Untraditional Wedding Photography for Couples Who Want to Feel Like Themselves
When it comes to wedding photography, I’m not here for the cookie-cutter, the airbrushed perfection, or the endless shot lists. I’m here for the couples who embrace the beauty of their messy, authentic selves and let their uniqueness shine. There are a lot of ways to describe this and for this post I’m going to describe my a work as untraditional wedding photography. But also the words “candid” and “authentic” are also on the list. If you’re a laid-back, intentional, “let’s do it our way” kind of couple, we might be a perfect match. Here’s why—
Embracing the Untraditional
Weddings don’t have to look a certain way. They don’t have to include stiff traditions that don’t feel like you. There’s no rulebook here. Untraditional wedding photography means I specialize in capturing couples who want to break free from the “shoulds” and create a day that reflects who they are—whether that’s eloping at sunrise on a mountain peak, saying your vows in the middle of the forest, or hosting an intimate celebration in your backyard.
Your wedding day isn’t about perfection. It’s about you. The messy, the weird, the laughter, the tears, the freak flag moments that make your relationship special. Those are the moments I love to capture—the ones that feel real, raw, and totally you.
One couple shared: “Jaymie made our vision come to life! She is so friendly and personable and she knows her way around Mammoth. Not only did we get beautiful and thoughtful pictures, we had so much fun and made a new friend.”
To help you start clarifying your wedding vision, here are three journal prompts:
- What does a perfect wedding day feel like for us?
- Focus on the emotions you want to experience throughout the day. Do you imagine it being peaceful and intimate, full of laughter and connection, or adventurous and free-spirited? Write about how you want to feel from the moment you wake up to the last goodbye.
- What moments or traditions feel most meaningful to us, and which ones don’t?
- Think about the things that truly matter to you as a couple. Is it exchanging heartfelt vows, celebrating with your closest loved ones, or doing something completely unique? Be honest about any traditions that feel more like obligations than reflections of your values.
- What story do we want our wedding photos to tell?
- Picture yourself looking back on your wedding photos years from now. What do you want them to capture? Think about the candid smiles, shared glances, and small details that represent your love and personality.
Together, we’ll create a day that feels like home.
Clarifying Your Vision
Candid wedding photography isn’t just about the photos—it’s about capturing your connection and preserving the real essence of your day. I want you to feel the same way—like your day was designed just for you, with moments that reflect your personality and love story. Let’s create something untraditional and unforgettable.
Planning an untraditional wedding can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re swimming against the current of what’s “expected.” That’s where I come in. One of my favorite parts of this job is helping couples clarify their vision. What do you want your day to feel like? What matters most to you? When you know your intention going into your wedding, it becomes easier to stay grounded and connected to what truly matters.
I loved helping Debbie and Brooke during their Yosemite elopement. The weather had other plans, but instead of stressing, they shifted gears and embraced a “Valley Romp” full of foggy meadows, rainbows over Half Dome, and moments that felt spontaneous and true to them. The magic came from their ability to stay connected to each other and trust the process.
This is what wedding photography is about—helping you connect with your intention so you can stay present and grounded throughout your day. It’s not just about pretty pictures; it’s about telling the story of you and creating an experience that feels authentic and true.
Go With the Flow
I’m a documentary-style photographer, which means I’m all about capturing the candid, unscripted moments of your day as they unfold. I don’t need a rigid shot list, and I’m not here to force you into stiff poses that don’t feel like you. Instead, I’ll work with the natural rhythm of your day, blending in and documenting the moments that make it uniquely yours.
When I photographed Rusty and Ashley’s wedding at Convict Lake Resort, their focus was on spending time with their loved ones. By knocking out portraits early, they created space to enjoy their day—laughing with friends, sipping drinks by the lake, and soaking up the joy of their celebration. They trusted me to flow with their plans and capture moments that felt authentic.
This is why I do what I do—because the magic isn’t in perfect poses or flawless timelines. It’s in the real, messy, unexpected moments that make your wedding day uniquely yours. My job is to document those moments, so you can relive the laughter, the tears, and the joy every time you look at your photos. Let’s embrace the chaos and create magic together.
Why I Might Not Be the Photographer for You
Let’s be real: I’m not the right photographer for everyone. And that’s a good thing! If you’re looking for heavily edited, airbrushed photos where everything looks perfect, I’m probably not your person. If you need everything to go exactly according to a strict plan or have a detailed shot list that has to be followed to the letter, we might not be the best fit.
Because here’s the thing I know about weddings—something will always not go according to plan. Our ability to pivot and go with the flow while also advocating for what you two want is key.
So if you’re a laid-back couple who’s ready to embrace the unexpected, prioritize intention over perfection, and let your freak flag fly, then I’d love to hear from you. My goal is to create a space where you can feel like yourselves, let go of the pressure to be perfect, and enjoy your day to the fullest.
Co-Regulating Queen
Here’s the thing: wedding days can be a lot. Emotions run high, timelines get busy, and things can feel overwhelming. That’s why one of my superpowers is helping couples stay calm and grounded throughout the day. Whether it’s with a calming presence, a gentle reminder to pause and soak it all in, or just being a steady hand in the chaos, I’m here to help you feel supported every step of the way.
One couple shared: “Jaymie’s attention to detail, playful spirit, and unassuming presence helped us to feel at ease the entire time.” Whether you need a quiet moment to reset, someone to remind you to hydrate, or just a reassuring smile, I’m here to be your emotional anchor. I’m not just your candid wedding photographer—I’m your teammate, your cheerleader, and the person who’s got your back no matter what.
Let’s Create Something Real Together
If you’re ready to throw tradition out the window, embrace your beautiful, messy selves, and create a wedding day that feels like home, I’d love to help you bring that vision to life. Let’s work together to create something real, raw, and unapologetically you.
Sound like we’re a good fit? Let’s talk. You don’t need to have it all figured out—that’s where I come in. All I need is 15 minutes of your time for a quick call to see if we’re the right match. I’ll help you start clarifying your vision and share how we can bring it to life together. Let’s make something beautiful.
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