Let's make this easy

Real answers to the questions I hear all the time—answered honestly, without the fluff. If you’re wondering how this whole thing works, you’re in the right place.

What is documentary wedding photography?

Absolutely. That’s literally why I do what I do. Most of the day, you’ll just be living it—laughing with your people, holding hands, hugging your grandma—and I’ll be there capturing it all as it happens. During couple portraits, we’re not doing stiff poses or perfectly choreographed moves. We’re usually just going for a walk, letting you connect, and I might guide you or prompt something natural to help bring out emotion—but never in a way that feels forced. The best photos happen when you feel like yourselves. My job is to create space for that and then document it honestly.

We don’t want to pose all day—can you still get great photos of us?

Not at all. Honestly? Nearly everyone feels this way. Feeling awkward in front of a camera is just a very human response. Most of us aren’t used to being photographed all day, and very few people feel “naturally photogenic” when they’re being posed or stared at. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to perform for me. The most photogenic version of you isn’t the one trying to look perfect—it’s the one who’s laughing, crying, hugging, and fully in the moment. When you’re having too much fun to care about the camera, that’s when the real magic happens. And that’s exactly what I’m there to capture.

We’re awkward in front of the camera—will that be a problem?

Most traditional photographers take a more curated, posed approach—they’ll direct a lot of the day, arrange moments, and guide you through a long list of planned shots. That’s just not me. I’m not here to create a highlight reel—I’m here to tell the full story. I work in a true documentary style, which means I won’t be pulling you away every hour for another setup or making you repeat things for the camera. I’m right there in it with you—capturing real, unscripted moments as they happen. The laughs, the nerves, the chaos, the quiet—all of it matters. What you’ll get is a gallery that feels like the day, not a Pinterest version of it.

How do you differ from traditional wedding photographers?

Here’s the honest answer: I can only be as documentary as you allow. My best work happens when I’m given space to follow the energy of the day—when couples care more about being in the moment than performing for the camera. That’s when the real magic shows up—the raw, emotional, unfiltered stuff you’ll actually want to remember.

I tend to work best with couples who want to enjoy their day—not spend it in back-to-back photo sessions. If you actually want to hang out at your cocktail hour (at least part of it!), hug your people, and soak it all in, we’ll be a great fit.

That said, most couples still want a few family photos and some portraits, and I’m totally on board for that. We’ll knock them out with intention, then let you get back to the good stuff while I document it all unfolding.

Can we really expect all candid, documentary-style photos?

There’s documentary-style—and then there’s true documentary. A lot of photographers say they shoot in a documentary style, but still direct or pose large parts of the day. My approach is closer to true documentary. Aside from family formals or couple portraits (if you want them), I don’t stage anything. I’m not on the sidelines with a long lens—I’m in the middle of the dance floor with you, slipping into the hallway when your mom wipes her eyes, or crouched in the aisle catching your partner’s face when you walk in. I move with the energy of your day, anticipating the moments that matter and capturing them as they actually unfold. It’s emotional, immersive, and completely unscripted.

the DETAILS

the experience

The coverage, timeline, first look, etc.

The big questions, and the bigger picture.

If it’s in the budget, I always recommend it—especially if you’re having 80+ guests. A second shooter means we can be in two places at once (like both getting ready in different spots), capture more angles (your partner’s reaction and your entrance), and get way more creative. When I’m not locked into the “safe shot,” I can take risks, experiment, and chase the weird, artsy stuff. Some of my favorite images wouldn’t exist without that freedom.

Do we need a second photographer?

Yes—but not the awkward kind where you’re posed in a field and told to "nuzzle." I offer Date Night Sessions—a totally collaborative experience where we design a shoot around you. Maybe we wander through downtown Seattle and pop into your favorite coffee shop and bookstore. Maybe we hit up an arcade. Maybe we stay in and document a slow evening at home, just being real together. It’s playful, storytelling-driven, and never stiff. It’s also a chance for us to vibe, for you to get comfy in front of the camera, and honestly... it’s just a really fun date night with some beautiful third-wheeling.

