Beyond The Frame
T.J. Drechsel calls coastal Wilmington, North Carolina home. Initially known for his captivating landscape and travel photography, he has seamlessly channeled this artistry into the world of weddings and portraits. His focus on depth of light and capturing genuine emotion shines through in his extensive portfolio. Renowned for his positive and upbeat demeanor, T.J. is a consummate professional with a willingness to travel anywhere to weave your unique story.
Beyond The Frame
T.J. Drechsel resides in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Starting out as a noted landscape and traveling photographer, he has brought that same eye into the wedding and portrait industry. His goal of using natural light and translating emotion is seen in his portfolio.
Positive and upbeat, he is great to work with and professional. He will travel anywhere to capture your story. His loves include: Tropical Destinations, Travel, Wine, Live Music, Positive Vibes and, of course, Photography.
Recent Projects
Elopement Story • Part 2
New Zealand will forever hold a piece of our hearts. We spent months planning this adventure, weaving together the majestic landscapes of the South, where we eloped, and the diverse North where we explored as newlyweds.
We started on the South Island, driving around Mount Cook and stopping to take in the unreal blue of the glacial lakes. We even took a small flight around the area to see it all from above and it left us completely in awe. Then we settled into Queenstown at the incredible Azur Lodge, where everything felt intimate and effortless. The staff made our stay and elopement feel like perfection.
The day before our elopement, we helicoptered to some of the most breathtaking places we’ve ever seen - a snowy alpine lake (Lake Erskine), the cliffs of Roy’s Peak, and a few hidden gems in between. On our elopement day, the weather shifted our plans, so we exchanged vows on our balcony overlooking Queenstown. Which wasn’t Milford sound as planned but ended up being sacred and intimate.
A few days later, we made our way to the North Island, the winding roads of the Coromandel Peninsula, the volcanic city of Rotorua, and the calm of Lake Taupo. We visited Hawke’s Bay, the country’s oldest wine region, and throughout our entire trip set out on a mission to visit nine wineries total (our special number). Then we continued to Mount Taranaki, hiking through freezing rain while the peak stayed hidden, making the day feel beautifully mysterious.
We ended with a helicopter to Waiheke Island, honeymooning at the magical Delamore Lodge — a place that felt so romantic we wished we could stay for months. The staff were all kind and made us feel at home. Leaving was the hardest part.
Across two islands, we tasted incredible food, explored different coasts, and saw landscapes that felt like ten countries in one. But the best part was knowing this land is now woven into our story.
Travel fills our souls, and eloping somewhere this magical made our love feel even more expansive. This journey changed us as individuals, as partners, and as a family. And New Zealand will always be the place where a new chapter of “us” began. 🤍✨
Always a pleasure to catch up with @schrammer1 @ryan_crecelius and the Crecelius Crew! This location was magic! Another year of holiday sessions in the books! Teaser alert!
Always a pleasure to catch up with the Meek Family! What a great session in beautiful Autumn Hall! @annafmeeks So honored to be able to see families grow and the kids expand their personalities! So special!
So many wonderful family sessions lately! Had a wonderful afternoon with the Arndt Family at beautiful Wrightsville Beach!
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#familysessions
#lifechapters #carolinabeach #wilmington #landfall #wrightsvillebeach #photoshoot #ncphotographer #capturinglife #stagesoflife #familyphotographer #familyphotography #familyphotos #familyphotoshoot #lifestylephotography #familysession #familyportraits
@tjdrechselphotography
Fantastic marketing session with the skilled team at @manestudio_ Take a look at some sneak peeks from an amazing shoot! @rachel_manestudio
@philm.studio @tjdrechselphotographyre
Incredible evening for this special family and maternity session! Teasers from a great celebration of this chapter of life for the Yunger Family! @courtmason13
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#familysessions
#lifechapters #carolinabeach #wilmington #landfall #wrightsvillebeach #photoshoot #ncphotographer #capturinglife #stagesoflife #familyphotographer #familyphotography #familyphotos #familyphotoshoot #lifestylephotography #familysession #familyportraits
@tjdrechselphotography
Surprise proposal! Congrats to Christina and Brock!!!! What a special and beautiful spot that will now be part of their love story forever! Join me in congratulating these two! Teaser alert!
