The Best Photojournalistic Wedding Photographers in Santa Monica, CA

The Best Photojournalistic Wedding Photographers in Santa Monica, CA

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913 Wedding Photographers in Santa Monica, CA

Photojournalistic
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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 is a literal gem. Her work is incredible and she fit into our day so seamlessly and made us feel so comfortable and celebrated, all while capturing every sweet moment!!! Would absolutely recommend working with her.”
Madelyn L., 3 years ago
Cait Photo 
Rating: 5.0 (13 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
“Hiring Caitlin was one of the best decisions we made for our wedding! She captured every moment so beautifully. Both the big, emotional moments and the little in between ones we didn’t even realize were happening. The photos feel natural, timeless, and truly reflect the joy of the day. Beyond being incredibly talented, Caitlin was also a calming and supportive presence, making us feel completely comfortable in front of the camera. We couldn’t be happier with our photos!”
Leanne, 2 years ago
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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
“As a wedding planner, I cannot express enough praise for Mary's exceptional work as a wedding photographer! If you are seeking a true professional who possesses not only expertise in capturing the perfect moments but also a creative eye and exceptional editing skills, Mary is the ideal choice. Her presence alone will instantly put you at ease, and you will feel incredibly comfortable having her by your side on your special day. Mary is my go to Wedding Photographer & always goes above and beyond! 10/10!”
White Palm Event Co, 2 years 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.

