The Best Photojournalistic Wedding Photographers in San Marcos, CA

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850 Wedding Photographers in San Marcos, CA

Photojournalistic
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Wishwell Inc. 
Rating: 5.0 (16 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves San Marcos, CA

We're Toby & Lauren — a husband and wife photography and film team based in Vista, CA. Since 2010, we've had the privilege of capturing thousands of weddings together. We built Wishwell because we believe every couple deserves a luxury photo and video experience with a team that truly cares. We don't just show up on your wedding day — we walk with you through the entire journey, making sure you feel supported, seen, and celebrated every step of the way.

Awarded Best of Zola
Toby has done my daughter’s newborn photos and other Christmas time photos of our family. He always makes us feel so comfortable. Recently he did our family photos again and we tried a new venue - the beach. The outcome brought me to tears! I was so impressed with his ability to get our daughter’s personality and to capture the moments of love between us. It is truly endearing and memories we will cherish for a lifetime.
Lindsey M., a year ago
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Khoa Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (15 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves San Marcos, CA

Hi there! I'm Khoa, a San Diego based wedding photographer who enjoys spending time with good people and road trips. I love all things weddings because witnessing couples' happiness brings me joy and fuels my creativity. I want to create photographs that can stand the test of time so couples can relive their day years from now and for generations to come.

We hired Khoa for our wedding pictures and could not be more pleased! We reached out for a custom quote given the amount of hours requested. He quickly responded and set up a zoom meeting to understand more about our expectations of the day and a general timeline. We were worried about rain, which luckily didn’t happen, and Khoa was able to offer his expertise advice in the event it did. The day of the wedding, he was very friendly, had a true creative eye for detail, and was very professional. He delivered far more photos than we expected and within 2 short weeks. We were so excited to share with everyone and everyone was very impressed with the photos. We definitely recommend Khoa!
Jan, a year ago
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Emily Morgan Photos, LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (13 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves San Marcos, CA

I’m here to capture nostalgic memories and help you remember the emotions behind the photos. I love capturing those truly candid moments. The kind of photos that put you right back in the moment five, ten, fifty years later. I'm a Southern California based photographer that will travel wherever you want to document your love! I'm constantly exploring with laid-back couples that want to capture genuine moments about their relationship. When I'm not taking pictures, you can usually find me hanging out with my loved ones, hiking, watching sitcoms, or taking a spontaneous trip.

Awarded Best of Zola
We loved working with Emily! She was so responsive and really made us feel so much less anxious over the photography for the wedding ! The guide and photo planning document she shared in the lead up really helped us make a game plan prior to wedding day. We got every photo we wanted and then some. Our recommendation is to go in with a few must haves and then just trust Emily to do what she does best. We couldn’t have had a better experience!
Alexis S., 10 months ago
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Kayla.Ash Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves San Marcos, CA
  • Offer

Hi there! I'm Kayla, and I'm so glad you're here! I've spent the past six years capturing love, beauty, and joy across Southern California. Photography has been my passion since I was five, and turning it into a career has been the most rewarding journey. One of my clients shared: "The pictures came out beautiful and had my mom in tears. Kayla made us all feel so comfortable and beautiful. I highly recommend her and will definitely be using her again." If you’re looking for someone to capture your special moments, I’d love to help you create memories that last a lifetime!

Awarded Best of Zola
Kayla was absolutely amazing to work with! From the moment she arrived, her sweet and bubbly personality made everyone feel so comfortable in front of the camera. She captured our wedding day so beautifully…every emotion, every moment, and all the little details we might have missed in the chaos of the day. I’m so obsessed with her flat lays and how she incorporated our special keepsakes. I had mentioned wanting my colors to really pop, and she captured them perfectly! Her eye for detail is incredible, and she somehow managed to make every photo feel natural yet timeless. The turnaround time was so quick… we received a sneak peek soon after the wedding, which made us even more excited for the full gallery. Kayla also brought along a second shooter who was just as wonderful, and together they didn’t miss a single moment. We’re beyond grateful to have these photos to look back on forever. I couldn’t recommend Kayla enough to any couple looking for someone who not only takes beautiful photos but also brings such warmth and joy to their day.
Lilli D., 7 months ago
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Enlightened Scorpio Studio 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves San Marcos, CA

