Bret and Brandie Nowak’s journey as wedding photographers

For Bret and Brandie Nowak, wedding photography isn’t just a career. It’s a shared passion rooted in their love for each other and the joy of storytelling. Originally from Rockport, Indiana, the Nowaks have built a thriving photography business serving Owensboro and beyond. Reflecting on their journey, they can’t help but get emotional.

“We started photographing weddings because we fell in love with the idea of capturing love stories on people’s biggest days,” Brandie said. “After photographing our first wedding together, we realized how naturally our strengths complemented each other and how magical it felt.”

A Dynamic Duo

From their first wedding, they knew they had something special. Bret and Brandie naturally fell into roles that made the process seamless.

“Bret excels at scouting the perfect light and ideal locations for photos while keeping a watchful eye on the timeline,” Brandie said. “Meanwhile, I pour my heart into connecting with people, capturing emotional details, and preserving candid moments.”

But their teamwork doesn’t stop there. 

“We’ve built a rhythm over the years that allows us to work seamlessly,” Bret added. “A simple look or gesture is enough to communicate exactly what we need from each other during the chaos of a wedding day.”

Even when creative differences arise, their shared purpose keeps them grounded. 

“We approach creative differences with open communication, always keeping our shared goal in mind: delivering the best experience and images for our couples,” Brandie said. “When disagreements arise, we lean into each other’s strengths, respecting the roles we’ve naturally embraced and supporting one another’s weaknesses.”

The Client Connection

As a married couple, Bret and Brandie offer a unique perspective on weddings. They don’t just work as photographers; they serve as a calming presence and trusted team for their clients.

“As a married couple, we understand the emotions, chaos and magic of a wedding day firsthand,” Bret said. “We approach each wedding not only as photographers but also as a team who has been through the experience.”

That shared experience helps them form deep connections with their clients. 

“Being married allows us to share relatable experiences with our couples, which creates trust and rapport,” Brandie said. “This connection helps them feel more comfortable, which translates into authentic, joyful photos.”

The Nowaks also draw from their own wedding day as inspiration for their work.

“We cherish the little moments from our own wedding,” Brandie said. “That perspective helps us focus on the candid, fleeting interactions — like a tearful glance or a joyful laugh with the people you love — that truly matter.”

Favorite Moments

While every wedding is different, some moments stand out. For Bret, it’s the first look. 

“I live for the first look and all the excitement, relief and joy emotions that are present,” he said.

Brandie finds joy in quieter moments, saying, “I love the quiet moments during getting ready — there’s so much emotion and anticipation.”

At one wedding, the grandparents’ anniversary dance stole their hearts.

“We were deeply moved by the sight of a love that has stood the test of time,” Brandie recalled.

The Heart of Their Craft

To stay aligned, Bret and Brandie rely on preparation and rituals. 

“We always review the timeline together the night before and check in with each other on how we’re feeling,” Brandie said. “We have checklists and routines that we do every time to make sure we are 100% prepared. On the day of, we chug an energy drink and share a quick pep talk to set a positive tone.”

Clients notice the connection and care they bring to their work. 

“Couples often tell us they feel like they had two best friends by their side all day, capturing moments in a way that feels effortless,” Brandie said.

Their shared philosophy — rooted in love, teamwork, and intentionality — guides their approach.

“We prioritize celebrating small wins, stepping back to appreciate our journey, and scheduling time away from work to travel, dream, and recharge together,” Bret shares.

Building a Legacy

For Bret and Brandie, wedding photography is more than a business — it’s a shared labor of love. Their connection as a couple enhances every aspect of their work, from calming nerves to capturing the quiet moments that make a wedding day unforgettable.

As one client told them, “You two are like a calming force on a wedding day — you bring so much joy and positivity that it feels like you’re part of the family.”

For the Nowaks, there’s no higher compliment. OL