“Sergio was AMAZING! I don't even know where to begin. His communication from the jump was fantastic, especially as we tinkered with the timing of our microwedding/first look, and chatting with him as we adjusted things was always a stress-free experience. On our wedding day it was like he had this superpower where it was like he could be everywhere at once but also disappear and reappear when he needed to, to get a family member out of the light if they were washed out or to help rearrange the dress's train, and he was great with both our more extroverted and more camera-shy family members. He was so kind to everyone but also a true master of his craft, and his turn-around time for delivery was also bananas fast. He squeezed every moment of beauty out of our short wedding ceremony, getting both beautiful candids and bigger family photos, and we're so happy that these are the photos we'll look back on in the future, and show our kids and their kids. We can't recommend LOVE by Sergirée enough!”
Maria Elizabeth &., 2 months ago
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Yin Futography 
Rating: 5.0 (44 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 (41 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
“If you are looking for a photographer in San Diego, look no further than Daniel. We first worked with him for our engagement photos and knew immediately we had to book him for our wedding. Daniel is incredibly friendly and professional, but what we loved most was his eye for candid moments. He captured the true essence of our day and all the little things that made it special. We are completely in love with our photos! One of the highlights was his film photography option—the care package he sent with the negatives, prints, and a handwritten card was such a beautiful, personal touch. It’s clear he truly cares about his clients. Working with him was an amazing experience from start to finish, and being able to book our videographer through him made the entire process seamless. If you are in the Southern California area, you will not be disappointed! Thank you so much, Daniel, for giving us memories that we will cherish for a lifetime.”
Allie B., 8 months ago
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LA Digital Photo - Photo - Video - Booth 
Rating: 5.0 (28 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
“So I found Tom online on Bark and literally had no idea what I was doing, what costs were for a photographer, felt really overwhelmed and didn’t want to mess up by getting a bad photographer. It must had been God because the first person I connected with was Tom and BOY did I hit it right on the money! Thank you Jesus! Right away, he was very helpful at explaining everything, I felt comfortable with him and he was at a very affordable price. He answered my literal million questions and offered an engagement shoot for a next to nothing price! At the engagement shoot, I knew I had found the right photographer! He was funny, personable, made my now husband (who is not a fan of his picture being taken) feel very relaxed and comfortable and took the most gorgeous photos! He even recommended the place after I described what I was looking for. Engagement shoot day….. PERFECT! I loved that I did not have to wait long for my photos, I loved that he told us how to pose when we needed directions, I loved that he made us laugh the whole time. All the way up to the wedding, Tom was very easy to get ahold of, made himself very available to go over things and ideas and gave input when I asked for it. This man has so many years in the wedding Industry and it shows! He’s so knowledgeable about everything! Last minute I decided I needed a videographer and Tom was able to recruit Christian, who also, WAS AMAZING! Christian also was very personable, made us feel comfortable and was helpful to get us to do and say what we needed to get great video shots! Okay, wedding day!!! Tom showed up perfect timing, right when I was getting my makeup done and the guys were getting ready. He got amazing photos and my husband told me he even helped the guys do their ties because they didn’t know what they were doing… lol. Every single one of my wedding party couldn’t say enough good things about Tom and Christian. How funny Tom was, how Christian was such a detail person and saw everything little thing, how they really knew what they were doing and were both very professional. Tom took literally thousands of photos and I have been going through them every day, reliving my amazing day! Tom is a rockstar and so is Christian! They made my day perfect down to every little detail I asked for. I am so impressed with how many beautiful pictures I have. My husband and I can now look at our photos and relive every second of that day! Tom and Christian went above and beyond for us and I highly recommend for any occasion! We are definitely using him in the future and referring him to everyone we can. Thank you Tom and Christian.”
Karlee, 16 days 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
“We are incredibly grateful Xenia was our engagement/wedding photographer and couldn't be happier with the results! The photos will speak to her technical talent; her professionalism and dedication to her craft are evident in every shot. It was so hard for me to only select 6 photos. What the images don't explicitly show is that Xenia was an absolute joy to work with. She is clear, transparent, and helpful in her communication. Her straightforward and friendly communication ensured we were always on the same page and felt supported throughout the process. While shooting, she is organized and efficient. We got every shot we hoped for and then some. Her enthusiasm and joy were infectious. She made these two awkward nerds feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. We cannot recommend Xenia enough! We will cherish the photos you took forever!”
Steph C., 2 years 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
“From start to finish, working with Fatima was an absolute dream. After researching countless photographers online, she was my number one choice! I booked our elopement just three months in advance and was so relieved she was available. Throughout the whole process she was so incredibly kind, professional and thoughtful that, despite our short timeline, we were able to feel at ease. My (now) husband and I are both quite shy in front of the camera and were worried that we might look stiff, but Fatima was able to quell those worries and capture us exactly how we had hoped - in a very natural and organic light. All in all, Fatima went above and beyond for us in so many ways - from setting up a last minute meeting the week before to go over details (and ease my anxiety) to unexpectedly serving as our witness! She even sent us our full gallery a few weeks earlier than we had expected. We are so pleased with how everything turned out and so grateful to have worked with such a talented artist (and AMAZING human). We'll definitely be booking Fatima for our next milestones 3”
Julienne, 2 years ago
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Michael Teddy Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (26 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,500
  • 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
“We had the best experience with Michael for my parents’ vow renewal. He was kind, funny, and made everyone comfortable in front of the camera. It felt like having family there. He was attentive, on time, and captured every special moment beautifully. The photos truly reflect the love and joy of the day. Highly recommend!”
Chrislyn, 7 months 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
“Where do I begin. The Jaramillo’s are top tier talent. They capture EVERYTHING. Reigna is a photographer, content created, BFF all in one. Not to mention she saved the day when my wedding planner bailed the day before! Trust me when I say they will be the best and easiest vendor choice you make.”
Abby B., 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
GemHidden gem
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.

“My boyfriend and I decided to do a coupe photo shoot and Stephanie delivered exactly how I envisioned the photos to be! Stephanie is so talented at what she does. Stephanie made the shoot so fun and made my boyfriend and I feel so comfortable. We got the cutest candid photos that we can cherish forever! Thank you Stephanie so much!”
Silvana & H., 2 years ago
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Papillon Visuals 
Rating: 5.0 (18 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA
  • Offer

Papillon Visuals is a luxury wedding photography + videography company serving both the East and West Coasts. Blending documentary digital storytelling with the timeless beauty of analog film, we create imagery that feels cinematic, artful, and unmistakably personal. From 35mm photography and Super 8 film to elevated digital photo, video, content creation, we capture your story across mediums for a wedding collection that feels both nostalgic and entirely your own.

