The Best Photojournalistic Wedding Photographers in Santa Monica, CA

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915 Wedding Photographers in Santa Monica, CA

Photojournalistic
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Original Weddings Photo & Video 
Rating: 4.9 (235 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,800
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Original Weddings Photo & Video is a team of EMMY award winning storytellers. Our photography and videography packages are tailored to you, customizable and perfect for every wedding. We offer engagement photography, wedding photos, highlight films, wedding coverage and more.

Awarded Best of Zola
“We LOVED everything about Original Weddings. After the orientation call we had a clear vision on our wedding day. From there the communication through the portal was great so that we could ask questions that may not have been already answered in the questionnaire. Our photographer, Lisa, was on time ready to go and was a perfect fit to the busy day. We LOVE the photos and they came very quick which was an added bonus showing the professionalism of Original Weddings. 10/10 experience!”
Nathaniel S., 10 months ago
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Leah Faith Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,750
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA
  • Offer

Your wedding day is your most significant chapter, and it deserves to be captured with uncompromising care. Based in Los Angeles, I am a photographer dedicated to an authentic, refined aesthetic, acting as both observer and guide. I specialize in a hybrid approach—marrying digital clarity with the romantic nuances of film—to produce images that feel both grounded and elevated. I focus on preserving the raw, unposed beauty of your day, ensuring you remain fully present to enjoy your once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

“Leah never misses a beat. She is simply amazing! My wedding pictures are FULL of emotion, and she didn’t miss a moment. She shows up on time, completely organized and ready to pleass her customers. 10000/10”
Hailey T., 2 years ago
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Gabbie Burseth Photo 
Rating: 5.0 (14 reviews)
Santa Monica, CA
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $7,200

Gabbie Burseth grew up documenting everything and saving mementos in empty Christmas boxes. After studying at the Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia, she discovered an affinity for weddings and their accompanying treasures. Her philosophy as a wedding photographer is to observe with as little interference as possible — no faking it, no do-overs, no “for the camera”. Her biggest desire is for couples to be present at their wedding, not stuck in a photoshoot. Her work is punctuated by rich and vibrant color, the timeless quality of analog film, and a sense of humor found in fleeting moments.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Gabbie was a true delight to work with - easy going, pleasant, responsive, and thoughtful. And did I mention that her photos were AMAZING? She delivered exactly what we wanted: candid, fun, beautiful, artistic shots, on both film and digital formats, that captured our wedding day perfectly. I couldn't recommend her more highly!!”
Catherine H., 3 years ago
Cait Photo 
Rating: 5.0 (14 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
Santa Monica, CA
  • Photojournalistic style

Caitlin is a wedding photographer based in Southern California, blending photojournalism with editorial storytelling to create images that feel both timeless and true to you. She works with both digital and film to capture natural moments, thoughtful details, and beautiful light, ensuring every photo feels effortless and authentic.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Caitlin was amazing to work with for both our engagement and wedding photos! She captures it all, makes you feel so comfortable and knows how to work efficiently. Our photos came out so dreamy and we received many compliments on them! You’ll be in great hands when you work with Cait!!"”
Alexa P., a year ago
Wrenn Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (74 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $6,000
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

I’m Mary, California film wedding photographer. I fell in love with documenting weddings in 2018 and have a deep appreciation for the privilege of capturing one of the most profound moments in peoples’ lives. I'm here to witness your day with love and artistry, and preserve your memories in a way that’s honest, emotive, and true to you.

Awarded Best of Zola
“OMG—where do I even begin?! Mary is truly incredible. The sneak peek alone had us in tears (happy ones!). It was better than anything I could have imagined. She captured every emotion, every little detail, and the overall vibe of our wedding perfectly. My husband and I were absolutely glowing looking through them—we felt the joy from that day all over again. She used both film and digital photographer to capture the magic! Not only is she insanely talented behind the lens, but she’s also the sweetest human ever. It’s so clear how much love she puts into her work. She made us feel so comfortable, natural, and genuinely seen on our big day. If you’re thinking about booking her, do it now. I’m so grateful she was part of our day. Thank you, Mary!!”
Daniella F., a year ago
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LOVE by Sergirée 
Rating: 5.0 (46 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,500
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

My name is Sergio. My wife Desirée and I run LOVE by Sergirée together out of Los Angeles. I have been behind a camera for 15 years and weddings are where I do my best work. I shoot every wedding personally and edit every gallery myself, so what you see in our portfolio is exactly what you get. Desirée leads everything you cannot see, from the first email to the final album. Whether you are planning an intimate ceremony or a celebration with a full guest list, our approach is the same. Be present. Be honest. Let the moment unfold.

