Hey, I'm so happy you're here :))
I'm Sammy: Catholic Wedding Photographer, FOCUS Missionary, and certified adrenaline junkie (or as I like to call it–living the abundant life :))
Hi there! I’m Sammy Kopecky, and I own Samantha Kopecky Photography, a team of Catholic wedding photographers serving Kansas, Nebraska, and the Midwest.
A little bit about me outside of photography:
I’m deeply rooted in my Catholic faith, and it truly fuels everything I do. One of my biggest passions is living life fully and abundantly, and I believe that happens when we know and follow the One who created us (John 10:10).
During my time at K-State, I was involved in leadership at St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center and was active in my home parish St. Michael the Archangel in Kansas City. I now am a Catholic FOCUS Missionary in California serving at San Diego State University... far from home! I absolutely love photographing Catholic events and weddings—there’s a unique layer of beauty and grace in every sacrament that I feel so honored to capture. And if you ever want to chat about faith, I could talk for hours!
At the heart of it all, I’m a people person. I absolutely love getting to know others, hearing their stories, and building connections. I’ve been blessed with the coolest friends from all walks of life, and they’ve truly made me a better person. I believe the more we know others, the more we grow ourselves.
I’m also a proud daughter and big sister in a tight-knit family of four. My family is full of master debaters—we can talk about anything and will passionately argue every angle before somehow finishing hours later, laughing all the way. Growing up in that environment has definitely shaped my ability to communicate well, which comes in handy during those large, sometimes hectic, family group photos or wedding days!
I can't wait to see how our paths cross and what stories we’ll create together!
Blessings, Sammy
In 2025, I answered the call to become a FOCUS missionary — serving college students and walking with them in discipleship, leading them to deeper intimacy with Jesus Christ and His Church. I currently serve at San Diego State University and reside in southern California, where I run my business remotely. My flexible schedule as a college missionary and entrepreneur allows me to do both in great freedom!
I still remember one specific moment in prayer when I said to the Lord:
“Jesus, I will leave it all behind — the entire photography business — if this is what You are calling me to. I’m willing to give up everything if it brings me closer to You.”
And in His goodness, the Lord didn’t take it away. He did the opposite. He said, “I am a God of abundance. I don’t just take — I give more than you could ever ask or imagine.”
In full trust, I started building a team — and the Lord blessed every part of it. Now, SKP is a team of incredible, faith-filled photographers who carry the same mission, vision, and reverence for marriage that started it all. These women are talented, joyful, prayerful, and truly such a gift to every couple we serve.
While I am no longer be the one capturing the wedding day, I’m still fully invested in every couple’s experience. I handle all communication, vision casting, prayer, and planning — and you can rest knowing you’re in the hands of a deeply mission-oriented team who believes that marriage is sacred, and beauty is a reflection of the Divine.
"Don't ask me to leave you! Let me go with you. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God." Ruth 1:16
"I want to love You as no human soul has ever loved You before."
"... and as long as one is alive, each one can become a great saint, so great is the power of God’s grace. It remains only for us not to oppose God’s action."
St. Faustina, in her diaries paragraph 283 says
JUST A FEW FUN FACTS...
In introductions, they always tell you to mention a few fun facts so here they are:
Want to get to know each other?
Photo from @WildflowerRetreats Catholic Wedding Vendors Retreat 2024
I love taking photos, but I also have a passion for educating other photographers and entrepreneurs so that they can grow too. Photographers, entrepreneurs, and Catholic creatives... this page is for you.
THE CATHOLIC LENS
Photography Education and Resources