@brockbraddy @christinavurnakes
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@tjdrechselphotographyweddings @tjdrechselphotography
#surpriseproposal #proposal
#wilmingtonnc #passion #hope #romance #nc #ncphotographer #epic #diamond #weddingwire #brides #married #engagementsession #realwedding #weddingphotographer #weddingphotography #justengaged #weddingday #weddingplanning #weddingdress #bridetobe #couple #ring #weddinggown #elopement #weddingdetails #instawedding #weddinginspo #weddingideas
The person who is busy counting his blessings has no time to take inventory of his injuries. ~William Arthur Ward
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#nc #paradise #landscape #sunshine #sky #naturefanatics #naturepics #ocean #traveljunkie #sea #familyshutterbug #portraitshots #art #creatives #style #photooftheday #instafun #instatrip #lifestyle #snapoftheday #familycapture #creativevibes #wrightsvillebeach #wilmingtonnc @tjdrechselphotography @tjdrechselphotographyre @tjdrechselphotographyweddings @capefearlivingmagazine @ourstatemag @thingstodowilmington
The Drechsel’s Part I
We got our gallery back and it brought us right back into the magic of our elopement day.
From the start, we knew eloping was right for us. We’ve both been married before and lived enough life to know that this time, it needed to feel deeply aligned true to us. We wanted to travel somewhere magical, even before we knew where that would be. So we started with a date.
We chose 9.9.2025, which when you add up the year, also equals a 9. In numerology, 999 symbolizes endings and beginnings a perfect reflection of our union, leaving behind being two and becoming one.
From there, we spent months searching for the right place. TJ wanted an epic landscape that matched the depth of our connection. Maria wanted a place rich in culture and exquisite places. Then one night, over dinner, TJ said, “What about New Zealand?” a spot high on our bucket list and somewhere neither of us had ever been. It instantly felt right.
We prioritized photography and videography early on (mainly TJ 😉). We chose @tylerrye_ for his incredible artistry and calm presence after working with him on our engagement shoot, we knew he was our guy (plus, he once pulled us out of a ditch in Utah, so there’s that 😆)
For video, the choice was just as clear. @codyscottfilms has been a friend of TJ’s for years,and radiated a positive energy. His ability to capture the soul of a moment made him the perfect fit to bring our story to life.
And then came the fun part! The outfits. We wanted to choose them together. TJ went for a timeless James Bond look (and absolutely nailed it). @sartori_amici @mygroomsroom
Maria wanted something classic and dramatic a gown with a statement skirt that captured the romance of the day. @weddingbellesaz
And amazing MUA @kirsty.makeupartist
We’re endlessly grateful for everyone who helped make this dream come true.
Part II coming soon… 💫
Photography is an everlasting present. It allows us to seize moments that deserve to be treasured. Documenting life’s invaluable experiences is a truly remarkable pursuit. My name is T.J. Drechsel, and I am the proud owner and operator of Drechsel Photography. Should you wish to capture the beautiful stories of your life, reach out to me. Cherish the wonderful memories that make up your journey!
@tjdrechselphotography @tjdrechselphotographyre @tjdrechselphotographyweddings
There were so many great moments from this session that it was very hard to pick teasers! Always a pleasure to catch up with the Sink Family! So fun to see the mini’s grow up more each year! Parker is such a great little guy!
@ksink0924 @sinka062022
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#familysessions
#lifechapters #carolinabeach #wilmington #landfall #wrightsvillebeach #photoshoot #ncphotographer #capturinglife #stagesoflife #familyphotographer #familyphotography #familyphotos #familyphotoshoot #lifestylephotography #familysession #familyportraits
@tjdrechselphotography