PHOTOGRAPHER/DRONE PILOT - Katie Doner - Drawn to the arts since I was young, my passion continued into college, where I studied for my BA in Fine Arts. My love of photography found me unexpectedly in high school. I fell in love with every aspect of it. You can find me traveling the world, surfing or photographing beauty & love wherever I find it. PHOTOGRAPHER-Joey Licata  As a child, I dabbled with my mom’s film camera, and my interest in the craft never waned. Following years of graduate work, I taught myself photography. My camera grants me freedom and joy. Behind its lens, I observe and find beauty in the unscripted, capturing raw emotion

Awarded Best of Zola
I have nothing but great things to say! Katie was both personable and professional with both of our family photo shoots! She really went the extra mile by scouting out gorgeous places to take photos and having us meet her at the best time of day for lighting. My son was only 2, and she had so many great tricks up her sleeve to make him smile! She also had the perfect mix of a calm demeanor and an excited tone that made my son enjoy the experience! She got the photos back to us in such a timely fashion and her website was really easy to navigate. I get SO many compliments on the photos and they are my favorite ones that my family has ever taken! Thank you Katie!!
Ashley P., 10 months ago
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Katie Clare Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,875
  • Serves San Marcos, CA

I was raised in the Sierra Nevada foothills of California. I was drawn to photography in middle school and would enter photos of our family pets or family backpacking trips in our local county fair. My passion for photography grew while working as a hiking guide in Yosemite National Park. I mean… who wouldn’t want a stunning photo of Half Dome? El Capitan? Yosemite Falls? But it has been photographing wedding and couples that I find the most fun and rewarding. I have found loving hearts, wild souls, and adventurous spirits to be my people. I strive to visually capture the “spirit” of my subjects and record an emotional memory of the occasion.

Awarded Best of Zola
From the moment we first reached out to Katie Clare Photography, we were impressed by their prompt, friendly, and personalized communication style. On the day of our wedding, Katie and her team were incredibly organized and talented, seamlessly capturing all the special moments without ever being intrusive. During our engagement shoot, Katie made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera, which translated to beautiful, natural-looking photos. And on our wedding day, she was able to get all the perfect shots without ever being in the way. We are thrilled with the final photos and would highly recommend Katie Clare Photography to any couple looking for an exceptional photography experience!!
Danielle, 8 months ago
MJMaiden Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,500
  • Serves San Marcos, CA

My name is Makenzi but most people call me M.J. I am a Destination Wedding and Elopement photographer that travels all over the country to beautiful destinations to witness the greatest love stories! My photography style is warm, vibrant, and authentic. I love working with all different types of individuals (that become friends) and capturing some of the most unforgettable moments through my lens. I like to create a comfortable space for my clients to be completely themselves in order to capture candid moments that tells their story! My career is photography, but my passion is people.

Awarded Best of Zola
We booked MJMaiden Photography and MJ was friendly, calm, easy-going and her communication style put us at ease. She was prompt, professional, and delivered beautiful photos that perfectly captured our special day. MJ adapted to the fact that our entire wedding party wasn't present at the same time, she was patient with photo requests, and she helped everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera. We would totally recommend working with her!
Nicole, 8 months ago
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Carlsbad Photo 
Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves San Marcos, CA

I’ve been happily married for almost 27 years. I have three awesome sons. My parakeets Kiwi and Sparky are very social, meaning very loud! Champagne (maybe that’s why I love weddings) and sushi lover here! Photography has been my passion ever since my dad gave me my first film camera and introduced me to the dark room at age of 10. I lived in Japan for 12 years, and even performed on a stage there. I’m always up for a great road trip! I love tuna fishing. I love hats and want to wear them everyday (over 20 hats in my collection). I’ve been shooting beautiful weddings for almost 10 years. I secretly cry at every wedding.

