BAZAAR's Little Black Book: The Top Wedding Photographers in the World
You have secured an ideal venue, are collaborating with a planner who anticipates your every need–and if they're worth their salt, they'll likely refer a photographer from this list.
Your decor, dress, flowers, and cake can all look perfect on the day of, but it's the skillful shooting, expert lighting, thoughtful composition, and the fly-on-the-wall discretion that will shape your memories of the day as you look back on your wedding. These are the photographers and videographers we recommend when asked, and who we trust to capture the portraits, moments, and styled still-life shots that accompany life's most sentimental events. We asked them to share their points of view and details about their signature style, in their own words; here, the 40 best wedding photographers in the world–straight from the BAZAAR Bride rolodex.
Christian Oth
Signature Aesthetic: A contemporary, off-the-cuff approach that utilizes a wedding's moments against my experience with composition, angles, and light. Then I focus on the unexpected, finding authentic moments and new perspectives which allow me to elevate my work with each and every couple.
Specialties Include: Capturing genuine moments from an editorial perspective. I consistently make sure the bride feels comfortable, and that she appears as her best version of herself, all while capturing the dynamic and intimate emotions between the couple. I draw from their energy–it is all about them.
The Dream Client: Stylish couples who live life to its fullest, and trust me to be creative. With clients like these, every seemingly accidental moment looks fully intentional, and only serves to make their story more inspiring. I am always inspired by travel, which is why we just launched Jetsetters–photo-optimized experiences that allow couples to shoot in dream destinations.
Weddings/Year: 12 per year, so I put my all into each wedding. Christian Oth Studio captures many more weddings throughout the year. The studio is comprised of a wide range of talented photographers and videographers, all from different backgrounds and styles, based in key cities like New York, Paris and Los Angeles.
Point of Difference: I don’t approach weddings with a formula in mind; I look for the in-between moments, like a bride getting ready with her bridesmaids, phoning her to-be husband to tell him she loves him, and the one last kiss before a father sends his daughter to the altar. I see these moments as opportunities to capture a moment the couple will treasure.
Film? Digital? Video? We are all about digital and the sophistication it brings. Shooting is only the first part, what happens next is equally as important. We are known for superior retouching and photo processing to make everyone in the image look their absolute best, and it allows us to bring back all the qualities that people feel nostalgic for from film photography.
Weddings of Note: Ann Brady & Scott Kelce, Sean Parker & Alexandra Lenas, Allison Williams & Ricky Van Veen, Amanda Peet & David Benioff, Alaia Baldwin & Andrew Aranow.
John Dolan
Signature Aesthetic: I aim for timeless, understated elegance. Trends come and go, but overly stylized images can quickly become dated. I shoot the feeling of each particular wedding day so that my photographs will still hold their power in 25 years. I believe weddings should be meaningful and memorable, not perfect.
Specialties Include: I shoot weddings from inside the party, not detached from it. I am subtle and invisible when I need to be, then very visible when necessary, like when I'm corralling bridesmaids for a group shot. I like to think that my experience adds a level of calm to the day.
The Dream Client: Wedding photography is a delicate job. We witness situations that require tact and good judgement. Trust between client and photographer is crucial. My best photographs come out of honest emotions, not my direction. True moments are more powerful than forced sentimentality.
Weddings/Year: 8-10 weddings a year maximum, to keep it fresh.
Point of Difference: I shoot other types of jobs besides weddings: editorial, advertising, personal projects, and non-profit work. I consider myself a photographer fascinated by weddings, not a wedding photographer.
Film? Digital? Video? Primarily film, I've been working that way for over 20 years, although I have grown to love my digital Leica camera in low light situations. Occasionally, I shoot Super-8.
Weddings of Note: Kate Bosworth, Bridget Moynahan, Will Smith, Ben Stiller, Jennifer Lopez and last year the wedding of BAZAAR.com's Features Editor, Olivia Fleming to Matt Rubin pictured here.
KT Merry
Signature Aesthetic: Assisting fashion photographers for years has informed my approach, which is to photograph the wedding with an editorial mindset. I aim to tell a timeless, beautiful story with photos that not only take you back to a time and place, but transport you to an even softer, more beautiful version of it.
Specialties Include: Documenting unique weddings at remote destinations around the globe. We’ve shot everything from a multi-day celebration in the Maldives, to pre-wedding horseback riding in Ireland, to a couple’s ascent up Mt. Kilimanjaro. We know when it’s time to give direction for beautifully arranged photographs, and when we should quietly shoot the event as it naturally unfolds.
The Dream Client: Well-traveled, fashionable couples with a keen eye for detail. They want to create the ultimate wedding experience, infused with thoughtfulness. Usually, it's a multi-day marriage celebration at a meaningful, remote destination. They’re sourcing an elite team of wedding planners, designers, and florists to help bring their dream wedding to life, visually and experientially.
Weddings/Year: We accept 12-15 destination weddings per year.