“From the initial communication all the way to the delivery of the photos, Sergirée were great to work with. They were super friendly, patient, and flexible with the entire process. During my actual wedding/celebrations, Sergio just had a chill and approachable demeanor about him that I really appreciated. Our wedding wasn't the most structured, so I was worried about getting the "right" shots, but Sergio was great at guiding for poses, and just always at the right place at the right time to catch so many beautiful moments. Also, they work super fast! We received our highlight shots and full gallery very quickly. Book them!!”
Julie, a month ago
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Yin Futography 
Rating: 5.0 (46 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $5,500
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Hobbyist coffee brewer, professional nap taker, and sucker for raw moments and authentic emotions. Dedicated to documenting the beautiful moments as they unfold. Based in Southern California & available worldwide.

“From start to finish, Yin was so much more than just our photographer, he truly felt like a friend. From our engagement photos to our wedding day and everything in between, he was there every step of the way. He went above and beyond, from venue meetups to thoughtful location scouting, making us feel completely supported and at ease throughout the entire process. His co-shooter, Nika, was equally incredible—professional, kind, and such a calming presence on the day. Together, they made the entire experience feel effortless and fun, while still capturing every meaningful moment so beautifully. Honestly, Yin doesn’t even need reviews (his work speaks for itself) but we feel so grateful to have worked with someone so talented, genuine, and invested in telling our story. We couldn’t have asked for a better team to document such an important chapter of our lives.”
Rosemary K., 9 months ago
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Indigo West 
Rating: 5.0 (37 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,900
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

I took up photography at the ripe age of 11 with a Polaroid I borrowed from an aunt. It quickly became my sketchbook as I worked to capture stills of the world and people around me. Those images have continued to pay emotional dividends throughout my life, helping me better understand what I have now come to see through a new scope. They are grounding, melancholic, funny and beautiful. Some of my most cherished possessions.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Daniel was a pure joy to work with. Went above and beyond driving all over Santa Barbara for our wedding! We loved our photos and the experience with him so much. We hate having pictures taken and he made it feel so effortless. Look no further!!”
Diana, 2 years ago
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Michael Teddy Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (29 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,800
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA
  • Offer

Welcome to Michael Teddy Photography, where artistry meets storytelling and your moments are preserved for a lifetime. I believe exceptional photography is about connection, vision, and capturing the authentic soul of your story. From our first conversation to your final gallery, you can expect a dedicated experience. Blending technical precision with an artistic approach, I frame the moments that matter most while thoughtfully editing every frame to perfection. Let’s create something breathtaking together.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Michael Teddy Photography was an absolute pleasure to work with for our wedding day. From our very first interaction, Michael's direct and genuine communication style immediately put us at ease. He was efficient in understanding our vision and had such innovative and ambitious ideas, like the incredible Beatles-inspired shot. On the day of, Michael's talent and dedication shone through as he guided our family and friends seamlessly through all the photo moments, taking the stress off of us so we could fully enjoy the experience. Michael's passion for his craft is evident in the breathtaking final photos, which we will cherish for a lifetime. We couldn't recommend Michael Teddy Photography more highly!”
Ahlexas + M., 2 years ago
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RIVELLE MEDIA 
Rating: 5.0 (28 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,600
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Rivelle Media is a photography and videography company based in Los Angeles. Every couple, with their distinctive love story, transforms into a canvas where we paint with the play of light and shadow. It extends beyond the grandeur of photographing pivotal moments like vows, rings, and the first dance; it encompasses the art of capturing nuanced glances, shared laughter, and the silent connection that elevates an ordinary day into an extraordinary celebration of love. Published in Vogue, Vanity Fair, Tatler.