Do you recommend an engagement session?

If documentary-style coverage and actually enjoying your day are important to you—but you also want some portraits—8 hours is usually the minimum. It gives us space to capture parts of getting ready and a bit of the dance floor without cramming things in or rushing through the moments that matter.

6 hours can work if you’re skipping either the getting ready or the party—less documentary, more streamlined.

10 hours is for couples who want their whole story told. From the quiet anticipation in the morning to the wild dance moves and final hugs late at night. Nothing rushed, nothing left out—just the full emotional arc of your day, start to finish.

That said, every wedding is different—and I photograph a lot of non-traditional timelines. I’m always happy to sketch out a rough “back-of-the-napkin” timeline with you or hop on a call to figure out what kind of coverage makes the most sense for your day.

How much coverage do we need?

This is a big one—and the short answer is: do whatever feels right for you. I’m not the kind of photographer who’s going to push you into a first look just to make the timeline easier. The day should be about the experience, not a checklist.

That said, let’s talk logistics. If you're planning to see each other for the first time at the ceremony and want to enjoy your full cocktail hour, there likely won’t be much time left afterward for family photos and couples portraits. That’s totally fine if you're cool with keeping those quick or minimal.

But if you’ve got a longer photo list or want portraits in a few spots and still want to be present at your party, a first look gives us more breathing room to get those photos done earlier—without rushing.

Also, real talk? A lot of couples tell me they feel a huge sense of relief once they see each other. It calms the nerves and makes the day feel more grounded. Some even choose to share private vows during that time and make the moment really special.

Whatever you choose, I’ll support it fully and help build a timeline that makes it all flow naturally.

Should we do a first look, or wait until the ceremony?

YES. A thousand times yes. And I promise—it’s nothing like what you’re imagining. You're probably picturing an awkward hour of me telling you how to sit, where to look, and how to fake a smile while you button your dress or fix your tie. That’s not it. At all.

I photograph this part of the day documentary-style, just like the rest. And honestly? It’s one of the richest parts of the story.

It lets me blend in. Getting ready time is when I become “one of the gang.” People get used to the camera, I earn their trust, and that’s how I’m able to get super close and capture the real stuff later on.

It’s full of raw emotion. The anticipation, the nerves, the laughter, the hugs, the little chaos moments—this time is packed with candid gems if you value real, unfiltered storytelling.
It’s my creative warm-up. The textures, the quiet light, the movement—it’s my chance to get into the flow and start the day right, with intention and artistry.

It sets the story in motion. When we begin coverage here, the day unfolds like a story—with a beginning, middle, and end. It’s the kind of full-arc storytelling that works naturally with how I shoot. You’re not just getting a highlight reel. You’re reliving the entire day.

That said, it’s not for everyone. If you’re getting ready alone, or it’s more of a rushed logistical moment than a meaningful one, we can skip it. But if you’ll be surrounded by your people and there’s connection and emotion in the room—this part of the day is gold.

Do you recommend getting ready coverage?

This is a big one—and the short answer is: do whatever feels right for you. I’m not the kind of photographer who’s going to push you into a first look just to make the timeline easier. The day should be about the experience, not a checklist.

That said, let’s talk logistics. If you're planning to see each other for the first time at the ceremony and want to enjoy your full cocktail hour, there likely won’t be much time left afterward for family photos and couples portraits. That’s totally fine if you're cool with keeping those quick or minimal.

But if you’ve got a longer photo list or want portraits in a few spots and still want to be present at your party, a first look gives us more breathing room to get those photos done earlier—without rushing.

Also, real talk? A lot of couples tell me they feel a huge sense of relief once they see each other. It calms the nerves and makes the day feel more grounded. Some even choose to share private vows during that time and make the moment really special.

Whatever you choose, I’ll support it fully and help build a timeline that makes it all flow naturally.

Should we do a first look, or wait until the ceremony?

location & logistics

Yes, absolutely. I’m based in Gig Harbor, but I regularly photograph weddings all over the greater Seattle area—Tacoma, Olympia, the islands, the coast, the mountains. Wherever your celebration is happening, I’ll be there, camera in hand, ready to tell the story as it unfolds.