Point of Difference: The months of extensive research and strategic planning we do prior to the wedding. We prepare in every way possible to get to know out clients and maximize opportunities for beautiful photography and create a seamless client experience. We also offer our couples direction and guidance on timeline scheduling, lighting, and more to create the best photographs possible.
Film? Digital? Video? A blend that’s heavy on film with a touch of digital, which allows for the most complete, comprehensive coverage of an event. As a photography studio, we are intentionally small and hands-on; we believe our direct involvement in every aspect of the process produces the best results.
Weddings of Note: Kate Upton and Justine Verlander, Chelsea Leonard and Conor Mara, VOGUE contributor Jo Rogers and Andrew Nichols, Maria Tucker and Mark Trefgarne, Alexis Hearst and Michael Howard, Ed Brown and Ashley Vickers and Kori Bero and Parker Richey.
Alex Bramall
Signature Aesthetic: My 10+ years of experience working as an artistic director for Mario Testino informs my photographic style; above all I do not consider myself a ‘wedding photographer’ rather, someone who seeks to capture the essence of a happening, a moment, and an event.
Specialties Include: I become fully integrated within the event to capture a moment, and I build relationships with the people around me and gain their trust, so that they feel relaxed and free enough to express themselves naturally. I love to represent both the formality of the occasion and those off-guard moments which truly reflect the spirit of the event.
Dream Client: I have had the privilege of photographing many high-profile people and my favorite experiences have involved people who bring amazing energy to the party!
Weddings/Year: I am very selective about the number of weddings i shoot a year given the number of other obligations I have as a fashion photographer. Typically, I shoot between 4 and 6 per year.
Point of Difference: My style is a combination of reportage, fun, and creating moments. I don’t believe in observing from a distance, I prefer to immerse myself fully to create the right image. I don’t miss a moment–I am the first and last person on a dance floor.
Weddings of Note: Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert in Capri, pictured here.
Jose Villa
Signature Aesthetic: Fine art weddings shot on film and in an editorial style.
Specialties Include: Capturing genuine emotion between the gorgeous couple and their families. All shot 100% on film.
The Dream Client: A client that will take any and all direction before, during, and after a wedding. A client that I can be great friends with the day of the wedding. Someone that has impeccable taste for fashion and a love for all things beautiful and timeless.
Weddings/Year: About 25-30
Point of Difference: Shooting weddings for more than 15 years, I have the experience of documenting events all over the world. It’s also been an honor to share and teach photo workshops for over 10 years as well, which have been attended by some of the industry's top names.
Film? Digital? Video? All film all the time at weddings.
Weddings of Note: Tamara Mowry and Adam Housley, Instagram founder Kevin Systrom to Nicole Schuetz, Samira Wiley and Lauren Morelli, Cristalle Belo and Justin Pitt, Peony Lim and Matthew Blakiston, Sterling McDavid and Carey Dorman.
Aaron Delesie
Signature Aesthetic: Blending film and digital is something I have been doing seamlessly for years; it has a really unique feel when it is all put together. I also keep my photos really clean and structured, which adds a timelessness to them.
Specialties Include: I am really good in less than ideal shooting conditions. I have been doing this a long time and tend to get called on for very technically difficult and demanding events.
The Dream Client: Luckily I get to work with dream clients all year. Clients who love the work I do and trust me to produce it with minimal involvement on their part.
Weddings/Year: We are a very small studio, so no more than 10.
Point of Difference: I come from an advertising background and bring a still-life aesthetic to weddings. In addition, I believe in seeing clients through the entire process personally (just me–no associates). I do all of my own Photoshop work and album design, and believe that shooting film and digital is essential in providing your clients with the best of both worlds.
Film? Digital? Video? Film and Digital
Weddings of Note: Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, Roselyn Sanchez and Eric Winter, Whitney Wolfe and Michael Herd, Angie and Arthur Blank, The Bachelor for ABC, Feiping Chang and Lincoln Li.
Elizabeth Messina
Signature Aesthetic: My images are artistic and intimate in nature. I try to capture emotion and create photographs that are evocative and quiet–yet have an impact.
Specialties Include: I am a film and natural light photographer with a background in fine art.
The Dream Client: Anyone who is completely in love–nothing is as beautiful as a couple in love.
Weddings/Year: I typically do a lot of fashion and editorial work in addition to weddings, so I try and limit myself to 15 weddings per year. I want to be fully present at every job and find that if I vary the type of work I do and limit the amount of weddings I shoot, it keeps me fresh and inspired.
Point of Difference: I think my creative approach, in combination with the look of film photography, has helped me develop a recognizable style. I am an artist first, and am constantly evaluating composition, light, and nuances of gestures as I shoot. I want images to have balance and feel very real with a hint of curated artistry.
Film? Digital? Video? My work is predominantly film. Use a variety of film stocks and have several film cameras so that I can shoot fluidly. As a professional, I think it is also important to be versed in all pertinent mediums, so I also shoot some digital when necessary. I love the luminous quality of film and it is always my first choice.
