Documentary
Wedding
Photography

Natural, editorial wedding photos on film + digital

For couples who value community, their people, and the nostalgic feeling of home.

Documentary Film & Digital Wedding Photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area

All images above are photographed on 35mm or medium format film

Group of four women taking a selfie and holding drinks at an outdoor event with a green window behind them.

What it’s like to work with me

My goal is for you to feel taken care of without feeling managed. I’m paying attention to the flow of the day, the dynamics in the room, and the moments that tend to happen quietly on the edges. I’m not barking orders or constantly pulling you away, and I’m also not disappearing and hoping for the best.

I step in when it’s helpful, especially for portraits, family photos, and moments where a little guidance goes a long way, and then I step back so things can unfold naturally.

You’ll get:

  • photos of real moments as they happen, the emotional ones and the funny ones and the ones you didn’t even realize were happening

  • portraits that feel relaxed and connected, not stiff or overly posed

  • coverage that reflects the full story of your day, not just the prettiest ten minutes

  • someone who is watching people just as closely as I’m watching the light

  • We are beyond thrilled with our experience with Cherlyn. From our very first interaction, she exuded warmth and responsiveness, making us feel at ease and confident that we were in good hands. Her photography skills are phenomenal—each photo is intimate and natural, perfectly capturing the small moments we didn’t even know to savor.

    S+C

  • Cherlyn went above and beyond our expectations as our wedding photographer. She was extremely thoughtful, detail-oriented and communicative. She is an experienced photographer and was able to capture the very essence of our day. I highly recommend working with Cherlyn if you are looking for a photographer in the Bay Area.

    E+E

  • What a dream working with Cherlyn was! I am totally going to be using her for any, and all, events in our family moving forward! Thank you Cherlyn for taking such good care of my daughter on her wedding day!

    Mother of a Bride

  • Cherlyn was awesome. Easy communication, extremely organized. She was flexible and kind. And best of all, her photos are spectacular. She really captured the moment. Our group really didn't want a lot of posed photos and we had extremely hot weather and bright sunlight ... Cherlyn was able to roll with all of those constraints. Highly, highly recommend her as a photographer.

    N+T

Black and white photo of a wedding reception with a bride and groom looking at each other, surrounded by happy guests.
A bride and groom sharing a kiss in an elegant, spacious hall with arched ceilings and vintage-style wall sconces.

For couples who want honest,
moment-driven imagery

I photograph weddings with a calm, documentary approach, stepping in gently for portraits when needed, and staying out of the way capturing your day as it unfolds naturally.

Two men in suits and bow ties holding hands and smiling outdoors in front of a glass conservatory or greenhouse with greenery and trees.
A newlywed couple, a man and a woman, share a kiss outdoors, with the woman holding a bouquet of roses and wearing a white wedding dress and veil, while the man wears a light-colored suit, during daylight with trees and greenery in the background.
A group of people seated at a banquet table, laughing and enjoying a social event in a dimly lit room.

Collections begin at $6,500 for digital coverage and $7,500 for signature hybrid film + digital coverage.

A couple dressed in wedding attire holding hands and facing each other in a forest surrounded by tall redwood trees at old mill park, photographed on film.

Editorial

Film

Documentary

Candid

Editorial • Film • Documentary • Candid •

Black and white photo of a man and woman walking on a street. Only their legs and feet are visible, with the woman wearing high heels.

Love the look of film and documentary storytelling?

If you’re planning a wedding and want your photos to feel real, timeless, and true to you, I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up.

For Planners & Creative Teams

I love working closely with planners and creative teams to ensure each wedding day flows smoothly and feels intentional from start to finish.

For 2026, I’m moving toward a more flexible approach to coverage rather than strict hourly structures, which allows me to document the day fully without rushing, especially in collaboration with a planner-led timeline.

I typically work solo for most celebrations to support an unobtrusive, observational style. For larger guest counts or complex productions, I’m always happy to recommend adding a second photographer when it makes sense.

If you’re coordinating a client inquiry and would like more details, feel free to reach out directly.