Awarded Best of Zola
It's not often that you come across a wedding photographer who can capture the essence of the day as perfectly as Irina did for us. The creativity and fun that she brought to the wedding were palpable, making her a hit with everyone who attended. It's clear that Irina has a natural talent for photography, which was evidenced by her ability to capture every detail of the wedding flawlessly. From the table settings to the rings to the families, Irina was able to capture every moment with a level of skill and expertise that is truly spectacular. It's not easy to capture the joy and love that are present at a wedding, but Irina did it effortlessly, resulting in a set of photographs that truly capture the essence of our special day. Beyond her obvious talent as a photographer, Irina also proved to be a trustworthy professional who was dedicated to ensuring that her clients were happy with the final result. It's clear that she takes great pride in her work, and her commitment to providing her clients with the best possible experience is evident in everything that she does. Overall, if you're in search of a wedding photographer who is both talented and dedicated to her craft, Irina is definitely the one to choose. We are couldn't be happier with her work and would recommend her without hesitation to anyone who is looking for a photographer that will capture their special day perfectly.
Pearl and C., 3 years ago
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Black Hat Studio 
Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves San Marcos, CA

We started off as a duo of quirky plastic artists who wanted to try something new - capturing weddings in a unique way that combined truthfulness and creativity. Fast forward 15 years and many, many amazing weddings later, and we're still just as nervous and excited before each event as we were on day one. I guess it means we still care! We believe your wedding photos should be a true reflection of your special day - capturing all the laughter, tears, love and joy in a way that takes you back to that exact moment. Making you relive the excitement, nervousness, happiness and warm fuzzy feelings of your wedding day.

Awarded Best of Zola
Eduardo was very nice to work with since the beginning. He is very kind and professional and just does a great job without adding any stress. He provided some portfolios of previous work he had done, which were very photo journalistic, not just the posed shots, and we knew he was the one! He definitely has an eye for placement, reflections, and catching people’s authenticity. He spent the whole wedding day with us, from getting ready all the way till the sparkler exit. I never even saw him take a break. He even ran with us to get some sunset photos at a nearby vineyard while guests were having dinner. He even got some good shots of everyone on the dance floor without being too in your face, I didn’t even notice he was there! We got all of the photos we wanted and more. Eduardo definitely doesn’t treat his clients as a number, he understands the importance of the day and ensures that he captures it in a way that tells the story of the day. Highly recommend Eduardo for your photography needs!
Julie B., a year ago
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Ben Straily Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,500
  • Serves San Marcos, CA

Hey there, I'm Ben! I believe photography is not just about clicking the shutter at the right moment. It's about capturing the essence of a moment, the emotion, the feeling, and the story behind it. My style is all about telling stories of love, laughter, tears, joy, and all the beautiful chaos in between. Just like your wedding day, every photo shoot is a unique, amazing, and important experience. That's why I pour my heart and soul into creating and capturing the special moments that make each photo shoot memorable. I'm not just taking pictures, I'm crafting narratives. We're not just making photos, we're making memories.

Awarded Best of Zola
Ben was amazing! He had ideas, let us do some shots we wanted to do and was super professional and punctual! Highly recommend as we are obsessed with our photos!
Alexis, 4 months ago
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Jalea Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,800
  • Serves San Marcos, CA

Hey there! I'm Linda. San Diego wedding and portrait photographer. I've been photographing weddings for 8 years and have loved every minute of it. I'd love to chat with you and share how I can help you get the best possible images on your special day while giving you a great experience.

