real couples
their stories. their experience.
“We are awkward in front of the camera”
– said literally every couple before they stepped in front of my camera
Here’s the truth
None of the couples you see on my website are models either. They’re regular people who were nervous, introverted, camera-shy, and convinced they’d look stiff. And then they got to breathe in some fresh mountain air, lean into each other, laugh a little, and just be themselves… and everything changed.
You don’t have to know how to pose.
You don’t need to act.
✓ You just need to show up and let me guide the rest.
What makes your photos feel so natural isn’t that my couples magically “know what they’re doing.” It’s the experience we build together.
When you look at my photos, you can see
Most couples are focused on each other, not the camera.
And thats the way it should be.
On your elopement day, my goal is to help you stay present. To take in the quiet moments. To look at your partner, not at me. To feel the forest around you, the fresh mountain air, and the excitement of choosing each other in a place that already feels like home.
Your photos feel natural because you two get to be yourselves.
No pretending.
Just the two of you soaking in your day and letting real moments unfold.
You enjoy the adventure.
You connect with each other.
You let the emotions come as they are.
I’ll handle the rest.
“She has such a gift for guiding without over-directing, which let us just be ourselves while still feeling confident in front of the camera.”
I absolutely LOVED my experience with Ariel! From start to finish, she made everything feel effortless, fun, and comfortable. She has such a gift for guiding without over-directing, which let us just be ourselves while still feeling confident in front of the camera. The whole day felt special, and she captured memories that we’ll treasure forever. My favorite moment was when we were hiking up in our outfits and Ariel made the whole thing feel so fun and easy—it never felt staged or stressful. She caught the in-between laughs, little glances, and the natural moments that honestly felt like us. Looking back, those candid shots ended up being some of my absolute favorites because they feel so genuine and magical.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
love note from Hailey and Ryan
How I Make This Experience Feel Natural for You
◆ Clear planning so you are never guessing about locations, timing, or what happens next
◆ Building trust before we ever step into the giant forest so you feel comfortable with me
◆ Gentle direction the whole time so you are never wondering what to do or how to pose
On your elopement day, I am there to keep things calm, remind you to breathe, and focus on each other. You enjoy the day, I handle the photos, and you walk away with images that actually feel like you two.
Love Letters from clients turned friends <3
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“It was amazing! I honestly could not ask for more. From your suggestions during planning, scouting ahead el cap meadow before the shoot, coming in 2 hours early, delivering the photos so quickly (they turned out SO GOOD!)... You were such a lovely person to work with and we had so much fun being photographed. It felt like we were just hanging out with some friends who happened to take our photos. Posing in front of the camera felt so easy and natural because you were so nice and cheerful - it really made us feel so comfortable. We are so grateful and wouldn’t have had it any other way. I'm so glad we found you for our special moment and thank you, truly, for capturing it in the best way possible. I feel so blessed to have a hand in making someone I love THAT happy. Thank you for that!” - Ardy and Fefe
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Working with Ariel was an absolute pleasure! From planning things to delivering photos was seamless experience . Ariel made us feel completely comfortable, like we were being captured by a friend rather than a photographer. This was our first time getting professional photos taken, and we’re so glad Ariel was the one behind the camera. She knew some amazing spots in the Valley that made for beautiful backdrops. The whole experience was so memorable, and the photos turned out stunning. Ariel was also incredibly quick in delivering the final images, and we absolutely love them! We can't wait to frame our favorite ones. We highly recommend Ariel and would love to work with her again in the future! - S
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“Loved every part of it!!!! Memorable, fun, and perfect you are so perfect Ariel! Thank you so much for memories of a lifetime. - E+S
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You’re an angel 🥹🥹♥️♥️ literally crying looking at them all Thank you so so much!!! The black and white look like their straight out of an anthro catalog 🥲
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“They are So beautiful!!! We honestly had the most amazing time. You are literally the best!!! It looks so amazing!! You weren’t lying this view is unreal 💖💖” Jenna and Tay