“Vivi was the absolute best! She worked with all the poses we wanted and the sneak peek came so fast! The pictures are so beautiful!”
Autumn C., 3 years 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
“I have known Jordan for a while as an event photographer and wasn't sure if he did grad pictures, especially for groups. I was pleased to figure out that he does grad photos too and is extremely flexible about it! I had a group of around 11 people, and he was able to give me quick responses about the rate, which was an absolute deal. Jordan really cares for his clients and makes sure that everything is discussed before the event, including an itinerary. He was extremely flexible if we needed an extra hour and potential location itinerary changes. Coordinating 11 people for a photo shoot is not easy, but Jordan managed to do it with ease, attention to detail, and efficiency! Thanks to his expertise and creativity with poses and shots, we got some amazing solo and group shots that we will remember for a lifetime. He magically makes the experience very efficient, but is also not afraid to have fun! Highly recommend!”
Tristan T., 2 years 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
“Carmelisse was absolutely the best!! My fiancé and I had our engagement pictures with her last month and she was so pleasant to work with. It was our first time taking professional pictures, and she was so kind and patient. She would hype us up while taking the pictures and it made you feel super confident. The end result was to die for. Each picture captured something special and the quality was top notch. It's so hard not to share all 80 pictures on our social media! lol. 100% recommend. She is the best!!!”
Marlen, 4 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., a month 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
“My tango classmate once said that our instructor taught dance as if she were teaching math; the same could be said of Stephen’s approach to photography. From planning to execution Stephen was on top of his game. Starting from the initial inquiry he provided thorough responses in an enthusiastic and timely manner. I could tell that he loves doing what he does and is very excited to talk about anything photography related. During the planning phase Stephen provided input on scheduling and location selection. We must have exchanged a dozen emails on this topic. We also put together a mood board that consisted of: shots that I was interested in from his prior work, colors, what I liked and didn’t like about each sample photo. Stephen is an exceptional photographer. I love that his photographs aren’t as washed out or overly bridal bright. I wanted photos that weren’t just beautiful, but to have some richness and depth. Stephen checked all the boxes. Since my wedding was really an elopement + 1 guest, we had to be creative with a combination of wedding-esque and non-standard activities. On the day of, Stephen captured the candid moments beautifully, but he also directed us for some posed ones. Friends and family loved the photos we shared and commented on how natural we looked. I suddenly recalled Stephen’s remarks during the session: “no 90 degree elbows” “too maternity” “keep it PG” Looking at the photos now I do appreciate these reminders because it really helped us look our best in these photos that we widely distribute. With that said, Stephen is also very personable and easy to work with. We became increasingly more comfortable with him as the day progressed and that's reflected in our photos. Now that we’ve overcome the awkwardness of working with our photographer for the first time, we look forward to having Stephen photograph us again for our first year anniversary!”
Ngoc + S., 5 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
“I love hiring Remo and have used his services for several social events, including my nieces wedding and subsequent baby shower. He is a consummate professional and quite a charmer. He really knows how to make people feel at ease. I cannot recommend him enough. He is a very talented artist and deserves 6 stars!”
Alba U., 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., 2 months ago
GemHidden gem
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
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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
Quick responder
A Shot Of Love Films 
Rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

As wedding photographers and videographers, our philosophy revolves around capturing memories that celebrate the unique personalities of each couple. We strive to showcase the authentic moments, heartfelt emotions, and joyful connections that make each wedding day truly special.

Awarded Best of Zola
“From our first conversation, Caitlin made us feel at ease with her quick responses and friendly approach. She has a gift for capturing the personality in all of us, which made the whole day feel natural and fun instead of stiff or awkward. The photos turned out stunning and captured exactly what we wanted—those real moments between us and our loved ones. She was easy to work with and genuinely seemed to care about making our wedding day special. We couldn't have asked for a better photographer to tell our story. Highly recommend them to any couple looking for someone who will deliver beautiful work and make you feel comfortable the entire time.”
Hannah C., 6 months ago

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