Awarded Best of Zola
“From our first interaction with Rivelle Media, their communication was quick, professional, and easy. The quality of their work was truly gorgeous - they captured me and my fiance beautifully and with meticulous attention to detail. It is clear they have a genuine passion for photography, and they went above and beyond to bring our Pinterest board to life. Their dedication to getting the perfect shot was evident in the stunning final photos we received. We are thrilled with the work Rivelle Media did for our engagement shoot and I highly recommend them to any couple looking for an exceptional photography experience.”
Selena T., a year ago
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Fatima Elreda Photo 
Rating: 5.0 (27 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $7,500
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

I'm a digital and film Wedding Photographer in Los Angeles, CA. I'm trilingual and multicultural -- and it's my favorite thing about me. I will travel Southern California for your love story, from San Diego to LA, to Santa Barbara. My style is documentary and photojournalistic with a bit of an editorial and creative charm. I do not bend and sway with the trends of the current day, instead I focus on your unique wedding day to capture timeless imagery. As the moments unfold before me, I will help tell your story. I want you to look back on your images and be able to still feel the emotions within them for decades to come, truly.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Fatima’s communication skills were excellent from the beginning. She really made me feel at ease as a bride. She photographed my engagement shoot and wedding day. The pictures came out absolutely amazing. If you’re looking for a sign to hire her this is it. 1000/10”
Nicole R., 10 months ago
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LA Digital Photo - Photo - Video - Booth 
Rating: 5.0 (27 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,600
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA
  • Offer

Tom Keene is a distinguished master portrait photojournalist and the founder of LA Digital Photo, a premier life event photography company based in Pasadena, California. With over 21 years of experience, Tom has been the first-choice wedding photographer for hundreds of couples, capturing moments across California and beyond. Our expertise extends beyond photography, we offer comprehensive services including videography, DJ/MC, and photo booth rentals, ensuring a seamless experience for any event. Tom Keene’s dedication to his craft and his clients has solidified his reputation as a leading portrait photojournalist in Southern California.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Tom Keene and the LA Digital Photo team were an absolute pleasure to work with for our wedding. From our very first interaction, they were friendly, communicative, and incredibly knowledgeable about capturing the perfect shots. On the day of the wedding, they were extremely helpful in making sure we got all the photos we wanted without ever feeling intrusive. The quality of their work is truly top-notch - the photos are professional, clean, and really capture the joy and energy of our special day. We will continue to use LA Digital Photo for all of our photography needs and highly recommend them to any couple looking for a talented and dedicated team to help make their wedding day unforgettable.”
Jonathan M., 2 years ago
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The Jaramillos 
Rating: 5.0 (26 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $6,000
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

The Jaramillos, a husband and wife Photography + Videography team. We specialize in capturing the authentic and raw moments with an editorial flair. Whether you want iconic photos to post, or to have for your future grandchildren to gaze upon, or anything in-between we are the photographers for you.

Awarded Best of Zola
“We couldn't be more thrilled with the exceptional service provided by our photographers! From the moment they arrived, punctual and ready, they went above and beyond to ensure every moment was captured flawlessly. Not only did they have an eye for the big picture, but they also attended to the smallest details, like fixing Anthony's tie or assisting Ada with her dress buttons, making sure everything was picture-perfect. Communication was seamless throughout the entire process. They were attentive, responsive, and truly invested in understanding our vision. Additionally, We were amazed by how quickly they delivered sneak peeks the very next day, allowing us to relive the magic instantly (and honestly every time someone asks how the wedding was). Even though they're based in Texas, we would not hesitate to rebook them for any future events. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care for their clients make them stand out in the industry. Thank you for making our special day even more memorable! 5 stars without a doubt.”
Ada M., 2 years ago
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Soda Fountain Photography 
Rating: 4.9 (19 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,800
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

I’m Mysi (pronounced, boringly, “Missy”)! I’ve been at this thing for 12 years and I keep falling more and more in love with it all. Give me intimate micro-weddings, quirky dive bar weddings, raucous South Asian weddings... my team and I absolutely thrive in chaos and emotion. My specialty is catching the moments and those tiny moments in between. ✨✨✨

