Intentional, grace filled, bright colors-obsessed, your new biggest supporter.
about Nicole
a peek behind the lens
Hi, I’m Nicole—wedding photographer, storyteller, and believer that love is sacred and marriage is a beautiful gift.
I capture timeless, heartfelt images that reflect not just how your day looked, but how it felt. Let’s tell your story—honestly, joyfully, and with intention.
Texas born, Raleigh-based, and the heart behind Nicole Smith Photo.
I picked up a camera for the first time in 2020, during a season when life looked nothing like I had planned. I had just laid down my dream of going to medical school and found myself in Dallas with more questions than answers. In the quiet of that uncertain time, I dusted off an old Nikon we had lying around the house—just something to keep my hands busy during COVID.
But what started as a creative outlet quickly became something more. The moment I looked through that lens, I felt a shift—like a deeper dream had been placed in front of me. What I thought was a hobby became a calling. And now, years later, I can confidently say that the Lord has orchestrated every step of this journey.
Photography has become more than a job for me—it’s a ministry. It’s where I get to witness love, honor sacred moments, and tell stories that reflect grace, beauty, and truth. From weddings to quiet, everyday portraits, I carry a deep joy for the people I get to serve.
In June 2024, I married my best friend, Colin, on the coasts of Cancun—and now we’re building a life together in Raleigh, North Carolina. What began as Nicole Rydlak Photography in Dallas is now Nicole Smith Photo, and I’m so grateful you're here.
I’d love the chance to tell your story, too.
more about Nicole Smith Photography
get to know Nicole better
They’re couples who see marriage not just as a day, but as a sacred covenant. They’re families who cherish the little things—soft laughter, warm embraces, tiny fingers curled around theirs. They’re people who want their stories told with honesty, reverence, and joy. Whether it’s a wedding, a quiet afternoon in your home, or a golden-hour session just because—my clients invite me into sacred spaces, and I do not take that lightly. It’s an honor to witness your love and preserve the beauty God is writing into your story.
If you’re someone who sees photos as more than images—but as legacy, heart, and home—you’re in the right place.
The people I get to serve are the heart of everything I do.
My clients are kind, intentional, and deeply rooted in love. They don’t just care about beautiful photos—they care about meaningful moments. They value connection over perfection, presence over performance, and the quiet in-betweens just as much as the grand celebrations.
More about our beautiful clients
If you see photography as a way to honor your love, your people, and your legacy—I’d be honored to document it.
005. The sound of laughter during vows
004. Fresh flowers in the kitchen
003. Slow mornings
002. Golden hour light
001. time with my family
a few of my favorite things
Nicole Smith photography at a glance
