Human(s) First

meet your storyteller


hi

I'm Lisa, and I'm basically in love with humankind and how we love. And food. And making people smile. But mostly food.

I am all about people and people watching. I'm 100% invested in those beautiful candid moments that happen during life.

I can genuinely say that documenting love stories in their many different stages is something that brings me immense joy and purpose.

L + R

“CAN I JUST SAY HOW GRATEFUL I AM FOR EVERY LITTLE PRECIOUS MOMENT YOU CAPTURED?! I KNEW YOU WERE THE PERFECT PERSON TO CAPTURE MY PERFECT DAY. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!!!!!"

C + G

“THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR WORK AND EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE TO MAKE THE START OF OUR MARRIAGE SO WONDERFUL. THE DAY WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN THE SAME WITHOUT YOU, AND WE ARE SO HAPPY TO HAVE MET YOU.”

WHY

  • I believe that your love story is one worth telling. That love in and of itself is a truly beautiful gift that we get to experience in our lives. It’s the closest thing we have to magic. It comes in many forms, and it doesn’t need anything extra to look more beautiful.

    When looking back at your gallery, your captures are taken in a way you can feel. In a way you can relive your day and remember something new every time you go through your photos.

    This is why a photojournalistic documentary approach is how we roll here. It’s more real and raw and actually candid. It allows for space to just be.

    While watching for those candid moments and hiding in corners, I'll be working to capture your precious moments so that you can be fully present and enjoy your day with full confidence.

    Yes to all the quiet vow readings, the getting ready, the walking, talking, dreaming..

    (but also yes to subtle guidance + occasional prompting to bring out the belly laughs, possible tears, and to make sure you get some stellar photos for years to come.)

    I will always do my best to make you feel comfortable and seen. It’s a collaborative effort in creating imagery that is authentic to who you both are.

  • Weddings are a beautiful day full of PEOPLE and their emotions. Rest assured that here we capture ALL the tears, hugs, and laughs. While noticing who is the most important to you, and capture the excitement that they also share being present on your day.

    I'm here to document not only the love between two individuals, but the way your humans (or fur babies) love you. your people matter here. your family matters, your friends matter. I want to know your best friends name and why you’re having your wedding in your grandparents backyard.

  • With over 7 years experience capturing the smallest facial expressions from across a room, navigating different lighting scenarios - whether that’s a ballroom or a backyard, knowing who to watch for reactions and tears, where to be and when, organizing + prompting group photos, curating timelines, and guiding/relaxing clients to get the best portraits and candid moments.

  • With a very limited number of weddings taken on each year, more energy and attention can be given to each unique couple. You’ll be getting a photographer that is prioritizing you, your day, and isn’t spreading themselves too thin.

    EVERY kind of love is WELCOME and CELEBRATED HERE. every shape size and color. no exceptions <3

  • With an editing style created from the classic film stock Fuji 400h, your images will stand the test of time! Film shot from your day is directly referenced when editing to create a cohesive timeless look!

    Lots of color + light + life + emotion.

  • Custom all day + weekend packages based on your day and its entirety because one size does not fit all. No two weddings are the same, just as no two people are the same!

    We don’t do things half way here. Understanding who you are and being there for all the moments is important. When given the chance to join for days before/after, not only do I now understand you (a little) as a couple, but I can better serve you with a new eye of how your people love you.

    The little moments matter and I want to be there for all of them.

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love stories documented in:

Greece, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Florida, New Jersey, California, Mexico, Oregon, Massachusetts, Washington, Utah, Arizona, Iowa, Indiana, Virginia, DC

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Greece, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Florida, New Jersey, California, Mexico, Oregon, Massachusetts, Washington, Utah, Arizona, Iowa, Indiana, Virginia, DC .

about my life:

  • I became a mom at 18 and married my love at that young age! We now have been married for over 13 years and couldn't be happier. it's been quite the adventure. we met through our friends who were crushing on each other. little did we know that one snowball would start our lives together. he's constantly making me laugh and doesn't steal the blankets (freaking score). we’re big on traveling together, both studied fashion design + merchandising, he makes the best cookies, and we love to play video games together!

    my little humans are my best friends and constantly keep me on my toes lol. I love being a mom and there's nothing better than hugs from my girls. we love singing + dancing in the kitchen, beach days, movie nights, running around in the rain, swimming, hiking, trying new ice cream places, and going on road trips!

  • some of my favorite places I've explored:

    Japan, Germany, France, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Hawaii, Costa Rica, The Caribbean.

    future places I want to explore (bucket list): Turkey, Jordan, Indonesia, Myanmar, Tonga, New Zealand, China, Spain, Iceland, Croatia, Peru, Morocco, South Korea, Alaska, Bhutan, New Orleans, the UK, Egypt, Sweden, Azores (or Portugal in general), Vietnam, Singapore, + literally anywhere.

    food + history are a perfect pairing

  • my cats AKA the breakfast club: Pancake, Bacon, and Eggo Waffles (mr. waffles)!

    books: I’m an avid reader and live half of my life in fantastical adventures.

    movies: About Time, Harry Potter (obviously), Howls Moving Castle

    shows: Avatar the last Airbender (animated), Game of Thrones

    games: all Legend of Zelda games

    music: I'm constantly listening to all genres of music! I was a theater kid and music is a huge part of my life.

    food: chicken tikka masala, khao soi, sushi, shawarma, pupusas, tacos. I was raised vegetarian and don't eat any red meat!