Awarded Best of Zola
“We were nervous when it came to hiring a photographer, because after the whirlwind of the day, photos are one of the only things you get to keep once the day is over that help you relive the moments. We had heard so many horror stories and knew it was one of the most important decisions we were going to make. But thankfully, hiring Mysi was truly one of the BEST DECISIONS we made for our wedding. From the very beginning, she was intentional, thoughtful, and so easy to work with. She made it a priority to meet with us in person—not just to talk logistics, but to get a feel for how we interact with each other. She wanted to understand our dynamic so she could best capture authentic, candid moments on the day. That personal touch meant a lot to us. She even took the time to drive up to our venue (a private residence) in advance to scout out the space. Watching her creativity come to life as she walked through the house and surrounding areas was such a fun and reassuring moment—we knew we were in great hands. We didn’t want just traditional posed photos; we wanted a mix of candid, artistic, and emotionally rich shots that told the full story of the day. She completely delivered. The final gallery was more beautiful than we could’ve imagined—natural, warm, and full of moments we didn’t even realize she had caught. We showed a few of the preview photos to people who didn't attend the wedding, and they all had nothing but compliments for how stunning the photos were. It's only been a few months, but we can't stop looking at the photos. They bring us back to the exact moment in time they were taken and we are able to relive the memories. Literally the only negative is that we can't figure out what our favorites are because they are all that great! We’re beyond grateful and couldn’t recommend Mysi more highly. If you want a photographer who truly sees you and puts her heart into every frame, she’s the one.”
Rebekah & N., a year ago
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Stephanie Hanno Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (19 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,700
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Stephanie Hanno Photography specializes in fine art wedding photography with a documentary and photojournalistic approach. Southern California based but travels worldwide. Capturing your special moments to last a lifetime.

“Working with Stephanie was a pleasure from start to finish! We hired her to photograph our wedding in Dec 2024 and we still "ooh" and "aah" over our photos to this day. She also did our engagement shoot before the wedding which was a great way to connect and get to know each other before the big day. My husband and I are super shy infront of the camera and she knew exactly how to make us look like naturals on camera! I would recommend her to anyone looking for a professional, fun, and talented photographer for their special moments in life :)”
Daniella, 10 months ago
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Caz Isaiah 
Rating: 5.0 (18 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA
  • Offer

Every wedding has its own rhythm. I’m inspired by the way a great film makes you feel like you’re actually inside the story — the anticipation before something happens, the quiet moments between people, the movement, the atmosphere, and the unexpected frames you could never have planned. I photograph weddings with that same instinct, moving with what’s already unfolding rather than forcing the day into a shot list or manufacturing moments. I’m drawn to interesting light, real connection, imperfect details, dramatic environments, and those fleeting moments that happen between everything you thought you were going to photograph.

Awarded Best of Zola
“We knew we wanted someone who could capture our dreamy, storybook aesthetic, and Caz Isaiah exceeded every expectation. From our first conversation, his communication was refreshingly straightforward and personable, which made the entire planning process feel easy and stress-free. On the wedding day, he brought genuine warmth—literally showing up with a snack for me in the morning—and his creative eye shone through in every shot. Caz doesn't rely on heavy posing; instead, he works from simple prompts to create naturally flattering images that feel authentic to who we are. What really got us was when he sent over prints from his film cameras without us even asking—a detail that perfectly captured the moody, romantic pictures we'd been dreaming about. His work is fantastic, and he genuinely went above and beyond to make our day feel like the vision we'd imagined. Very highy recommend Caz!”
Christa K., 4 days ago
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Jordan Ferrer Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (17 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,499
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Hi! I’m Jordan, a wedding and event photographer and videographer dedicated to capturing love stories with authenticity and artistry. My style focuses on natural moments, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident. From intimate elopements to grand celebrations, I document your day with timeless, beautifully edited images. Beyond weddings, I also specialize in capturing milestone moments like graduation portraits and formal events. Let’s work together to create unforgettable memories that you’ll cherish for years to come!

