LA-based Dennis Roy Cornel combines his 12 years of experience and cinematic storytelling background to create a unique body of work. Every wedding is approached with great care and attention to detail and he navigates each moment of a wedding celebration with nuance, intuition and experience. Dennis Roy Cornel has captured weddings worldwide, including in Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Guatemala, Colombia, The Caribbean and Mexico.
Tell us about your business!
DRC is a Los Angeles native, where he is based. He combines his 12 years of experience and cinematic storytelling background to create a unique body of work.
Has been recently featured in VOGUE and named “One of the best wedding photographers in America” by BRIDES Magazine.
What would you like couples to know about you?
DRC’s aesthetic and vision resonates with couples who are interested in reliving their celebrations through artfully captured moments. Through the master of his craft and his use of light, he shapes moments into beautiful memories that don’t feel forced and stuffy, but lived in.
Where are you based?
I am based in Los Angeles, CA.
Do you travel for weddings?
Yes, I regularly travel out of state and abroad for weekend wedding celebrations.
Weddings have been documented throughout the world which include destinations such as Italy, Switzerland, Barcelona, Guatemala, Colombia, The Caribbean, and all throughout Mexico.
How would you describe your style?
An aesthetic that is inspired by fashion, cinema and the red carpet, while also staying true to your essence and all of the nuanced moments of your day. Each picture yearns for beautifully balanced light with rich tones and colors. What you should expect to see are images that don’t look or feel forced, capture the candid moments in their truest form, yet possess a timeless grandeur in our modern era.
What is your most memorable career moment?
Aside from industry recognition by VOGUE, BRIDES, other publications and my peers; the most memorable career moments happen behind the scenes, quiet moments at home when reading a thoughtfully and hand-written note by my clients. Or while opening a text the morning after a wedding and hearing how thrilled couples are about their experience and excited to see the images that they know they already love.
What inspires you?
I seek out inspiration in the world around me. I pick up books, watch films, listen to music and leave my house to experience life in a way that invigorates and informs my workflow.
What motivates you to do what you do?
The stories. I’m a romantic, and I cry at devastatingly beautiful movies, as much as I cry during beautiful ceremonies and speeches. The human connections are what drives me forward and being able to be a part of that story is truly humbling and an honor.
How would you describe your working style?
Type-A tendencies with a creative edge.
I like to be as prepared as possible leading up to a wedding, which then allows me to be relaxed, let loose and document moments as they unfold with an artful eye.
Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?
I document wedding celebrations both on digital and film images. I currently own two digital cameras and about 20 film cameras. There may or may not be some bias.
Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?
I work with a base package which includes coverage for a welcome celebration, we can either add or subtract coverage based on individual needs.
What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?
Film-photography coverage. It is easily the most fun I have while documenting a wedding celebration. I run around with 4-5 cameras on my person and knowing which camera to reach for at the right moment is part of the fun.
Where would you love to travel to for work?
Current destinations that are on my radar are - Mexico City, Morocco, South Africa, Scotland and France.
Who is your dream client?
My dream client is a couple who designs their wedding celebrations with intention and love for their guests and celebrates the story of their love. I’m interested in working with couples who allow themselves the freedom to be present in their celebrations, let loose and enjoy being with their closest friends and loved ones who have undoubtedly been a big part of their union and journey.
How do you select music to your Super 8 films?
All heart and intuition.
What is your advice to couples getting married?
My biggest advice is to remain present in each moment. Without a doubt, the celebration of your union will become a major production after months of planning with all of your dream vendors. Allow yourselves the experience of being fully immersed alongside your partner and make the most of every moment. Rest assured that I will be with you every step of the way, guiding you through the documentation of your most memorable moments.
