Documentary Style Wedding Photos at an Elegant Backyard Wedding

bride and groom take their documentary style wedding photos outdoors

Cynthia and Alex’s wedding was absolutely amazing! Seriously, it was this beautiful mix of tradition and elegance, starting with a stunning ceremony at Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church, and then we headed to a private home in Pasadena for the reception! I’m telling you, this day felt like the ultimate high-end backyard wedding, super intimate and personal, which I totally loved! What stood out to me the most was how calm and present they were throughout the day, making every moment feel real and intentional. It set the vibe for an unforgettable day!

For me, my passion for love and photography shines through when I capture these special moments. I’m not just snapping pics; I’m preserving memories that mean the world to my couples. I love shooting in a documentary style, giving you photos that truly reflect the feelings of each moment. That authentic energy? That’s what draws couples to my work!

Cynthia and Alex’s Wedding 

The ceremony at Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church was all about that classic elegance! The gorgeous architecture and warm ambiance set the perfect stage for Cynthia and Alex’s love story.

Then we rolled into the reception at this gorgeous private home, and wow, what a transformation! The vibe totally shifted to a laid-back luxury, with stunning florals everywhere. It felt like a high-end backyard wedding where you could really feel the intimacy and joy!

One of the things I loved most about Cynthia and Alex was how present they were throughout the day. Instead of getting lost in the wedding chaos, they focused on each other and soaked up all the love around them. They made sure to grab those little moments together, which really showed how much they valued their connection. It’s those sweet moments that I absolutely love capturing!

And oh my gosh, their first dance was something special! Time just seemed to freeze as they swayed together to the music, completely lost in their own little bubble. It was so cute! Capturing that moment of intimacy and love was a major highlight for me! Moments like that are what it’s all about.

Client Love

“Working with Klaui was one of the best decisions we made during our wedding planning process. The photos speak for themselves, but we can add that on top of her talent as a photographer, Klaui is communicative, thoughtful, and easy to trust, which was important to us. Her photos captured our day so perfectly. Additionally, we love her documentary style with an emphasis on movement and less on posing. All in all, our wedding photography experience was amazing from beginning to end thanks to her. We are looking forward to experiencing the joys of our wedding day through Klaui’s photos for the rest of our lives!”

Capturing Authenticity Through a Documentary Style Wedding Photos

My photography approach is all about those real, authentic moments! I let Cynthia and Alex be themselves, so their love and happiness can shine through in every shot. It’s all about the movement, those genuine interactions, and telling the true story of the day! Forget about stiff poses; I’m here to capture memories as they actually happen, and trust me, that’s way more fun! For me and my couples, it’s those raw, genuine moments that really matter. And to sprinkle in a bit more magic, I love using film photography in 35mm and 120mm formats—it gives your wedding photos that unique, timeless feel with beautiful textures that make each image special!

Guests enjoy a wedding reception at a private residence for a backyard wedding

Tips for Being Present and Slowing Down on Your Wedding Day

Want your wedding day to feel intentional and truly enjoy every moment? Here are some tips to help you soak in the magic:

Start with a Quiet Moment: Before the craziness kicks in, take a little time for yourself (or with your partner). Whether it’s meditating, journaling, or just sipping coffee in peace, this small moment can totally set the tone for a calm, grounded day!

Let Your Crew Handle It: Seriously, let your planner, family, or wedding party take over the little details! You’ve got an amazing support system, trust them to handle the nitty-gritty so you can focus on having the time of your life!

Build in Buffer Time: Don’t cram your schedule! Add some extra breathing room between events so you’re not rushing! This way, you can chill out, enjoy the moments, and even roll with some spontaneous fun without worrying about the clock.

Sneak Away with Your Partner: Make sure to grab some alone time during the day, whether it’s before the ceremony, during cocktail hour, or sneaking off for a sunset walk. These little moments to just be together will help you refocus and appreciate what the day’s really about.

Tune Into Your Senses: During those special moments, the ceremony, your first dance, or the speeches. Take a second to notice the sights, sounds, and even how your partner’s hand feels in yours. Being present in these little details will keep you grounded and in the moment.

Embrace the Imperfections: Trust me, things might not go 100% to plan—and that’s totally okay! Sometimes, it’s the unplanned moments that make the best memories. So, roll with it, laugh it off, and keep your focus on the bigger picture.

Soak in the Vibes: At some point, just stop, look around, and take it all in. See your friends and family laughing, enjoy the decor you worked so hard on, and really appreciate the love and energy in the room. It’ll be one of the moments that stays with you forever!

Breathe and Chill: Feeling overwhelmed? Just take a few deep breaths! This simple trick can calm you down and help you refocus, reminding you to enjoy the day rather than let it race by.

Savor Every Bite and Sip: Don’t forget to enjoy the food and drinks you spent so much time choosing! Make sure you actually eat, drink, and enjoy all the goodies you’ve planned out for your guests.

By adding these practices into your wedding day, you can turn it from a blur of activity into a meaningful experience that you and your partner will always remember!

Love these Documentary Style Wedding Photos? Looking for a California Film Wedding Photographer?

I hope you loved this wedding as much as I did! If you’re interested in having me as your California wedding photographer or film wedding photographer you can contact me here! You can also check out more of my portfolio.

 Florals: @smithandlily

Planner: @sunshineeventsco 

Catering: @redshoe

Bartending: @mintbartending

Dress: @lulujacksonbridal 

Videography: @laurenkeeeny

November 1, 2024