Awarded Best of Zola
“We vetted quite a few wedding photographers before deciding on Jordan. We were really impressed from day one. He worked with us on customizing our package to meet what we desired as far as style of pictures, time frame, etc. He was punctual at all our checkpoints and early to the venue. He hadn’t been to our venue before and what was impressive was he did some recon work to get a better vision on where to do a significant portion of our portrait shoot prior to the wedding. The day was seamless, it would’ve been even more perfect if the wind and weather cooperated but he and his second photographer worked through it.”
Sarah Jo M., 4 months ago
GemHidden gem
By Evening Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (17 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,000
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Hey it’s Marijo (pronounced mary•joe), your film-loving, forever traveling photographer! Capturing your day, the way it felt, in both digital and film formats. My style is bright, vibrant, nostalgic with a mix of candids and cinematic images. I love getting to know my couples before their big day! It helps me create more personal work that reflects your love. I hope you know that your love is special, and that I can see that it is. That’s always how I’ll tell your story.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Highly Recommend Maryjo from A+M Badillo Images. We chose A+M Badillo Images for our Maternity photos and Maryjo has great energy and is professional and enthusiastic throughout the whole process, we literally felt like time flew by so fast from when we started the photo shoot. She gave very clear directions and assisted us with poses. Most importantly, she delivered an outstanding gallery for us in a short amount of time, it's the best surprise we could ask for. Pricing is reasonable and she is very open to communication, all the emails are returned in a timely manner. There's just nothing negative about this experience, and i would like to recommend any couple or families who are looking into professional photography to work with them.”
Vivian W., 5 years ago
GemHidden gem
Carmelisse Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (17 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $6,550
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Hi I'm Carmelisse. I'm an intimate wedding & elopement photographer based in Los Angeles. I have a gift for making people comfortable and seeing the beauty in all diverse people. I want nothing more than to tell your love story right.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Where do I even begin?! When my husband and I got engaged December of 2019, the first thing I did was book Carmen to be our photographer. I always knew that I wanted her to capture our special day because her work is so incredible! Unfortunately, our plans for a big wedding changed after COVID but we didn't want to pass up on the opportunity to have our love captured, so we decided to elope and it was the best decision ever! Carmen was so understanding about the whole thing and provided us with a number of local vendors for our Joshua Tree elopement. And when the day finally came, we were blown away by the experience! My husband and I peg ourselves to be pretty awkward people especially when people take our photos but Carmen made us feel so comfortable. She had to direct us a bit in the beginning because we didn't know what we were doing haha but that day was everything we could ever dream of. We keep going back and reminiscing about that day because we had so much fun! And when we finally got our gallery, we were blow away by how beautiful the photos came out! We're still trying to figure out which photos to print out and put up on our walls because there's just so many good shots to choose from! Again, thank you soooo much for capturing our special day and thank you for hanging out with us and eating 'zzaaa! You're amazing! These are photos that we'll look back on and cherish forever!”
Christine B., 5 years ago
GemHidden gem
Yanira Scalise Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (16 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,100
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Yanira is a passionate documentary-style wedding photographer dedicated to capturing the genuine emotions and beautiful moments of each special day. With an artistic eye and a love for storytelling, She creates timeless images that reflect the authentic essence of every couple. Her enthusiasm for the job shines through in every frame, as she believes that each wedding tells a unique story worth preserving. When not behind the camera, Yanira enjoys spending time with her family and teen boys and memorable trips to Erewhon :)

“I loved having her capture the day we got engaged! We are so happy with how the photos turned out, and getting sneak peeks the very next day was such a fun surprise. So grateful to have these memories captured!”
Allyson M., 10 days ago
GemHidden gem
Stephen Tang Photo 
Rating: 5.0 (15 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,100
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

While some photographers emphasize their gear or trendy post-processing, I take pride in subject-photographer interaction - the relation I build with clients, picking up on nuances in pose and expression while we shoot, anticipating the viewers' response - because ultimately, that's how photographs that matter to us are created. I'm a native New Yorker who found myself relocating to Los Angeles and making it my home. Wherever you'd like to have your wedding, it would be my pleasure to be your photographer.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Stephen is an amazing photographer to work with! From the moment we connected to learn more about his style and craft, we knew he'd be the one to photograph our Golden Age of Hollywood'esque wedding. As we viewed his portfolio, we were immediately drawn to his use of shadows and emboldened colors. He works with so much precision and professionalism from the beginning by asking questions to ensure he knows what you want. For our engagement photos, we wanted portraits that defied the traditional beach settings. Stephen worked with us in capturing Old Hollywood glamour shots that eventually made perfect save-the-dates. He was so meticulous in his planning and execution during our engagement photoshoot that the outcomes exceeded what we'd originally imagined. Our wedding pictures came out fantastic! Stephen made sure to capture items and moments throughout our day that define us. We married at the Cicada Club which lacks natural lighting, so Stephen explored the venue beforehand to know how to set-up the lighting for the wedding. Stephen (and his amazing colleague) not only captured our wedding but also the beauty of the venue. The best moments of our wedding were recorded with so much elegance and care. We can't stress how many compliments we continue to receive from family and friends who reminisce or peruse through our social media posts with pictures. We highly recommend Stephen to anyone looking for elegant results without the exorbitant price tag that others may come with. He was a gem to work with and look forward to hiring him for future events! (As should you!) J&J”
Jennifer & J., 6 years ago
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Remo Fioroni Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (14 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,995
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Based in California, I photograph celebrations from the coastlines of San Diego to the vineyards of Napa, and destinations worldwide. I work with couples who value artistry, trust the process, and want their story told with depth and intention.