Awarded Best of Zola
We are beyond thrilled that we chose Linda as our photographer for our intimate ceremony! From the very first conversation, she made everything feel so personal and special. She answered every question we had and guided us through the entire process with such care. It honestly felt like she was part of our day, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Linda’s professionalism was incredible. She knew exactly where to position us for the best shots and how to make us feel at ease in front of the camera. We completely trusted her, and the results speak for themselves — the photos are absolutely stunning! What sets Linda apart, though, is how warm, friendly, and easy-going she is. It was like having a friend there with us. We are so in love with the photos she captured — they’re just perfect. If I could offer one small suggestion (though it’s really not a critique of Linda), it would be to have someone there to help with the dress — adjusting it and making sure everything stays just right. Overall, Linda truly exceeded our expectations in every way. We’re beyond grateful for her and so happy we chose her to document such a special day!
Diane, a year ago
GemHidden gem
Brittany Bender Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,000
  • Serves San Marcos, CA

I love telling the messy, beautiful stories of life and each person’s own unique experience being human. I'm a people-person to my core and I thrive on creating a space where you can feel free to be your incredible self. I want us to know each other as real people, not just as commitments on each other’s calendars. Let's be friends and make photos that are lovely and messy and true. This is an inclusive, anti-racist space for all humans, all love, and all body-types. You, your love, and your story are welcome here. Come as you are.

Awarded Best of Zola
We decided to Elope in San Diego and we found Brittany’s website while browsing on the internet. Brittany responded in a timely manner to our inquiry and after speaking to her over the phone, we decided to work with her. Brittany was very thorough with the process leading up to our special day. Which was impressive. On the day of our elopement, she was punctual and made us feel at ease. She is friendly, professional, kind and has a bubbly personality that made us feel as if we knew her for a while. Everything went better than expected and we are so grateful Brittany was the photographer to capture our special day. We absolutely love our photos!! We will cherish this special moment for the rest of our lives. Thank you Brittany for being a wonderful human being and taking a few minutes to get to know us. Your photography truly captured our story. Thank you thank you thank you!!!
Araceli, 3 years ago
GemHidden gem
Willmus Weddings 
Rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,295
  • Serves San Marcos, CA

Freshly landed from Paris, France. Christophe has been a travel photographer for the past ten years and decided to expand his creative horizons toward white dresses and bow ties here in California. His European touch will definitely bring something special to your wedding day.

I worked with Heather and her team for the day of wedding planning and Christophe was our photographer for the day. They were both amazing. They are detail oriented, professional, and kept us on schedule throughout the day. Despite having a more “difficult” wedding venue (military base), they made everything as easy as it could be with all of our vendors. Christophe went above and beyond to get beautiful photos that we will be able to look back on for the rest of our lives and remember our special day. He also took care to get some very sentimental photos with my father’s military uniform. You won’t regret hiring them, but you’ll definitely be missing out if you don’t.
Shara F., 8 months ago
GemHidden gem
YC Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves San Marcos, CA

I am really passionate about my job. I love meeting and connecting with people. Making them laugh and having fun during the photo session is one of my main purposes. I love when clients they tell me they don't like to have their pictures taken, that is a challenge; and I promise I will change their minds. When you put your heart and soul in what you do, everything comes naturally.

Yrsina was the absolute best photographer for my wedding. She was absolutely fantastic to work with and the pictures were unbelievably beautiful! Some of the pictures could have been used for a bridal magazine! She is the best and will not disappoint. I highly recommend her.
Kristen M., 5 years ago
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Unveiled Wedding Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves San Marcos, CA

Unveiled Wedding Photography is one of San Diego’s most highly sought after wedding studios. Lead photographer, Mark Hillis has captured 900+ weddings. This vast experience, plus his background in commercial photography, gives him the expertise that few other San Diego wedding photographers can match. All of our collections include an experienced assistant photographer as well as a very detailed 1 hour timeline analysis done by Mark personally. Mark analyzes the entire day with you, and then types it up in detail. Unveiled's photojournalistic style ensures that your story is told as it unfolds, from the veil going on, to your sparkler exit.