Weddings of Note: I've photographed these notables on their wedding days: Jessica Simpson, Lauren Conrad, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Sophia Amoruso, Kevin Garnett, Wes Craven, Jason Bateman and Elton Brand.
Sarah Falugo
Signature Aesthetic: Editorial. Inspired. Effortless. More like an old movie than "wedding photography."
Specialties Include: My European influences often shine through in my choice of subject matter and commissions. I enter each session with an open mind and allow the editorial content to come through.
The Dream Client: Those who appreciate and give space for the real beauty to be felt, and those with the ability to let go and enjoy the moment.
Weddings/Year: Approximately 10-15 a year around the world.
Point of Difference: I have become known for my unique take on the often overly prescribed genre of wedding photography. I work with a host of clients in the creative and entertainment industries who value an editorial approach and crave refreshing results, often resulting in their wedding stories running on major media platforms.
Film? Digital? Video? 100% digital, combined with thoughtful work in post-production for an editorial, grainy, and raw finish–truly the best of both worlds.
Weddings of Note: Julianne Hough & Brooks Laich, Alex & Erika Orbison, LOHO Bride co-owners Christy Baird & Brian Doxtator–and more.
Meghan Kay Sadler
Signature Aesthetic: My goal is always to approach the day as unique, to look for and capture genuine moments in a way that highlights the emotional atmosphere at a wedding. I love images that are narrative driven, and my painting and design background gives my images a painterly quality, while still having a clean design eye.
Specialties Include: I capture candids and portraits, some that feel documentary-style and some that feel painterly. I love to show small details of the day that tell the story. Its a wide range of images that captures the wedding day as a whole.
The Dream Client: Trust is so important. Couples that trust and love the images that I make and therefore are so comfortable that they can focus on the parts that really matter and soak in as much of the day as possible. A wedding day goes by quickly, and being present for it is key.
Weddings/Year: I only take on 10-15, some of those being smaller elopements. This also allows me to create a range of other work. I shoot collections for various fashion designers as well as interiors, portraits, travel, and I have a newfound love of street style photography. The variety keeps my eye and perspective fresh for the beauty of wedding days.
Film? Digital? Video? I shoot digital, and no video.
Weddings of Note: In a way, they have all been noteworthy!
Belathée
Signature Aesthetic: A mixture or fine art, portraiture, and photojournalism that is modern yet timeless. We want our images to still feel classic and beautiful twenty years from now. We also love shooting lifestyle, travel, and interiors and so we feel that these all tie in beautifully when capturing a wedding.
Specialties Include: One of the biggest compliments we receive is that we make people very comfortable in front of the camera and find a way to truly communicate our subjects' personalities. We also take the different generations at a wedding into account and strive to create images that everyone feels beautiful in, whether it's your young, hip cousin or your great aunt.
The Dream Client: Sophisticated and adventurous, unique and, of course–we love working with nice people.
Weddings/Year: 20-40, depending on the amount of destination weddings per year.
Point of Difference: Rather than applying a certain look or formula to our images, we welcome diverse environments and the challenges that come with them. From beaches to castles, we embrace each individual location with a fresh set of eyes and try to visually tell the story of each event. We've been photographing for over 12 years and have traveled to over a dozen countries and locations for our beloved clients.
Film? Digital? Video? We started photographing (and therefore are trained) with film, but eventually switched to digital. In our post-production, we emulate the feeling and look of film and thus feel we (and our clients) get to have the best of both worlds. When it comes to video, we refer great industry vets who we have great relationships with.
Weddings of Note: All of them are dear to us but of course destination weddings are often quite special: Australia, Bulgaria, Colombia, France, Belgium, Italy, Germany, the UK, Croatia, amd more are on our roster.
Eric Kelley
Signature Aesthetic: My desire is to create imagery that captures the essence of my couples and their style. I envision that moment when you're sitting with your grandkids years down the road, looking back at your wedding images and reliving the experience with them–and the joy they will feel to see you smiling at each other.
Specialties Include: I am an avid explorer and well-traveled. I've photographed all over the world and in many high-pressure situations. I appreciate creating incredible images for very discerning couples in any locale.
The Dream Client: The artist. The entrepreneur. The athlete. The virtuoso. The dreamer. Within a diverse scope of vocations, my clients have one strand of commonality: a desire for beautiful imagery, precision, and artistic authenticity.
Weddings/Year: As a boutique photographer, I limit my number to 10-16 weddings per year. It's incredibly important for me to focus on each individual couple.
Point of Difference: Better to hear it from others than me!
"Beyond his ability to do what any good photographer should do (lighting & composition), Eric has a unique ability to capture images that feel alive and keep us coming back to his work with intrigue and delight." - Lynn Easton, Easton Events, Event Designer & Planner
"Eric is sweet and fun to be around, but he is most importantly hard-working and passionate about weddings. He is experienced in shooting big productions, which is a quality I look for. It's clear he loves what he does when you see the beauty of his final images." - Laurie Arons, Event Designer & Planner
Film? Digital? Video? I photograph with film and digital. I love the way golden, natural light dances with film imagery. For interior, ambient-lit receptions, I love using digital cameras to capture the vibrancy of color and movement.