Awarded Best of Zola
“As the groom, I had the privilege of working with Remo Fioroni for our wedding, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the results. From the very beginning, Remo’s professionalism and warmth put both of us at ease. He took the time to get to know us as a couple, which was evident in the way he captured the most intimate and special moments of our day. Remo has an incredible ability to blend into the background while still capturing every meaningful detail. He doesn’t just take pictures; he tells a story. Every photo feels natural and candid, yet beautifully composed. Whether it was the laughter shared during the vows, the quiet moments between me and my bride, or the excitement of our guests, Remo captured everything in such a genuine, emotional way. His creativity is unmatched. He brought a fresh perspective to every shot, finding unique angles and using natural light to create stunning imagery. He also made sure to include some classic, timeless shots that we will cherish for a lifetime. On top of his photography talent, Remo’s approach to the entire process was seamless. He communicated clearly with us before, during, and after the event, ensuring we felt comfortable and confident every step of the way. His calm, unobtrusive presence on the day itself allowed us to fully enjoy the moments without feeling like we were being constantly posed. We couldn’t be happier with the final photos. They perfectly capture the essence of our wedding day, and every time we look at them, it brings us right back to that magical day. If you're looking for a wedding photographer who not only delivers exceptional quality but also provides a stress-free, memorable experience, Remo Fioroni is your guy. Thank you, Remo, for being such an important part of our wedding day!”
Andrew G., 2 years ago
Jess Onesto 
Rating: 5.0 (14 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Jess is a wedding photographer serving couples from Los Angeles to New York City. She specializes in documenting moments with honesty and optimism to showcase her couples’ love for each other, love for their people and their love for a damn good time. “My work is bold, enduring, and honest.” With more than a decade of experience as a photographer and a background in fine art and film photography, Jess approaches each wedding with intention and a sense of novelty. She works in both digital and film mediums and her work has been featured in publications including Martha Stewart Weddings, Destination I Do and Brides.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Since receiving our wedding photos from Jess, several of my friends and family members (including 2 professional photographers!) have asked me for her contact info because of how amazing her photos are!! When we started looking for a wedding photographer, we knew that we needed to find someone with a great eye for candids, who wouldn't make our pictures feel too staged, who had a fun/funky vibe like us, and who could handle wrangling my extremely large family (full of very opinionated people) for family photos, and Jess handled everything with ease! I feel so lucky that we found Jess, and I cannot recommend her more. Jess made everyone feel comfortable throughout the entire wedding day, and even gave guidance to family members who are normally awkward in photos (e.g. suggesting ways to pose to make them more comfortable). Jess went above and beyond throughout the entire planning process, checking in with us, getting to know us, and even coming to a venue walkthrough so she could get a sense of the space! I am so grateful for all of the work Jess put into our wedding, and the photos turned out better than I could have ever imagined. I rarely even like photos of myself, but I honestly am so in love with the ones that Jess took that I jump on every opportunity to whip out my phone and share them with friends!”
Natalie M., 2 years ago
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Karin Busch Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (13 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

German-born and LA-based, I got my first camera at eight and never put it down. Now I chase real, unposed love stories for weddings, couples, and families across SoCal, capturing the big feelings and tiny details that make your story yours.

“I got to meet and work with Karin Busch Photography on the morning of a wedding. As I was doing makeup for the bride and bridal party , Karin captured some amazing candid behind the scenes moments and every single frame is a work of art. And the wedding photos are like a curated editorial story. Just Absolutely stunning photography work . Plus she is very kind and super professional.”
Makeup By C., a month ago
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Kelsey C. Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (12 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,900
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Hi! I'm Kelsey! Fun-loving, boba-obsessed, dog-mom living in sunny SoCal. I have a very natural and candid style of photography where clients don't look or feel "posed" but are simply being in the moment! I'm passionate about capturing the essence of your relationship, whether intimate, goofy, quirky, affectionate, and everything in between. I'm known for my friendliness and light-hearted personality! I help make shoots feel very comfortable, candid, fun, and genuine to each relationship.

