingluxphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capturingluxphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capturingluxphotography
