Meet Diana DeFatta | Owner and Lead Wedding Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Diana DeFatta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diana, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My journey into being a business owner has been anything but conventional. When I lost my job in 2020, I was faced with a pivotal decision: dive headfirst into starting my own business or put it off until 2021, as I had originally planned. Although God had different plans for me, my thought process behind starting my business wasn’t driven by necessity. It was driven by the desire to be the person who captures and creates lasting memories for others, ensuring that the legacy of their loved ones endures even when they are no longer with us.

In 2021, I lost two of the most important people in my life: my grandmother and my father. Their passing profoundly shaped my approach to wedding photography. Losing them made me step back and realize just how short life is. I understood then that I wanted to approach wedding days in a way that creates lasting memories and legacies, not just pretty photos. I want your wedding photos to tell stories, to evoke the emotions you felt on your special day.

This realization is what truly inspired me to become a wedding photographer and a business owner. My goal is to create images that are not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful, capturing the essence and emotion of your wedding day.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from others is the way I approach every wedding day and session with care and intention, always striving to capture what makes you and your significant other unique. My goal is to ensure that your wedding photography experience is curated to you, highlighting what’s most important and meaningful in your relationship. I aim to not only take photos that look as if they were seen through your eyes but to immortalize the memory of the day, preserving the legacy of your loved ones. This is particularly poignant for me, having lost my grandmother, dad, and other family members in recent years. I understand the importance of cherishing every moment and creating lasting memories.

Life is fleeting, and it’s essential to seize each moment and make the most of it—take the photos, make the memories. That’s what sets me apart and something I’m incredibly proud of. The relationships I’ve built and the people I’ve gotten to know and grow with over the last few years are invaluable to me. Working alongside those I’ve admired for years has been a dream come true.

Getting to where I am hasn’t been easy, and challenges arise daily. Overcoming these challenges involves faith in God and a determined mindset to tackle whatever comes my way. I’ve learned that no matter what, everything will be okay. Being a business owner means embracing the unpredictability and finding stability in the chaos.

When you book with Diana Marie Photography, you’re not just hiring a wedding photographer. You’re gaining a partner who will be with you through every step of your wedding journey (and beyond), creating imagery that will transport you back to your wedding day and all the emotions you felt. My story is one of dedication, resilience, and a deep passion for capturing life’s most precious moments.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting the city and the area, I’d steer them away from the typical hustle and bustle of Broadway and the honky-tonks. Instead, I’d focus on the hidden gems that offer the best experiences. One of my favorite spots is Long Hollow Gardens in Gallatin, Tennessee. It’s a local winery where they grow their own grapes and make the wine right there. The atmosphere is incredibly relaxing.

Another great place is Arrington Vineyards. The combination of good wine, live music, and a beautiful setting makes it a must-visit. For food, I’d take them to places that are unique to the area, like Mojo’s Tacos in Franklin, which is a local gem.

Nashville is so much more than just Broadway. There are many unexplored areas worth checking out. For instance, Printer’s Alley is fantastic for a night out with karaoke at Ms. Kelli’s. We could have dinner and catch a burlesque show at Skull’s Rainbow Room or explore the new Frank Sinatra bar.

If you’re visiting Nashville and think it’s all about honky-tonks and country music, you’re in for a surprise. There’s so much more to this city, from hidden wineries to unique dining spots and vibrant, lesser-known neighborhoods.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to take a moment to shout out the incredible family and friends who have been my rock and my cheerleaders throughout my journey to success. Their unwavering support and encouragement have been instrumental in every endeavor I’ve undertaken these past few years. Without their love and backing, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Being a business owner can sometimes feel incredibly isolating, but having a strong support system truly ignites your passion and pushes you to strive for excellence.

Special thanks go to my mom and dad—my dad, in particular, for never giving up on me—and my grandmother, who always reminded me to follow my heart. To everyone I’ve encountered over the last five years, your impact has been profound. Thank you for being part of my journey.

Website: https://www.dianamariephotography.co

Instagram: https://instagram.com/dianamariephotography_

Facebook: https://Facebook.com/dianamariephotog

Image Credits
Diana Marie Photography