Weddings of Note: I work with a number of prominent, private clients per year–from celebrities and Fortune 500 executives.
Cinzia Bruschini
Signature Aesthetic: Cinematic and creative storytelling.
Specialties Include: I specialize in destination weddings in Europe. In 2017 alone, I shot weddings in Italy, the United Kingdom, Greece, New York, France, and California.
The Dream Client: A couple with a strong personality and a great aesthetic sense. My dream clients are wild on the dance floor and incurably romantic. Clients with a good sense of humor are my favorites. It’s so important to have a connection through the day, and having fun together is always the best way to get close to people you’ve never met before.
Weddings/Year: 20-25/year.
Point of Difference: I am very good with people and I am intrigued by family relationships. I’ve never put my photography before people. I don’t describe the weddings of my clients’ as the projection of my own idea of a wedding on to their day, but I try to emphasize what’s important for them and true to their personalities. My portfolio is very diverse and that versatility is what my clients like most. They feel they are not classified within my style and they can be themselves 100%.
Film? Digital? Video? I shoot mainly digital but I enjoy sometimes, when the flow of the day allows me, to have some photos on medium format film cameras or polaroids.
Weddings of Note: Arctic Monkeys' Matt Helders with Breana Mcdown in Rome.
Sergio Sandoná
Signature Aesthetic: Artistic, effortless elegance. I focus on a natural look and capturing emotions. An editorial look stands out in my pictures, and they have a timeless beauty.
Specialties Include: Photographing destination weddings worldwide. I focus on making a place, venue, or destination a singular space. I try to achieve intimate photographs and create moments where the couples will never notice they are being photographed.
The Dream Client: Our dream clients are passionate about art, and merge elegance and creativity in all aspects of their weddings–without going too far to show it. They understand that simplicity is key. I love couples with creative minds, who trust my eye with no hesitation and are looking for photographs with a timeless style. Lastly, I am always excited by couples that push themselves out of their comfort zones, and can create a real connection between us.
Weddings/Year: About 20
Point of Difference: I create a natural feeling at each wedding, and natural light is a key component of my work.
Film? Digital? Video? Primarily digital–with a film look.
Weddings of Note: Sofía Sanchez Barrenechea de Betak and Alexandre de Betak.
Corbin Gurkin
Signature Aesthetic: Deeply romantic, old-world imagery that's timeless in sensibility and style. I am most at home photographing in a country estate where dreamy landscapes and archaic venues collide; rich textures, natural light reminiscent of an Italian Renaissance painting, and bold botanical fashions all inform my signature aesthetic.
Specialties Include: Destination weddings–locations spanning from Lake Como to Telluride to Thailand; new environments keep me feeling inspired and give my work a fresh and cultured point of view.
The Dream Client: I want my clients to be in love with my images; and I want my style to resonate with their own vision for their wedding day. I love clients who wholeheartedly trusts my eye and vision. Having that connection where a client just gets it really creates an environment for me to create my best work.
Weddings/Year: 12-15
Point of Difference: I bring an additional layer of styling experience to all of my weddings. Carefully considered still-life vignettes give a moment of pause in a collection of wedding day reportage images, and my portraits are gently styled without feeling overtly posed. The final set of photographs is a blending of spontaneity with lifestyle editorial compositions.
Film? Digital? Both? I think of my approach as a hybrid. My portraits and scenic shots are usually made on film, and late night, low-light scenarios are best captured with my digital camera or black and white film. I make the decision for film or digital based on what will render the best image in that moment.
Weddings of Note: Ashley Tisdale & Christopher French, Petra Cortright & Marc Horowitz, Emily Maynard & Tyler Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr & Amy Reimann, Abby Elliott & Bill Kennedy, Annie Starke & Marc Albu, and Casey Wilson & David Caspe.
Greg Finck
Signature Aesthetic: Excellence, diversity, inclusion, and timeless elegance. My style is editorial with a twist and a French touch.
Specialties Include: Strongly influenced by fashion and always challenging the status quo. I travel to some of the most beautiful places across the globe, with a true love for the South of France, Italy, and California.
The Dream Client: Our dream clients want a timeless, tasteful, and elegant destination wedding. They rent a private villa or venue, with close family and friends, to run an intimate wedding. They trust our editorial approach to document their day in a minimalist and elegant way.
Weddings/Year: Approximately 20 weddings per year.
Point of Difference: I am one of the few photographers shooting film in Europe, and I regularly shoot fashion campaigns, which helps bring a fashion touch to the table at weddings.
Film? Digital? Video? Film
Lelia Scarfiotti
Signature Aesthetic: Poetic. I wish I was a poet, but since I am not as good with words, I try to put a little magic in my pictures.
Specialties Include: Portraits with an emotional touch.
The Dream Client: A couple who is truly in love–and who can be vulnerable enough to show it. I tend to fall in love with very small and intimate weddings. At intimate receptions and ceremonies, I have the chance to feel part of the couple's family and friends, and that is the most important thing to me.