Awarded Best of Zola
Mark and his team were wonderful! I am so happy with my photos and the package I chose. The pricing was amazing and such great value. You don’t have to compromise a fantastic budget friendly price for high quality photos. We also received so many photos! I was so impressed with the work. I work in the events world and I’ve been charged a lot more for less. I highly recommend Unveiled Wedding Photography. Mark walks you through everything, gives excellent insights, and ultimately delivers a collection of memories that I’m so happy to have. I also loved that Mark brought a third person to our wedding that was paying attention to all of the details. From jacket buttons to necklaces, and stray hairs, he had us picture perfect the whole time.
Rachel M., 2 years ago
GemHidden gem
Heather Elise Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,500
  • Serves San Marcos, CA

San Diego wedding photographer, Heather Elise, has been photographing weddings, individuals and families here in San Diego for many years. A San Diego native herself, she loves capturing her clients in the amazing natural studio that we call home, San Diego. Heather makes sure that you are enjoying the entire experience by keeping you comfortable and having FUN while her creative juices are flowing! "I have to pinch myself everyday! I am truly lucky to share such special occasions with so many different people doing what I love. It is hard to call this a job....rather a passion!" San Diego wedding photographer, Heather Elise

Awarded Best of Zola
We recently had the pleasure of working with Heather Elise, and I can't say enough good things about the experience! From start to finish, she was incredibly professional, friendly, and talented. Heather took the time to understand our vision and preferences, which made a huge difference in the outcome. She had a fantastic eye for detail and captured moments beautifully, turning ordinary scenes into stunning works of art. Each photo tells a story, and I truly appreciate how she managed to capture both candid moments and posed shots with such skill. Throughout the wedding, Heather made everyone feel at ease, which really helped to bring out our natural smiles and personalities. Her creativity and enthusiasm were infectious, making the entire experience enjoyable and memorable. The sunset images exceeded our expectations! The quality and composition are simply breathtaking. I highly recommend Heather to anyone in need of a talented photographer. Thank you for capturing our special moments so beautifully
Heather R., 2 years ago
GemHidden gem
Jen Sease Photo 
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,400
  • Serves San Marcos, CA

Hi friends! I’m Jen, you're soon to be favorite hypeman & third wheel. I'm a wife & not just a regular mom but a cool mom that just so happens to run a whole ass business. I’ve been a traveling wedding photographer for 4 years now, my business started back when my husband deployed and I needed something to occupy my time. I started with a rinky dink camera taking photos of anything and everything & now I'm here, taking photos of all you rad lovers. I’ve always been what one may call..a picture hoarder..so what better way to use my talent than to capture & share one of the best days of your life so you can hoard your memories too?

Awarded Best of Zola
Jen is amazing to work with! She came into our big day immediately feeling like we’ve known her our whole lives. Her ideas are so unique and she took all the picture must-haves I wanted and made them even better. We were so lucky to have someone there with us who made the whole process so much fun!
Nikia H., 4 years ago
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Aisha Dray Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,500
  • Serves San Marcos, CA

I’m a film-forward wedding photographer based in San Diego, capturing weddings with a blend of documentary storytelling and soft editorial direction. My work focuses on real, unscripted moments and genuine emotion, paired with simple, natural portraits that feel effortless and timeless. I shoot a hybrid of film and digital, using natural light and warm tones to create imagery that feels romantic, intimate, and true to how the day actually felt.

Aisha was our photographer for our engagement photos. She was professional, helpful, and made us feel comfortable during our session. She pays attention to detail and discusses your vision prior to your session. She is very knowledgeable about the best locations and times for photos. We loved sharing our photos with friends and family. Aisha is an excellent photographer!
Sarah D., 20 days ago
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Digital Darling Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,500
  • Serves San Marcos, CA

I’m so glad you’re here! I’m Em, the human behind Digital Darling Photo, a full-time chaser of good light and great energy. I’m a queer wedding and elopement photographer based in San Diego, capturing love stories that feel golden, real, and unapologetically you. I’m all about candid moments and the magic that happens when you forget there’s a camera around. No stiff posing, no pressure, just you being yourselves while I hype you up, fix your flyaways, cry during your vows, and document it all. If you want photos that feel like memories and a photographer who feels like a friend, I’m your girl. 💛