Do you travel to Tacoma, Olympia, or other parts of the Seattle area?

What is documentary wedding photography?

There’s documentary-style—and then there’s true documentary. A lot of photographers say they shoot in a documentary style, but still direct or pose large parts of the day. My approach is closer to true documentary. Aside from family formals or couple portraits (if you want them), I don’t stage anything. I’m not on the sidelines with a long lens—I’m in the middle of the dance floor with you, slipping into the hallway when your mom wipes her eyes, or crouched in the aisle catching your partner’s face when you walk in. I move with the energy of your day, anticipating the moments that matter and capturing them as they actually unfold. It’s emotional, immersive, and completely unscripted.

Let's Make this Easy

We don’t want to pose all day—can you still get great photos of us?

Absolutely. That’s literally why I do what I do. Most of the day, you’ll just be living it—laughing with your people, holding hands, hugging your grandma—and I’ll be there capturing it all as it happens. During couple portraits, we’re not doing stiff poses or perfectly choreographed moves. We’re usually just going for a walk, letting you connect, and I might guide you or prompt something natural to help bring out emotion—but never in a way that feels forced. The best photos happen when you feel like yourselves. My job is to create space for that and then document it honestly.

We’re awkward in front of the camera—will that be a problem?

Not at all. Honestly? Nearly everyone feels this way. Feeling awkward in front of a camera is just a very human response. Most of us aren’t used to being photographed all day, and very few people feel “naturally photogenic” when they’re being posed or stared at. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to perform for me. The most photogenic version of you isn’t the one trying to look perfect—it’s the one who’s laughing, crying, hugging, and fully in the moment. When you’re having too much fun to care about the camera, that’s when the real magic happens. And that’s exactly what I’m there to capture.

How do you differ from traditional wedding photographers?

Most traditional photographers take a more curated, posed approach—they’ll direct a lot of the day, arrange moments, and guide you through a long list of planned shots. That’s just not me. I’m not here to create a highlight reel—I’m here to tell the full story. I work in a true documentary style, which means I won’t be pulling you away every hour for another setup or making you repeat things for the camera. I’m right there in it with you—capturing real, unscripted moments as they happen. The laughs, the nerves, the chaos, the quiet—all of it matters. What you’ll get is a gallery that feels like the day, not a Pinterest version of it.

Can we really expect all candid, documentary-style photos?

Here’s the honest answer: I can only be as documentary as you allow. My best work happens when I’m given space to follow the energy of the day—when couples care more about being in the moment than performing for the camera. That’s when the real magic shows up—the raw, emotional, unfiltered stuff you’ll actually want to remember.

I tend to work best with couples who want to enjoy their day—not spend it in back-to-back photo sessions. If you actually want to hang out at your cocktail hour (at least part of it!), hug your people, and soak it all in, we’ll be a great fit.

That said, most couples still want a few family photos and some portraits, and I’m totally on board for that. We’ll knock them out with intention, then let you get back to the good stuff while I document it all unfolding.

How do you differ from traditional wedding photographers?

Most traditional photographers take a more curated, posed approach—they’ll direct a lot of the day, arrange moments, and guide you through a long list of planned shots. That’s just not me. I’m not here to create a highlight reel—I’m here to tell the full story. I work in a true documentary style, which means I won’t be pulling you away every hour for another setup or making you repeat things for the camera. I’m right there in it with you—capturing real, unscripted moments as they happen. The laughs, the nerves, the chaos, the quiet—all of it matters. What you’ll get is a gallery that feels like the day, not a Pinterest version of it.

The Experience

Real answers to the questions I hear all the time—answered honestly, without the fluff. If you’re wondering how this whole thing works, you’re in the right place.

The Details

Do we need a second photographer?

If it’s in the budget, I always recommend it—especially if you’re having 80+ guests. A second shooter means we can be in two places at once (like both getting ready in different spots), capture more angles (your partner’s reaction and your entrance), and get way more creative. When I’m not locked into the “safe shot,” I can take risks, experiment, and chase the weird, artsy stuff. Some of my favorite images wouldn’t exist without that freedom.