Weddings/Year: Around 20 per year.
Point of Difference: I try to treat every wedding as a very special event. I want to know my clients as much as possible, so I try to meet them and develop a relationship with them prior to the wedding day. The more I know about them, the better I can do my job. What they love inspires me to capture their day in the best way possible.
Film? Digital? Video? Digital
Ryan Ray
Signature Aesthetic: Capturing the essence of joy between a couple and those they love. I use film to create soft, natural, and timeless images that can be relived and enjoyed for years to come.
Specialties Include: From the second I pick up my camera, my goal is to make people in front of it feel beautiful and comfortable. I bring encouragement and positivity that help settle the butterflies, direction when needed, subtlety when a moment unexpectedly unfolds–and a good time when the music starts.
Dream Client: Whether in a remote destination abroad or a small southern town, my dream clients are those who are willing to be themselves and allow me the opportunity to do what I do best.
Weddings/Year: Depending on the scope of events I am commissioned for, I usually shoot between 15-20 weddings per year.
Point of Difference: The people always come before the photograph for me. That motivation has enabled me to develop genuine connections with the people I photograph and allows us to work together with ease.
Film? Digital? Video? My heart is in film photography. Its qualities are beautiful and timeless. With that said, there are some instances where digital proves to be the better medium for the situation.
Weddings of Note: I’ve shot beautiful weddings across the world, including a wedding where Jennifer Lawrence was a bridesmaid.
Judy Pak
Signature Aesthetic: Timeless images that convey effortless sophistication and romance.
Specialties Include: Outdoor and tented weddings, weddings at private residences and destination weddings.
The Dream Client: A couple with elegant tastes that knows how to have unpretentious fun.
Weddings/Year: 10-12 for me and 5-10 for my associates.
Point of Difference: With a refined sense of aesthetics, we photograph people and events with creativity and imagination. I also combine my background as an attorney with our fine art aesthetic to ensure each client receives great attention to detail and the highest quality work.
Film? Digital? Video? Film and digital, medium format and 35mm film.
Weddings of Note: Gloria Vanderbilt's granddaughter's wedding.
Lucy Cuneo
Signature Aesthetic: Romantic, dreamy, candid, joyful.
Specialties Include: I'm a hybrid shooter, which means I shoot both film and digital. I pitch our work as "editorial coverage meets magazine-worthy party shots." We focus on making our bride and mother of the bride feel their most beautiful, and we have been told that we are very fun to be photographed by.
Dream Client: We love working with large families, and family- oriented brides! Animal lovers are a plus–it says so much!
Weddings/Year: 10-20
Point of Difference: We offer very, very full coverage. We are family-focused. We deliver portraits of every guest.
Film? Digital? Video? Both film and digital.
Weddings of Note: Harley Viera-Newton, Alexander Berardi, All the Vicount Allendale daughters (Lucy Beaumont, Alice Beaumont, Martha Beaumont to Arthur Vestey), The Brennan of New Orleans, Whitney Weeks and Douglas Pickett.
Braedon Flynn
Signature Aesthetic: Candid, authentic photos blending my background in fashion/editorial photography, portraiture, and many years of photographing bands.
Specialties Include: Directing my subjects and couples in a way to get them to relax and be natural in front of the camera; I love photographing full destination wedding weekends where photography becomes a part of the event.
The Dream Client: The couple I love to photograph the most is a couple that is really in love with each other–and they love their friends. They want to create an experience for their wedding. They are sophisticated but have a background in or love fashion or music or art. They care about photography and trust me to take care of them and their guests.
Weddings/Year: Around 20
Point of Difference: There are a lot of good photographers out there, but what I bring to the table is my ability to connect with my subjects, getting people to relax in front of the camera and capturing the real moments that happen because of that comfort level.
Film? Digital? Video? I mainly shoot film. I carry 4-6 different cameras with me and shoot an array of new and older cameras from the 1960's to get results I haven't been able to match digitally. I do also shoot digitally, both medium format and 35mm for lower light situations, and then onto dancing through the reception.
Weddings of Note: Jamie Schneider & Nico Mizrahi, Angela Kinsley from The Office & Josh Snyder.
Tec Petaja
Signature Aesthetic: Warm and real.
Specialties Include: My specialty is shooting medium-format film at weddings, which does so well with capturing the light and mood of the day. I also shoot a lot of commercial work which I believe bleeds into the way I see and capture a wedding.
The Dream Client: I'm lucky enough to work with a lot of "dream clients"–they're the ones that are focused on the impact and meaning of the day, not the day itself. They're laid back, trusting, and excited to begin a new chapter of their lives in love.
Weddings/Year: I typically work with 15-20 clients per year.
Point of Difference: I believe my calming energy and my ease helps me to stand out as someone who can help to calm the nerves and reduce stress around an already demanding day. I also stick with a classic, timeless approach with my imagery as opposed to succumbing to industry trends.