I booked Emily for my engagement pictures about three years ago and I’m still so in love with our pictures! She made us feel so comfortable and guided us every step of the way. HIGHLY recommend her!
Bernice R., a year ago
GemHidden gem
Ross Photography 
Rating: 2.4 (5 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,400
  • Serves San Marcos, CA

Ross Photography is a wedding photography business operating out of Escondido, California. Previously working in photojournalism, I have a keen eye for capturing the candid moments of authentic emotion that reveal themselves throughout every once-in-a-lifetime celebration. I try to put passionate and creativity into every project that I take on, I strive to craft stress-free photography experiences and images that reflect each couple’s one-of-a-kind romantic bond.

As two introverts getting married, we needed a photographer that would make us feel at ease, forget we even had staff on our day of, but also had a good hand in dealing with guests who liked to get involved in the vendors' craft. Naiya's skillful and gorgeous photos speak for themselves. We really loved working with her not only for our engagement photo session, but also the day of!!! Due to some unforseen emergency family matters, our photos were a bit late. We wish she would have given a bit more proactive communication regarding this. However, the final product was worth the wait!
Tatiana, 2 years ago
GemHidden gem
Lauren Ogden Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,500
  • Serves San Marcos, CA

Lauren Ogden Photography, based in San Diego, CA, provides stunning albums for couples celebrating their wedding. This experienced artist knows how much thought goes into planning your big day and wants to be there to capture it all. From the happy tears in a loved one's eyes to your broad smile, each authentic moment will last forever. They serve throughout California and love to travel to venues on the Hawaiian Islands.

Lauren and her team did an excellent job with photography for our wedding in Carlsbad. Our photographer was Ally, who is super sweet and great to work with. Pricing was quite reasonable for a 6 hour session. Overall very pleased with our photos. The quality of the photos speak for themselves!
Shannon S., 7 months ago
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Shaun Baker Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,995
  • Serves San Marcos, CA

Shaun Baker is San Diego’s Premier Wedding Photographer. Shaun grew up studying film/television and the art of story telling. “I love people and I am fascinated by the way we interact. I love the stories that each of us carry around. That’s what makes us all great. I have a need to capture the individuals raw emotions and give it back in a beautiful way. “When the camera is in my hand, normalcy is the furthest thing from my mind. It is normal for me to be in a tree, on a rooftop, or laying on the ground during a wedding so I am always in the best position to get the most creative shot possible. I'm always striving to exceed expectations.

Awarded Best of Zola
Shaun takes the most gorgeous photos while capturing the authenticity and emotion behind the wedding day! After being part of several wedding parties with overly-posed photos, we knew we wanted a photographer who captures the real moments, facial expressions, and joy of a wedding day. Shaun did all of that and more! The photos turned out absolutely incredible, he has an amazing personality and has a way to put anyone in front of the camera at ease. Not only that, half the time we forgot the cameras were even there, which meant we got to be in the moment at our wedding and soak it all in. Now the only problem is figuring out which of the photos to print as canvas wall art because there are so many good ones!
Melinda A., 7 months ago
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Anchor and Pine Collective 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves San Marcos, CA
  • Offer

My inspiration comes from my time spent in stunning landscapes from the sea to the mountains. I love capturing real moments through photography. I have over 10+ years of photography experience and love working couples to tell their unique stories. I am originally from Dallas, Texas, but based in Portland, Oregon and San Diego. I went to film school at the University of Texas in Austin. Besides having a camera in hand, I enjoy camping, hiking, skiing, surfing, drinking kombucha, painting, singing, and traveling.