Do you recommend an engagement session?

Yes—but not the awkward kind where you’re posed in a field and told to "nuzzle." I offer Date Night Sessions—a totally collaborative experience where we design a shoot around you. Maybe we wander through downtown Seattle and pop into your favorite coffee shop and bookstore. Maybe we hit up an arcade. Maybe we stay in and document a slow evening at home, just being real together. It’s playful, storytelling-driven, and never stiff. It’s also a chance for us to vibe, for you to get comfy in front of the camera, and honestly... it’s just a really fun date night with some beautiful third-wheeling.

How much coverage do we need?

If documentary-style coverage and actually enjoying your day are important to you—but you also want some portraits—8 hours is usually the minimum. It gives us space to capture parts of getting ready and a bit of the dance floor without cramming things in or rushing through the moments that matter.

6 hours can work if you’re skipping either the getting ready or the party—less documentary, more streamlined.

10 hours is for couples who want their whole story told. From the quiet anticipation in the morning to the wild dance moves and final hugs late at night. Nothing rushed, nothing left out—just the full emotional arc of your day, start to finish.

That said, every wedding is different—and I photograph a lot of non-traditional timelines. I’m always happy to sketch out a rough “back-of-the-napkin” timeline with you or hop on a call to figure out what kind of coverage makes the most sense for your day

Should we do a first look, or wait until the ceremony?

This is a big one—and the short answer is: do whatever feels right for you. I’m not the kind of photographer who’s going to push you into a first look just to make the timeline easier. The day should be about the experience, not a checklist.

That said, let’s talk logistics. If you're planning to see each other for the first time at the ceremony and want to enjoy your full cocktail hour, there likely won’t be much time left afterward for family photos and couples portraits. That’s totally fine if you're cool with keeping those quick or minimal.

But if you’ve got a longer photo list or want portraits in a few spots and still want to be present at your party, a first look gives us more breathing room to get those photos done earlier—without rushing.

Also, real talk? A lot of couples tell me they feel a huge sense of relief once they see each other. It calms the nerves and makes the day feel more grounded. Some even choose to share private vows during that time and make the moment really special.

Whatever you choose, I’ll support it fully and help build a timeline that makes it all flow naturally.

Do you recommend getting ready coverage?

If you're into documentary photography, then - YES - A thousand times yes. And I promise—it’s nothing like what you’re imagining. You're probably picturing an awkward hour of me telling you how to sit, where to look, and how to fake a smile while you button your dress or fix your tie. That’s not it. At all.

I photograph this part of the day documentary-style, just like the rest. And honestly? It’s one of the richest parts of the story.

It lets me blend in. Getting ready time is when I become “one of the gang.” People get used to the camera, I earn their trust, and that’s how I’m able to get super close and capture the real stuff later on.

It’s full of raw emotion. The anticipation, the nerves, the laughter, the hugs, the little chaos moments—this time is packed with candid gems if you value real, unfiltered storytelling.

It’s my creative warm-up. The textures, the quiet light, the movement—it’s my chance to get into the flow and start the day right, with intention and artistry.

It sets the story in motion. When we begin coverage here, the day unfolds like a story—with a beginning, middle, and end. It’s the kind of full-arc storytelling that works naturally with how I shoot. You’re not just getting a highlight reel. You’re reliving the entire day.

That said, it’s not for everyone. If you’re getting ready alone, or it’s more of a rushed logistical moment than a meaningful one, we can skip it. But if you’ll be surrounded by your people and there’s connection and emotion in the room—this part of the day is gold.

Do you travel to Tacoma, Olympia, or other parts of the Seattle area?

Yes, absolutely. I’m based in Gig Harbor, but I regularly photograph weddings all over the greater Seattle area—Tacoma, Olympia, the islands, the coast, the mountains. Wherever your celebration is happening, I’ll be there, camera in hand, ready to tell the story as it unfolds.

The Logistics