Hiring a professional wedding photographer is one investment you’ll never regret! How else will you remember all the special moments that made up your wedding day? However, we know that finding the right fit takes time. That is why we decided to take the guesswork out of your searches by listing five of our favorite Tahoe photographers you need to check out!
Describe your business or give us your tagline. Tell us who you are and the style of your photography.
Where old souls with big hearts can be at ease having their most meaningful moments captured naturally. Even before the first picture is shot, I’ll be by your side, going above the call of duty to connect, assist, and encourage you in the wedding process. My style? It’s approachable, relaxed, and committed to capturing the moments that often go unseen.
Favorite all-time photo you must get of every couple.
Each couple brings their own unique version. Facing each other with foreheads together, hands held, deep breaths together, and asking the couple to feel each other’s warmth and presence. A beautiful connection happens because couples take this direction and make it their own, and it’s amazing to witness.
What are your top 3 favorite vendors you love to work with in Lake Tahoe?
Oh boy- there are too many to narrow to just three! I am going to say the three that I have known since we all began our careers around the same time, and it feels like family every time we’re together. Kari Henrichsen, Corey Fox and Holly Turville – two photographers and a floral designer. Photographers often second shoot larger weddings with each other, and I love working with Kari and Corey and seeing how we shoot the same event in our own ways while having each other’s backs. We are a tight but large group of vendors here in Reno/Tahoe, and one of the best parts of our community is how supportive we are of each other’s success. I can honestly say that when I show up to a wedding, there is always a vendor (or two or three or more!) that I’ve known for years and adore, not only as a vendor but as a personal friend!
Wedding pet peeves?
When family members treat it as if it’s their own wedding, overpowering the couple’s wishes. We know it comes from love, but thankfully, this doesn’t happen very often. A wedding is sacred to the couple, and it’s beautiful to have family and friends support that on all levels.
Favorite moment at a wedding?
When the couple looks at each other and/or turns to their audience after kissing at the altar! This moment always exudes such a euphoria of excitement for everyone!
Check out Courtney Aaron’s work here!
Courtney Aaron Photography / The Hytch / Daughters of Simone / Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe / Cloud Nine Event Company / Twine Floral Co / Bridal MUAH / Mira Zwillinger / BHLDN / Suitsupply / Valhalla Tahoe / Luna Belle Beauty / Blend Catering
Describe your business or give us your tagline. Tell us who you are and the style of your photography.
“Made with heart and soul.” I do everything in my life with my entire heart and soul, and I hold nothing back for the people I care about. When my couples’ book with me, it’s like they are entering my little protective zone of care. I will do every damn thing in my power to defend their wildest wedding dreams, make sure that I am the least stressful part of their day, and show them the absolute best time of their lives. I’ve literally held a past bride’s dress up while she pees – the limit does not exist with where I will go to serve my couples.
Favorite all-time photo you must get of every couple.
I honestly don’t have one! Every couple is so different that I tailor my shoots to each one. I get to know them beforehand, watch their little nuances and cute things they do, and play on that while directing and posing them. If I had to say one thing I try to do at every single shoot, though, is take a normal smiley “fridge pic.” Meaning sometimes I get so deep into my creative zone and vibe with my couples that I want to make sure I never forget that in addition to all the cool artsy candid shots, I also take just one forward-facing simple classic smiling photo. After all, those are usually the ones their moms print and put on the fridge.
What are your top three favorite vendors you love to work with in Lake Tahoe?
Oh man, it’s hard to narrow down to just three. First, and I don’t even mean this in a bias way, but my husband! He is a wedding videographer and truly one of the most talented and creative people I know. His business name is Peter Paul Films. Check him out – you won’t regret it. Second, I loooove working with The Hytch. They are an elopement planning company and give so much to their clients. They truly create the most beautiful unique elopement setups! Third would have to be Moonlight Lace. They are the cutest special little bridal boutique and are absolute gems to work with. They make you feel like you are the only person in the world while shopping for a gown and truly give such a uniquely curated experience to their clients.
Wedding pet peeves?
My biggest wedding pet peeve is when a couple plans their wedding for everyone but themselves. Your wedding is meant to be your first chapter of forever, and it is about YOUR love. Eat pizza if you want, jump into the lake at the end if you want, do or don’t do a first dance – but whatever you do, just do what feels right and special and intentional to you two. I hate when couples look back on their wedding day and wish they did everything differently. I try my hardest to promote this to my couples and make sure they plan their day exactly how THEY want.
Favorite moment at a wedding?
My favorite moment at most weddings is the moment right after the ceremony. The immediate sense of “HOLY SHIT, I JUST MARRIED MY PERSON!!!” There are no bigger smiles and few greater excitements than the initial moments after marrying your soulmate. All the nerves of the day melt away, and it’s the best feeling in the entire world.