Awarded Best of Zola
“We can’t begin without saying how amazing Kelsey and her team are! They are truly good at what they do. I’m normally really shy and awkward in front of a camera, but they made the experience so fun and comfortable. They knew the best angles and helped with our poses and told us where to go. The photos turned out so candid and beautiful! We cannot get over them and we got so many compliments! We are so happy that we chose Kelsey and her team for our engagement shoot and wedding photos. These types of moments are once in a lifetime and you don’t want to miss anything good and that’s why we’re so grateful that they captured everything for us. We trust them so much. We already want Kelsey and her team to shoot for our one year anniversary!”
Jessica Nguyen, 2 years ago
GemHidden gem
Captured by Emily C. Petrie 
Rating: 5.0 (12 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,600
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

I am passionate about the humanity and compassion I infuse into my work and making genuine connections with the people who choose me as a Photographer, Coordinator, or Officiant. I am inspired to create images that break down societal norms and show that all kinds of people and love are valid and beautiful. I am an LGBTQ+ identifying business owner, and affirm love stories of all genders, sexualities, ability, and race. My style is modern, natural, romantic, whimsical, candid, and bold.

“Captured by Emily C. Petrie was the perfect choice for our wedding photography. From our first interaction, Emily's communication was always timely, transparent, and kind. The quality of her work is truly beautiful, with sharp, vibrant images that captured all the special moments of our day. Emily was there for all the important moments, gently guiding us and making us feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera, even though we weren't experienced. We highly recommend working with Emily - she helped create beautiful memories that we will cherish forever.”
Marlee G., 2 years ago
Quick responder
The Shalom Imaginative 
Rating: 5.0 (11 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $5,200
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

We are The Shalom Imaginative, a Los Angeles based team of artists offering wedding photography on a mix of analog film & digital. We have over ten years of experience capturing weddings with a photojournalistic approach. Our style is candid, relaxed, and real. We love to collaborate with our couples to capture what is the most meaningful to them. All of our packages are customizable and adding some rolls of 35mm film onto digital coverage is our most popular package. We also offer video add-ons to all of our packages.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Where to begin? As a photographer myself, I thought I'd have a really hard time choosing a wedding photographer, but when I saw Nate and Amanda's work, my search was over. If you're having trouble choosing a photographer/videographer, you can stop here. Nate and his second shooter, Ashley were an absolute dream to work with. They made us so comfortable and actually helped in ways I wasn't expecting. They kept us on time so we didn't miss any important moments but still managed to capture everything we wanted with ease. They simultaneously grabbed video while shooting photos without interruption. Nate is creative and will work with you to figure out the best settings and ways to capture who you are as a couple and document the day so you never forget it. Cannot thank The Shalom Imaginative enough for their creative collaboration and attention to detail!”
Nima & J., 6 years ago
GemHidden gem
Makito Umekita Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,200
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

I'm a wedding, elopement, and engagement photographer based in Southern California. I'm in love with adventure and the outdoors. I have a passion for capturing the raw, emotional moments as well as the candid, in-between moments of my clients. I want to be able to help YOU tell YOUR story through my photographs, capturing every moment from beginning to end.

“Highly recommend! We hired Makito to take our engagement photos as well as our wedding photos. They turned out amazing (: Will definitely hire him for future events”
Julie and C., 5 years ago
Quick responder
Golden State Weddings 
Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,699
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Professional wedding photography and videography for couples across California—from Los Angeles to San Francisco, San Diego to Sacramento. Beautiful, cinematic coverage at prices that won't break your budget.

“Golden State Weddings made our wedding day so special. From our first conversation, they were easy to talk to and kept us relaxed throughout the whole process. They gave us clear direction during the ceremony and reception, but also captured the candid moments that felt genuine and unforced. Every photo exceeded what we expected, and honestly, the quality is worth every penny. We can't say enough good things about their work, and we highly recommend them to anyone looking for a photographer who truly cares about telling your story.”
Andrew, 6 months ago

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