Awarded Best of Zola
We feel incredibly lucky to have found Helen, a truly exceptional photographer who has beautifully captured every milestone in our lives — from our wedding day to maternity, newborn, and family sessions. From the very beginning, Helen impressed us with her warm personality, professionalism, and an eye for detail that goes far beyond just taking pictures. She doesn’t just shoot photos — she captures moments, emotions, and memories that we will cherish for a lifetime. Our wedding photos were beyond stunning — elegant, emotional, and full of joy. She was discreet yet always present, catching the little in-between moments that made the day uniquely ours. We received so many compliments on how natural and heartfelt the photos felt, and it’s all thanks to Helen’s talent and intuition. During our maternity shoot, Helen made us feel comfortable, confident, and completely at ease, even in our most vulnerable moments. She found the perfect balance between artistry and authenticity — highlighting the beauty of the experience in such an effortless way. The newborn session was where Helen’s patience and gentle nature really shone. She was incredible with our baby — soothing, calming, and respectful of the pace we needed. The results were absolutely magical, filled with tenderness and love. Most recently, our family session felt like a relaxed afternoon with an old friend — and somehow, amidst the chaos of kids being kids, Helen delivered images full of life, laughter, and connection. Every photo tells a story. What we value most about Helen is her ability to see people — to truly understand what matters to each family or couple, and to bring that to life through her lens. Her style is timeless, her editing is impeccable, and her passion for what she does comes through in every frame. We can’t recommend Helen highly enough. She’s not just our photographer — she’s now part of our family’s story, and we’re so grateful for everything she’s given us.
Traci, 9 months ago
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Teresa LoJacono Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Serves San Marcos, CA

As a documentary wedding photographer, I’m here to capture your day exactly as it unfolds—real, unposed, and full of heart. Whether you're getting married in San Diego or halfway across the world, I focus on the honest moments that make your story yours. With a blend of film and digital, I craft galleries that feel timeless, cinematic, and true to the day.

Teresa was so great to work with! We booked her as our wedding photographer, and it was everything we dreamed of and more! Leading up to the wedding, the process was extremely easy and clear. Teresa was always prompt in answering emails and happy to jump on a FaceTime call to discuss any questions or talk through the day ahead of time. We already thought she had a beautiful portfolio, and when talking together, she understood the vision of telling the story of the day through an artistic and romantic lens. On the day, she was super easy to work with, and when the timeline ran long due to other factors, she stayed calm and we figured out a way to rework the timeline to get what we needed. We felt very comfortable with her, and she helped direct us into some poses to get some amazing shots. We received our sneak peeks just about a week later and were blown away. Friends and family said they looked like they were out of Vogue or Vanity Fair. We're so excited to see the rest, and would definitely recommend!
Madeline T., 9 months ago
GemHidden gem
Moments by Moriel - Wedding + Elopement Photographer 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,800
  • Serves San Marcos, CA
  • Offer

For as long as I can remember, I've always had a camera in hand. The past 10 years I’ve lived my dream being a professional photographer and documenting my couples journey together. The images I take for you will be so much more than just photos on a feed, and I am passionate about creating an experience that you will never forget. Your love is so beautifully unique, and deserves to be celebrated. If you’re about genuine connection, laid back romance, and getting in touch with your weird and wild side, chances are we’re going to be best of friends.

as a very socially awkward couple, we were nervous about being in front of a camera, but Moriel made us feel so at ease. her kindness and calm energy helped us relax and just be ourselves. the photos they captured feel like something out of a storybook — full of genuine moments and emotion. we’ll cherish these memories for the rest of our lives. I can’t wait to get them printed and framed!
Brooke P., 2 months ago
GemHidden gem
Kami Olavarria Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,750
  • Serves San Marcos, CA

I am a full-time wedding photographer based in San Diego and first things first, I want you to know your wedding is a huge deal to me. As your wedding photographer, I'm your ultimate third-well and your right-hand-woman. I’m like your bridesmaid / groomslady with a camera. More than just a hired vendor, I’ll be your cheerleader, encourager, organizer, drink-getter, and the gal screaming “YAYYYY" because I’m so excited about the awesome photos we’re creating together. With the experience, knowledge, and expertise of photographing nearly 300 weddings, I am here with you every step of the way. Can’t wait to be along this journey with you!!!