  • I'm kind of a big fan of our big beautiful earth. I'm always trying to be conscious when it comes to location scouting, practice leaving no trace, using less waste, and continuously trying to improve.

    being outside brings a kind of peace you can't find anywhere else. some of my favorite feels of the outdoors: the smell of wet soil, the energy right before a storm, the birds singing in the early morning, waves crashing, and the small feeling you get when stargazing.

Big Island Hawaii Wedding Intimate Wedding Vows private vows bride and groom crying

“IM SCREAMING!!! Lisa these are absolutely incredible!!! I can’t thank you enough. We are absolutely in awe of your work and just the positive + welcoming environment you create. There are too many favorites. You truly are a master of your craft. 

Thank you again for being part of our special day, it meant the world to us.” - B + H

“Lisa has been taking our photos for all our major life events since 2018. She is so kind and talented, and her work is outstanding! The magic she captures in her photos in unmatched. 10/10 recommend Takke Photography for ANY need!!” - Madison

here to laugh, cry, dance barefoot, + celebrate with you.

Investment

  • from three day weekends to intimate affairs

    San Diego to the Bay Area and beyond.

    on average clients invest between 7-10k on their wedding packages

  • Wherever your love story is taking you

    US based weddings

    full day coverage starts at 8k

    full weekend coverage starts at 8.5k

    Destination weddings

    inquire for a custom quote - some bucket list locations include: Japan, Morocco, Iceland, NYC, Bhutan, Jackson Hole WY, New Zealand, Guatemala, Croatia, Scotland, Portugal - reach out for more

  • anniversary, engagements, save the dates, or just because.

    starting at 850

    maternity + small family

    for my past/current clients - if you decide to grow a family, I’d love to document all the steps along the way

    starting at 850

Although I believe your wedding photos are an investment and invaluable to your future memories, please know I am human first. clients who truly trust and vibe with me are priceless, and budgets are taken on a case by case basis.

Bride and Groom embracing on Wedding day surrounded by greenery Belmond El Encanto Santa Barbara
Big Sur Intimate Wedding Above Photo Colorful Moody Bride Groom

“Lisa’s talent, directive, and intuitive lead in capturing images that do not need captions or explanation. I will cherish her work forever, and so will my generations to come. Her study and countless hours perfecting her craft will outlive her, and your family will be the ones to benefit. Every. Single. Image. Captured is edited clean. Lisa is classy, friendly and highly professional. If you’ve read this far seriously book with her.”

-L + R

Flat Lay Mens Shoes tie and cuff links
Bride and Groom embracing for first dance sunset cliffs San Diego california

 FAQ

  • what’s included for every wedding:

    full day wedding coverage by yours truly - after a call, I’ll have an idea of your day and can price it accordingly to give myself plenty of time

    bare minimum 400+ high resolution edited fine art images

    curated online wedding gallery

    no limit on images, all the best ones

    print release, so you can print where you want

    candid moments + guided classic shots

    unlimited calls

    timeline assistance, vendor recommendations, + wedding questionnaire

    an insured + passport ready photographer

    complete travel is included in your rate - no extra hidden expenses

    taxes + fees

    sneak preview

  • YES I absolutely love to travel!! I frequently service the East Coast and PNW!

    Some of my bucket list locations are: Morocco, Japan (again), New Zealand, Turkey, South Korea, Myanmar, Peru, Alaska, Tonga, Jordan, Bhutan, Croatia, NYC, Spain, China, Iceland, New Orleans, the UK, Israel, Egypt, Sweden, Indonesia, Azores (or Portugal in general), Vietnam, Singapore.

  • To hold your date, a $1000 non-refundable retainer is required, and this amount goes towards the total!

  • For all day weddings I deliver a curated album of 400+ images! I am an oversharer though, so this is your warning. On average my clients receive between 600-1,000 images. I do like to deliver a gallery that isn’t full of duplicates, where every photo has been thoughtfully edited and is intentional. Fun photos included!

  • Although I try not to overly pose or take up your whole day by doing a bunch of different poses, yes! I still offer gentle posing and prompting to bring out those good laughs and sweet emotions. Most people don’t know how to stand, what to do, etc, and I don’t expect them to!

    The images shown in my portfolio are all real couples. I'm always trying to make your experience fun and easy going so that you get images that are true to who you are and not make you feel like you’re staring at a stranger.

  • Absolutely! Email for past gallery links!

  • All your photos are delivered high resolution via online gallery which you can download/share as many times as you want - with full printing and social media rights. I also keep your photos on an external hard drive just in case, but it's best if you download them to a safe place!

  • Yes! I do. And I highly recommend an engagement session or save the date with my couples!! This is a great time for you both to become comfortable with me, and to get a feel for being in front of the camera! It’s great practice for your wedding day and always a good time.

    I offer couples, documentary small family (bare feet encouraged), and maternity!

“Lisa was everything we were looking for in a photographer. She did our engagements and our wedding day. I expected our photos to turn out incredible and she still blew us away. She trudged through 8 feet of snow on the mountains to take our engagements and made us feel comfortable being in front of the camera. She was also flexible with me as I kept changing my mind on doing formals. I wouldn't change a thing about our photos or experience!!” - Kat + Jonny

woodland intimate wedding mammoth lakes california colorful plant seeds tables setup
Wedding Party Waiting and smiling Santa Barbara California Wedding

“You are such a freaking rockstar!! Thank you so much for bringing your easy going and FUN self to our wedding day! You were such a delight and a seamless addition to our crew of friends and family. We are so grateful to you for capturing the day!” - S + N

Bride on beach in wedding gown blowing north shore Hawaii

“Lisa is also a dog whisperer. She works so well with us and our fur baby!”

-R + T

full wedding galleries available to view by request