Things to consider for your celebration

A woman in formal attire sitting at a table holding a pen and paper with one hand on her forehead, appearing to be stressed or deep in thought.

Rooted in presence.
Grateful to witness.

Maybe you already eloped and this is the party. Maybe you're saying vows in your best friend's backyard, or skipping the ceremony entirely and going straight to dinner and dancing. However your day is shaped, the heart of it is the same: you two and your favorite people, all in one place. That's what I'm there for. The hugs, your best friends laughing in the kitchen, the toast that might just become a roast of your middle school self, but settles into so much love. My job is to catch it all while you're just enjoying every little bit of it all, living it.

A loose day still deserves a little structure

When you complete this questionnaire, it’ll help me sketch out a simple flow together before your day.

When people arrive, when food happens, when we steal ten minutes for photos with your people. Then you get to forget about it, because holding that structure is my job, not yours. You just celebrate.

Because these celebrations are more than just timelines and to-do lists.

Group of people on a sailboat holding a rope, with a view of palm trees and houses along the shoreline under a blue sky.

I’m here for you

Please know you can always communicate your needs, big or small. On wedding days, I’m here for more than photos. I’ve pinned boutonnieres, bustled dresses, even folded pocket squares on the fly. Whatever comes up, I’ll do my best to help (and if I can’t, I’ll find someone who can).

If certain details, like florals, invites, jewelry, or gifts are important to you, keep them together in one spot so I can photograph them quickly and then get back to what matters most: the people around you.

And if your timeline shifts or you’re planning a surprise (outfit change? flash mob? yes, please!) just give me a heads up so I don’t miss it.

Formal Photos

About those photos with your people

Even if your day has zero formal anything, I'm going to gently insist on a short window for photos with your family and closest people. Ten to fifteen minutes, that's it. These aren't the candid moments, I know, but I promise you they're the photos you'll pull out in twenty years. The trick is doing them early, before everyone scatters or gets a few drinks deep. We'll figure out the groupings ahead of time so we can move fast and get you back to the party.

You will get hugged and pulled in a hundred directions and it's the best. Just make sure you actually eat, and find each other a few times throughout the night, even if it's just catching eyes across the yard.

Those little check-ins show up in your photos, I promise. (And feeding your photographer when you eat keeps me ready for whatever happens next!)

Group of people celebrating on a rocky beach in Bodega Bay during sunset, with the bride holding a bouquet of pink and white flowers, and all smiling and waving at the camera.

Two men with lei necklaces, one wearing a suit jacket and the other wearing a tie and tie-dye shirt, are hugging and smiling with their eyes closed at hawaii wedding.

Group of ten people, including a bride in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet, and a groom in a beige suit, standing in a redwood forest in Old Mill Park.

Group of seven people at vinarosa resort & spa wedding, including the bride and groom, standing outdoors on a brick walkway with nature landscape and old building with vines in the background. The bride is holding a bouquet of flowers.

Group of six people dressed in formal attire, smiling and talking in an elegant indoor setting.

Golden Hour Portraits

A bride and groom embrace outdoors at the botanical garden during sunset, surrounded by purple and green foliage.

A newlywed couple in wedding attire sharing an intimate moment outdoors at sunset, with the groom gently kissing the bride's forehead at leal wedding vineyard. Photo shows film like colors and glowing golden hour.

Golden hour portraits on film

A couple dressed in wedding attire, standing outdoors at sunset, smiling at each other.

Golden hour—the last bit of light before the sun sets—is pure magic. The light turns soft, warm, and golden, and it’s one of the best times for portraits. We’ll plan for about 30 minutes, though I’ll do my best to have you back to the party in closer to 20 (unless we’re heading off-site, then we’ll plan accordingly).

A bride and groom smiling at each other during their wedding, standing on a garden path surrounded by yellow and purple flowers with lush green trees in the background.

And here’s the bonus: it’s not just about the photos. Sneaking away at golden hour gives you a chance to breathe, laugh, and soak in the day together before jumping back into the celebration. Your guests won’t even notice you’ve slipped away—and when you come back, you’ll be glowing..

Sunset

Bride and groom embracing on their wedding day outdoors, surrounded by greenery.

Soak It In

At the end of the day, this is what it’s all about!

The little details and timelines help us flow smoothly, but what matters most is that you’re there, fully in it. Enjoying all the love, having fun and being present.

And remember, we’re a team. I’ll be there to keep things moving, capture the real moments and make sure you can actually enjoy your day.

Please complete this questionnaire, so I can help you enjoy your day!

Two women hugging and smiling at a gathering outdoors surrounded by greenery and other people.

A Note on Film, Super 8, and Handycam footage

Days like these are exactly why I shoot film. There's a warmth and a graininess to it that matches the energy of a backyard full of people who love you. If we're including Super 8 or handycam style video, even better, those little clips feel like memories the moment you watch them. None of it is polished and that's the point.

Your day isn't a production, and your photos shouldn't look like one.

Need more tips, planning tools, or a little extra support as you head into it all?

Just click below.

Need More Support?