i’m the person behind the camera
I’ll guide you through the entire process
I'm here to help you plan your wedding timeline for the best photos with the least stress. Because you're hiring me for the portraits you see here, right?
Wedding packages include complimentary consultations and timeline planning help!
I've seen it all, from sewing a bridesmaid into her dress, to a Saturday hailstorm in July. No matter what happens, you get beautiful memories of the day you joined in union!
Your Wedding Timeline
Full-day wedding coverage tells the story of your day in images. From getting ready to the dancefloor, from portraits to candids to details, I offer photojournalistic documentation blended with editorial-style guidance and posing during key moments. I’m an emotion hunter also looking for symmetry, beauty, realness, and the essence of your love.
Here’s an idea of what this looks like, and advice on how to make sure all the key photographable moments are included in your time with me!
01. GETTING READY
There are truly beautiful, funny, and special moments during the private times you may choose to share with close friends and family before guests arrive. Whether you get ready together as a couple or separately, I recommend not skipping these final moments before the day gets going.
*I recommend beginning your photography with the last 60-90 minutes of the getting ready portion of your day, culminating in putting on your outfits, and moving toward the next events.
Key Shots:
- styled collection of your sacred items (rings, invitations, vow books, florals, special clothing and adornments, heirlooms, gifts, etc.)
- candid moments of you, and your support crews
- final touches of hair & makeup artistry
- putting on the dresses and/or suits
02. PRE-CEREMONY
There are many options for couples wanting a non-traditional approach to their wedding day or to enjoy more private pre-ceremony time, before the guests arrive. Here are some ideas you might consider as you design your ideal day of photo documentation:
- Some couples are choosing the “First Look/Touch” and seeing each other (or other loved ones/parents) for the first time privately
- Some are exchanging their vows privately before the public ceremony
- If you choose to see each other before the union ceremony, we may be able to do some Couples Portraits as well, or if staying separate, individual portraits
- I offer a Ceremonial Cacao Blessing and Opening to set intentions for your union, encouraging connection and nourishment
- Wedding Party Photos are also an option, either separately or together
03. THE VENUE
Ahhh, the part of the day when you do the thing! From a redwood circle to city hall to a weekend campout, where you’ve chosen to join in union and celebrate is nearly as important as who, too!
I like to have enough time to document to scene before people arrive, capturing all the florals and details that you've poured so much effort and heart into.
Key Shots:
- Environmental, venue and landscape/nature details
- Fully decorated ceremony and reception areas, empty of guests
- Signage, guest tables
- Tablescapes and snacks
- Guests arriving
04. THE CEREMONY
Your ceremony is about you.Some people do 5 minutes, some 25. Some are more formal, some silly, some play rock music, some read poetry. Let your intuition guide you when you think about this union part.
*This is a key time for a second shooter to capture multiple angles and crowd reactions.
Key Shots:
- Walking down the aisle
- Ceremony invocation
- Other events or speeches
- Exchanging rings
- The first kiss
- Crowd reactions
*Follow the ceremony with VIP Family Group Photos while everyone else goes to cocktail/mocktail hour is my biggest recommendation!
You can minimize stress by taking into account your loved ones’ needs beforehand, and also setting boundaries around how much time you want to take up and which shots and groupings are most vital.
05. COUPLES PORTRAITS
The creative portrait session is a special time to share together and the main feature of booking a photographer such as I: to create a keepsake that will hang on your walls to remind you of the feeling of this day.
It may also be one of the only times you will be alone together for a while after the ceremony, amidst the bustle of the reception and party guests. I highly recommend setting aside portrait time to ourselves in nature, either at the venue or nearby, during golden hour (this is generally 1-2 hours before sunset). Sometimes this means you dip out during dinner, or from cocktail hour, depending on your timeline flow.
20-45 minutes minimum is requested.
Key Shots:
- individual portraits of each of you in your finery
- creative couples portraits
- wide angle environmental shots
- posing guidance and interactive suggestions
06. THE PARTY!
Phew! Are you ready to eat and dance? Now you can let loose a bit, sit down to dinner and drinks, hear from your guests, and party!
Unless you have a grand exit you want captured, I recommend ending your party photography coverage somewhere after your first dances. Hour two or three of dancefloor photos tend to all start looking the same (and greasy and drunk-eyed hehe), so this is where it’s great to get the iPhones out!
Key Shots:
- Reception candids and group shots of guests
- Grand entrance to dinner
- Toasts and Speeches
- First Dances
- Dessert table
- Cake cutting
- Open dance floor magic
- Closing ceremony or exit
Sample 8-Hour Photo Timeline
TIP: start with ceremony time, then plan backward and forward
1:30-2:30 Getting ready photo
2:30-2:45 Outfits on
3:00-? Private Vows/Cacao/ Individual Portraits/Group Photos
4:20-5:00 Guest arrival
5:00-5:20 Ceremony
5:30-6:30 Social Hour (separates guests from family/friends)
5:30-6:15 VIP Group Photos
6:30-6:40 Seating for dinner service
6:45-8:00 Dinner service
7:05-7:50 Couple sneaks away for Golden Hour Portraits
8:10-8:20 Speeches/toasts
8:30-8:40 First Dances
8:45 Dancefloor opens
*8:45 sunset time*
9-9:30 Desserts, tosses, party!
- Move forward and backward from your ceremony time when planning your timeline (and please avoid getting married in full sun in the early afternoon! I can’t fix your sweaty squinting and shadowed eyes)
- Allow padding between events and movements to allow for things to fall behind without disrupting the rest of the timeline. Someone or something always runs a bit late (ahem, hair and makeup)!
- Schedule family formal group photos right after the ceremony while they’re a captive audience. I always advise my couples to be aware that your families may take this portion seriously. There’s often some stress as several people start throwing out more suggestions and combinations and requests, since this is often seen as a family reunion by family.
- Make time for Couples Portraits and Individual Portraits. Yes, your wedding day is about the friends and family, but honor and document yourselves in this moment, too.
You'll gain even more tips, timeline support, and energy management with your booking...
FAQ
Are the travel expenses included in your packages or covered additionally?
Travel is often included in weddings located around Grass Valley, California. Some travel fees may apply for San Francisco City Hall, Santa Cruz and beyond. Check the bottom of the Weddings page or Instagram fro upcoming travel dates that may reduce fees!
What if we want something more extreme for our engagement session or wedding?
Oooh let's talk! I'm down for uniquely personal non-traditional plans! Think in-home fun, your favorite cafe, a theme park trip, saging ceremony, boudoir with implied or full nudity, adventure elopements... I'm here with ya!
Do you photoshop?
I am a natural light, real life photographer. I do not alter the shape of bodies or backgrounds. If you have a blemish or a shaving cut or a bruise, yes I'll take care of it! However, deeper editing such as body slimming, face slimming, and detailed background adjustments will incur additional charges per photo.
How long does it take to recieve the photos and how will they be delivered?
Photos are delivered via online gallery within 3-6 weeks of your wedding date
What about contract + payment?
Once we do a consult and get to know each other on Facetime or in person, and you want to book me for your wedding date, I require a 50% deposit and a signed contract to lock us into place!
What if we just want some ceremony and reception coverage with no break for portraits, can I get a discount?
Yes! I am training an associate team in my style and they work with my guidance, which we can discuss further!
My artistry and energy is aimed toward story-telling and couples who desire documenting their union day from getting ready through designated portrait sessions and all the details.