Film? Digital? Video? I shoot Kodak film.
Sylvie Gil
Signature Aesthetic: Effortlessly elegant, vibrant, unique, romantic. I love capturing the raw, intimate emotions of a wedding and the uniqueness of each event.
Specialties Include: My approach applies fine art to the unique vibrant celebration of a wedding day. I crave to capture the whole essence of this celebration in each single photograph, organically and artistically, always ready to click the shutter during the most special of moments and create memories to last a lifetime.
Dream Client: My bride is sophisticated, with a very keen sense of style, and her wedding will be remembered in thirty years as timeless, unique, and fun.
Weddings/Year: 15-20
Point of Difference: Experience; I have been shooting elaborate weddings for 18 years and have honed the ability to capture special moments in a very elegant, artistic way. My team is impeccable, professional, and knows how to navigate a wedding day.
Film, Digital? Video? I mainly shoot film because it creates a tangible softness and a stunning color palette. However, we also shoot digital to make sure we don’t miss a moment.
Weddings of Note: Figure skating Olympian Tara Lipinski & Todd Kapostasy, Shannon and Peter Getty, Beth Behrs (of CBS’ 2 Broke Girls) & Michael Gladis (of Mad Men), Jhon Legend.
Thierry Joubert
Signature Aesthetic: Cinematographic, emotional and artistic.
Specialties Include: Capturing emotions. I work mainly at destination weddings all around the world and am based in France. Whether I am shooting in Italy, the U.S., the UK, Indonesia...the most important thing to me is the connection between my couples and me,
The Dream Client: People who trust me to do my best work.
Weddings/Year: 15-20 / year
Point of Difference: Having a natural connection with the couples I work with, and a deep reverence for the human experience in general.
Film? Digital? Video? Digital
Allan Zepeda
Signature Aesthetic: Modern, romantic, elegant, timeless. I like to take creative liberties through my perspective, but I always balance my approach with a soft, refined, authentic filter.
The Dream Client: My dream clients are fun-spirited couples that value celebration and put their trust in me and their team of vendors. They are typically fashion-forward with an affinity for design.
Weddings/Year: Approximately 12.
Point of Difference: My clients become my friends. It’s that kind of trust that allows me to capture the emotion behind each couple on their wedding day.
Film? Digital? Video? I shoot digital and film. I like both and think different moments call for different approaches.
Weddings of Note: Serena Williams & Alexis Ohanian, Jesse Tyler Ferguson & Justin Mikita
Joel Serrato
Signature Aesthetic: My clients tell me that my direction and approach to weddings makes them, their families, and their friends feel relaxed and calm. I definitely speak up and give plenty of direction, while allowing moments to unfold and be captured.
Specialities Include: My medium of choice is film. I specialize in huge complex weddings, the bigger the better.
Dream Client: People who are crazy in love, aren’t afraid to cry, and show emotions while trusting me explicitly.
Weddings/Year: 12, most of these can be several day events. I like give my all to my clients. When I’m shooting your wedding, I’m in one thousand percent.
Point of Difference: I like to believe it’s an experience with my clients sometimes that’s priceless and an unexplainable style. I have the nicest clients on Earth!
Film? Digital? Video? Film
Weddings of Note: Weddings & portraits clients of note include: Diana Taurasi, Penny Taylor, Elle Fowler, Alex Goot, Vicky Belo, Hayden Kho, Haley Giraldo, Matt Williams, Pat Benatar, Tamera Mowry, Adam Housley.
Olivia Rae James
Signature aesthetic: Warm and soulful images that feel timeless.
Specialties include: Discretely capturing the raw beauty of the moment. Calmly embracing the unknowns of the day. Helping people feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera. Celebrating the individuality of each wedding.
Dream client: Any couple that loves my work and trusts me completely.
Weddings/Year: 15 or so.
Point of Difference: I go into each wedding with a blank slate, ready to document the day that plays out in front of me. Inspiration comes from the people, the light, the way the wind is carrying the bride’s veil, the way the grandmother smiles at the ring bearer - all things that are unique to the day, and can’t be planned. I’m always looking for that magic.
Weddings of Note: I recently worked with Easton Events on a wedding at Kevin Costner’s Aspen ranch, which was insanely beautiful.
Erich Mcvey
Signature Aesthetic: Beautiful, honest, and timeless. I want my clients to look back on their photos 50 years from now and still be able to feel that special moment in time.
Specialties Include: I frequently shoot destination weddings in far off places with epic environments, but no matter the location, I absolutely love capturing portraits of my clients that feel authentic and bring out the unique beauty and personality of each couple.
Dream Client: A couple who values my work and trusts in my process.
Weddings/Year: 20
Point of Difference: My wife, Amy. We actually met on my first ever photography job, and she's been by my side ever since. She helps me run the business and has such a keen eye for detail and emotive imagery. Working together allows us to serve our clients best, and I can't imagine doing it without her.