Here’s everything you need to know about Emma Paul Photography!
Emma Paul Photography / Tahoe Salon Be / Swoon Bridal / Valhalla Tahoe / 4 Joy Media
Describe your business or give us your tagline. Tell us who you are and the style of your photography.
Photography at its finest. We are a boutique-style photography studio that services clients with the highest expectations.
Favorite all-time photo you must get of every couple.
Images that capture the couple’s essence – are they silly, sexy, sweet? My job is to craft an image that captures the essence of who they are as individuals and what their relationship is as a couple.
What are your top 3 favorite vendors you love to work with in Lake Tahoe?
We just moved here from San Francisco and are excited to learn more about all the vendors! With that said, we have done some fabulous weddings with One Fine Day Events and Summit Soiree over the past decade.
Wedding pet peeves?
Makeup artist running late, which pushes back our timeline.
Favorite moment at a wedding?
Bride and groom seeing each other for the first time.
Check out Catherine Hall’s listing on our Vendor Guide!
Catherine Hall Studios / MAP Events
Bianca Sciotto Photography
Describe your business or give us your tagline. Tell us who you are and the style of your photography.
My approach to photography lies in documenting the human element. I have a genuine curiosity about the lives that people live, and I aim to capture organic moments as beautifully and honestly as I am able. There is much truth that exists in those in-between moments, the ones that aren’t contrived or curated. I use the visual art of photography to weave those moments together and tell your unique story. I believe being photographed should be an experience. A moment in time when trust gives authenticity rise to shine.
Favorite all-time photo you must get of every couple.
I don’t have one specific photo I have to get of every couple. Each wedding and couple are so unique, and it takes meaningful observation to let the day unfold and allow me to see their true selves. I definitely make sure to capture connected portraits amongst the golden glow or the dim blue light of the day, and those tend to be the ones I find my couples love the most. But the day of decisions I make based upon observing my couples in their element, surrounded by all those they love, definitely drives the diversity in those “must-get” photos.
What are your top 3 favorite vendors you love to work with in Lake Tahoe?
Olympic Valley Stables provide such a great backdrop for a wedding. I love the freedom of the landscape and the ability to incorporate so many different feels to the day. Love & Lupines always crush the floral game and anytime I get to work with another local Tahoe photographer, I am stoked to create together.
Wedding pet peeves?
My biggest wedding pet peeve is just when couples forget that they are allowed to create their day however they want. When they get too stuck in the traditional flow of the way they think their day is supposed to look. I think they are missing out on a great opportunity to let their own light shine. Weddings can look and be anything you want; it’s a great chance to allow your uniqueness to be shared with all you love.
Favorite moment at a wedding?
One of my favorite moments at a wedding is when I steal the couple away for a while and allow them time to look on from a distance and really just pause. I strive to give these moments to my couples throughout the day as it helps it all truly soak in. It’s a humbling experience to see how many people have gathered to honor your love story and hold space for you to celebrate it.
Here are the reasons you want to plan your special day with Bianca Sciotto by your side!
Describe your business or give us your tagline. Tell us who you are and the style of your photography.
Capturing moments of love and adventure! I like to tell authentic and fun stories of love in the mountains. I’ll be right there celebrating with you and all your friends! Let’s do something original.
Favorite all-time photo you must get of every couple.
Seems simple, but I love a straight-on shot holding hands still and slightly separated, usually with beautiful scenery. Weight shifted slightly to one side. Calm face, a bit GQ. Then, of course, all of the emotions. Close in shots laughing/kissing, being playful. I try to break people into real emotions.
What are your top 3 favorite vendors you love to work with in Lake Tahoe?
Ceremonies by Meredith! Her ceremonies are so intentional and beautiful. White wolf! Troy is the man, and that property is legendary. Nikki with Mountain Thyme Events. She always connects me with the most kind and fun clients! She also has a beautiful eye for style and laid-back weddings and elopements.
Wedding pet peeves?
Ahhhh, when everything feels the same over and over. Switch things up! Do you! Have fun! Break the rules.
Favorite moment at a wedding?
Probably the just married moment coming down the aisle. There is always so much energy and smiles. Other than that. I always ask the parents to give their kids any last words of advice when we’re getting ready. It makes for some pretty special moments and often tears and lots of love.
Click here to see more of Holly Shankland’s beautiful work!
Next week we’re sharing more of our favorite Tahoe photographers’ work. And believe us, you want to stay tuned!
Holly Shankland Photography / Tahoe Wake Charter / Edgewood Tahoe