We recently had the incredible pleasure of working with Kami LaLonde for our wedding, and we couldn't be more thrilled with the results!! From the moment we met her during our initial phone call, we knew she was the perfect fit. Her warm and friendly demeanor put us at ease, and you could tell that was loves what she is doing as the energy came through the phone!! Kami was incredibly efficient and organized when it came to capturing family portraits, ensuring that everything ran smoothly and stress-free. The photos she delivered were simply breathtaking & the colors were vibrant and stunning! She not only perfectly captured the emotions and joy of our special day, but also capture our guests in a beautiful way. We were so excited to receive a sneak peek of the photos just a few days after the wedding. It was the perfect way to relive all the magical moments after coming down from the wedding adrenaline! The photos were delivered to us before we expected them to be and came in so organized and easy to go through and share with our family! If you're looking for a wedding photographer who is talented, professional, and genuinely cares about capturing your special day, we highly recommend Kami!! She is truly exceptional and will create memories that will last a lifetime – excited to work with her again to capture other family moments! Thank you again SO very much Kami!!
Sarah P., 2 years ago
GemHidden gem
Ciara Cusseaux Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,800
  • Serves San Marcos, CA
  • Offer

Welcome! You know those little big moments with a loved one? The moments when the rest of the world turns silent and you think to yourself, “This is love. I want to remember this forever!” That’s what Ciara Cusseaux Imagery is all about. Spend everyday being present, collecting beautiful moments together. We’re there for you when you want them captured!

Awarded Best of Zola
Ciara is someone who knows the industry and manages to make her clients feel unique, special, and comfortable. I cannot praise her work enough as she made my wedding photos look like they belong in a magazine. We were thrilled!!! She is so kind and detail oriented, I love the way she took the lead and had everyone in my family pose for the family portraits. We had no idea how to coordinate and she took control. That is something you don't think about beforehand and may not anticipate. Having her experience and professionalism made the process smooth, and efficient. Everyone smiled and enjoyed themselves as she captured the moments we will now and forever cherish.
Alyssa & L., 3 years ago
GemHidden gem
Joni Bilderback Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves San Marcos, CA

Hi, I'm Joni! I've been photographing couples for over 10 years now and I just can't seem to get enough of it! My warm, bubbly personality always seems to keep EVERYONE in good spirits throughout the wedding day! I’m a calming force when things start to get stressful and ready to keep the energy up to dance the night away together! Sometimes wedding days don't go exactly as planned. I’m extremely flexible and prepared to provide expert, judgment-free guidance to help you pivot and get right back to having the time of your life!

Joni was an absolute joy to work with for our wedding photography. Her communication was efficient, timely, and kind throughout the planning process, which helped keep things running smoothly. On the big day, Joni brought a wonderful energy while capturing countless beautiful, timeless photos that we will treasure forever. She has such a talent for making couples feel comfortable in front of the camera. You can tell photography is her passion! Joni helped ensure the day flowed well by directing us for photos while making the process fun. We were thrilled when she delivered a full wedding album to us in just a few short weeks after our wedding. The turnaround time was unbelievably fast! Overall, Joni is a gem and we couldn't be happier that she was able to photograph our special day.
Olivia B., 2 years ago
Studio Vieren 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Serves San Marcos, CA

Studio Vieren is a photography studio based in Southern California providing our services to those celebrating life's big and small moments. Studio Vieren is built on celebrating who YOU are, what’s important to YOU, what YOU love, where you’ve been and where you’re going.

Awarded Best of Zola
Hiring Tara to photograph our wedding was the best decision I made. She is professional, so kind, incredibly organized, and an amazing photographer. She was so communicative every step of the way and was always checking in. She was so flexible if we wanted to pivot from our schedule and ensured everything went smoothly. The photographs I’ve seen so far leave me in awe! I would give her 1000 stars if I could!!
Emily B., 3 years ago

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