Film? Digital? Video? I love the rich, timeless look I'm able to create with film. I shoot almost entirely medium format film, but I do use digital as well once the sun sets and there is limited light available. I work hard to ensure that my film and digital images match up seamlessly so every shot, no matter the format, looks like my work.
Heather Waraksa
Signature Aesthetic: Timeless, refined, fashionable yet approachable and relaxed.
Specialties Include: I specialize in events captured with in an editorial eye. In addition to being beautiful I want my work to have heart and style without sacrificing substance or genuine moments.
Dream Client: Warm, well-traveled, fashionable, fun, and inspired. My dream clients want a refined (but not glitzy or showy) and personalized wedding. They are anything but cookie cutter.
Weddings/Year: I book 15-25 weddings per year locally and abroad.
Point of Difference: I've been documenting weddings for 13 years and was formally trained in design, photography, and film. I wear many hats the day of the wedding because I want my couples to have it all: the gorgeous portraiture, the emotion, the lively (and sometimes debaucherous) party photos, the unexpected moments in between as well as the design and details of the event.
Film? Digital? Video? I offer a combination of film and digital coverage. I mostly shoot film during the day for beautiful portraits, details and environmental images and then digital to capture special photojournalistic moments throughout the evening.
Thayer Gowdy
Signature Aesthetic: Destination chic. I am best known for my relaxed, editorial images while capturing the details, location, and the vibe of the wedding weekend in breathtaking locations.
Specialties Include: Editorial and fashion styled images in great destinations that are authentic and chic.
The Dream Client: The easygoing bride with impeccable taste in decor and fashion.
Weddings/Year: 10-15 weddings per year
Point of Difference: My calm but easygoing, fun demeanor is relaxing and stress-free for my clients. Being a commercial photographer and director, I have the experience needed to balance the production aspect of destination weddings while capturing images in an editorial style. I like to be unobtrusive while directing at the times when clients need it most.
Film? Digital? Video? Digital: I shoot digital most of the event and a small amount of film of just the bride and groom for a dash of whimsy.
Weddings of Note: Jamie Chung & Bryan Greenberg wedding on the coast in Santa Barbara. Hands down, Jamie wore the most beautiful dress! I loved the chic fashion with the summer camp vibe.
Scott Clark
Signature Aesthetic: I love using bold colors and lighting to help capture the dramatic moments in action.
Specialties include: We combine digital and film to deliver unique imagery.
Dream client: We love destination weddings. Honestly, if there is an elopement and they want us to tag along for the week long story, we are in.
Weddings/Year: We limit our weddings to 20-25 quality weddings per year.
Point of Difference: We deliver a stack full of polaroids at the end of the night so that our clients can relive their wedding the next morning in physical prints.
Weddings of Note: My wife and I had a destination wedding in Sayulita, Mexico. I was fortunate enough to shoot an amazing wedding in the same town! We loved having a personal connection to the destination.
Patricia Lyons
Signature Aesthetic: Real, clean, warm, editorial, and timeless. I want my work to move people emotionally in addition to being visually beautiful. Clients’ reactions to galleries of their weddings are the very best reward!
Specialties include: My experience and personality; having shot hundreds of weddings, I can calmly but quickly assess every scene in a way that achieves the results my clients enjoy. Also, my love of travel and documenting new places is leading to a growing number of destination weddings.
Dream client: A happy couple who likes my style is a dream client.
Weddings/Year: 12-15
Point of Difference: A previous life in advertising, shooting editorial, and lots and lots of weddings, have shaped my visual style. A deep appreciation for the importance of everyone coming together on a wedding day, drive the emotion behind making those images.
Liz Banfield
Signature Aesthetic: Beautiful and cinematic. Though I shoot stills, I’m deeply inspired by capturing fleeting moments and people in motion. My favorite photographs are full of life.
Specialties Include: Discretely capturing the moments, location, and details that collectively tell the story of a wedding day (and often, the entire weekend).
The Dream Client: A client who values great imagery and has sophisticated, refined taste is so inspiring. Fiona and Peter’s destination wedding in Vermont is a perfect example.
Weddings/Year: About 12, allowing me to be fully available to my clients. I also shoot lifestyle and editorial throughout the year.
Point of Difference: Artistry is obviously paramount. But also, prior to the wedding, I scout locations and master the schedule so I feel completely prepared. Then on the wedding day, I cultivate an atmosphere that allows my clients to relax and be themselves.
Film? Digital? Video? Film is beautiful when the light is optimal but sometimes digital is the better tool so I have a hybrid approach. The digital and film are processed in a way so that the blend is seamless.
Ross Harvey
Signature Aesthetic: Elegant. Genuine. Emotive. Artistic. Effortless. Fashionable.
Specialties Include: The ability to embrace the natural flow, pace and energy of each wedding while - always - finding the most creative and emotive viewpoint of the moment. The result is a visual story that artistically and uniquely reflects the true personality of each couple's wedding. We have a dynamic style that adapts to the rhythm of the day; delicate when elegant; energetic when celebrations begin. Our portraits are the perfect balance of editorial and intimate.
Dream Client: I've been lucky, working with genuine couples (with an eye for style) with whom I share the same vision for their wedding; a beautiful celebration.
Weddings/Year: Limited to 12 weddings per year.
Point of Difference: I have a rare combination of creative and technical credentials, each of which have been invaluable platforms for fashion and wedding photography. No matter the circumstances - from shooting in natural light at sunset to setting up technically complex/beautiful lighting for speeches or the first dance - I'm able to do so in a relaxed, positive manner with a reputation for showcasing each wedding at its absolute best.
The Grovers
Signature Aesthetic: Warm, genuine and joyful images
Specialties Include: Seamlessly blending the look of film and digital images throughout a wedding day and thoughtfully capturing details.
The Dream Client: Couples who are in-the-moment and truly in love are a dream to photograph.
Weddings/Year: 15-20
Point of Difference: We are a husband and wife team and have been working together exclusively for a decade. We utilize each others strengths in capturing a wedding and are most often complimented on our professionalism and how comfortable and relaxed we help our subjects to feel in front of the camera.
Film? Digital? Video? We shoot a combination of film and digital, and use each medium when it's best suited.
Weddings of Note: While we feel all of our weddings are noteworthy, some may be more familiar with the weddings of Florida Georgia Line's Tyler Hubbard and Hayley Stommel in Sun Valley, ID, country singer Randy Houser and Tatiana Starzynski in Nashville, TN and most recently, LA Dodgers All-Star player Justin Turner and Kourtney Pogue in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Charlotte Jenks Lewis
Signature Aesthetic: I like to think of my style as a curated narrative–I like to choose backgrounds and think about color palette in advance. After that, all of the action and emotions are just the story of a wedding day unfolding.
Specialties Include: I'm great at making couples feel comfortable in front of the camera. I'm funny, disarming and I will learn the names of everyone in your family and your wedding party, so they'll look at me and smile!
The Dream Client: I've found if I can earn a client's trust, the pictures really carry a greater intimacy, which makes for deeper and more powerful imagery. So, my dream client is really anyone who lets me in! Getting married is a big deal, and there are a lot of emotions involved. You should feel comfortable enough with your photographer to take them on that emotional journey with you.
Weddings/Year: Between 15 and 20
Point of Difference: I shoot both film and digital. I consider myself a film shooter, but I love using digital in low-light situations. Film will always give me the beautiful skin tones I'm looking for, but digital allows me to avoid shooting with flash late into the evening.
Weddings of Note: Zanna Roberts Rassi & Mazdack Rassi and Tiler Peck & Robbie Fairchild.
Noa Azoulay of Feather Love Photography
Signature Aesthetic: There's a dreamy, nostalgic, psychedelic and sometimes esoteric vibe to my images.
Specialties Include: I specialize in non-traditional weddings, editorial, portraiture, travel, food, lifestyle, and product photography. My home-base is in Mexico and Southern California, but I shoot destination weddings all over the world.
The Dream Client: My clients are all amazing, but usually they are people from creative backgrounds or they are artists themselves. They tend to connect with my work because the aesthetic suits them. We usually have similar styles–I think they can read my personality in my images. They are often laid-back, have great taste, and their weddings are beautiful and original. Most importantly, they trust me.
Weddings/Year: I choose my clients carefully to make sure we're a good fit for each other, so it can range between 6-20 weddings per year.
Point of Difference: I have created a strong and unique brand in my business over the past 14 years by staying true to my vision as an artist, whilst evolving. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone and wash my individual style out, I stick to the work I love to do and therefore attract the right clients that are specific to my niche.
Film? Digital? Video? I shoot both film and digital.
Weddings of Note: Emily Deschanel & David Hornsby in Los Angeles. Alexandra and Scott Anthony in Tuscany, Italy. Kestrin Pantera and Jonathan Grubb in Northern California.
Donna Newman
Signature Aesthetic: I am known for capturing beautiful, sophisticated, real moments caught in real time. I am searching for moments that touch the soul and reflect the personalities of the people involved.
Specialties Include: Since I come from a fashion background, my moments tend to have an editorial edge to them while still remaining authentic.
The Dream Client: The dream client trusts my eye and lets me record the highlights of the day which I typically capture by feeling them. When I am able to work like this, the wedding day feels like a dance. I sense the rhythm and heartbeat of the day and then the moments arise.
Weddings/Year: I typically shoot about 20 weddings a year.
Point of Difference: I love documenting all kinds of moments in life. Everyone I approach is a mystery, and it is my job to help unfold their story and capture their essence in an image.
Film ? Digital? Video? For the past 14 years, I have shot events digitally, but I originally shot on film. I prefer shooting digital since I get more engrossed in the moments without having to change out film every 36 shots. It is a more natural way to document so that you capture all of the moments that are truly fleeting.
Weddings of Note: George Lucas' wedding to Mellody Hobson, Sofia Vergara's wedding to Joe Manganiello, Howard Stern's wedding to Beth Ostrosky, Eva Langoria's wedding to Jose Baston.
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