Documenting your love story

Wedding & Engagement Photography

Your wedding is not just a day. It is a collection of fleeting, meaningful moments that deserve to be remembered exactly as they happened. From the quiet anticipation before you walk down the aisle to the laughter, tears, and in-between glances, my approach is centered on capturing what is real.

As a wedding and engagement photographer in the Pacific Northwest and Midwest, I document your story with intention, creating images that feel natural, emotional, and deeply personal.

The Experience

Working together is meant to feel easy and natural.

I will guide you when needed, but I also step back and let moments unfold. The result is a gallery that reflects not just how your day looked, but how it felt.

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A woman in a white dress holding a large bouquet of flowers, standing outdoors with blurred foliage in the background.

“If you do not pick Elle May for all of your photo needs, you are truly missing out!”

She is the absolute best and such a great person. It’s hard to find people who are just passionate and love what they do. She exceeded our expectations and her work is absolutely breathtaking. She did our engagement and wedding photos, both were amazing. Big moments like these stay with you forever and it is magical when you can look at and relive it over and over.”

— Ally
Illustration of a bundle of brown herbs, including Dill, tied together with a string.

Locations I Photograph:

A black and white photograph of a bride and groom face to face, smiling with eyes closed, under the bride's veil, outdoors with blurred landscape in the background.

Pacific Northwest

Across Oregon and Washington, whether you’re celebrating along the Oregon coast near Newport, in the mountains around Bend, or among the evergreen landscapes surrounding Seattle, I photograph weddings and engagements with a focus on natural emotion, genuine connection, and the beauty of your surroundings.

A wedding ceremony taking place outdoors on a grassy lawn with a backdrop of trees and a pathway. The bride and groom are holding hands at the altar with officiant and witnesses around them. Floral arrangements are on either side of the aisle.

Midwest

From Illinois to Iowa, weddings and engagements take shape in a mix of vibrant cities and slower, more grounded settings. Chicago’s energy, the charm of Naperville, the countryside near Galena, and places like Des Moines and Iowa City. I photograph each story with a focus on ease and authenticity, creating images that feel natural, personal, and true to you.

A bride and groom walking hand in hand across a grassy area towards a building with large windows, surrounded by flower beds and trees, during a wedding ceremony.

International

In destinations around the world, every place brings its own rhythm: coastal towns in Italy, the charming countryside of France, beachside celebrations in Mexico, and iconic cities across Europe and beyond. I approach international weddings and engagements with a documentary mindset, preserving not just how it all looked, but how it felt to be there.

Recent Wedding & Engagement Stories I’ve Captured

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A bride and groom standing outside a building with large windows and brick accents, surrounded by white hydrangea bushes. The groom has medium length dark hair, a dark blue suit, and is smiling at the bride. The bride has long dark hair, a strapless white wedding gown with floral lace details, and is smiling at the camera. They are tenderly holding each other, with the groom's hand on the bride's waist and her hand resting on his chest.

    Where are you based and what locations do you serve?

    I’m based in the Pacific Northwest and regularly photograph weddings and engagement sessions throughout the region, in the Midwest, and internationally. If you’re planning a wedding or engagement session soon, I’d love to connect!

  • A couple sitting on the sandy beach with dunes and grass in the background, the man is kissing the woman on the forehead while she smiles with her eyes closed.

    Do you help with location planning?

    Absolutely! I can help guide you with timelines, lighting, and location ideas to ensure your photos feel natural and aligned with your vision.

  • A pair of elegant white high heels with rhinestone details, a pair of pearl earrings, a ring, and a champagne-colored box with the brand initials. The shoes are surrounded by white flowers and a disco ball ornament.

    What if we feel awkward in front of the camera?

    That is completely normal. I create a relaxed environment and gently guide you so your photos feel natural, not posed.

  • A bride and groom standing outdoors on a mountain with a cloudy sky background. The groom is kissing the bride's hand while she looks on with a gentle smile.

    How far in advance should we book?

    Most couples book 6 to 12 months in advance, especially for weddings. I recommend reaching out as soon as you have a date in mind.

  • Elegant event space with a long wooden dining table surrounded by matching chairs, decorative candles, and modern hanging chandeliers with disco balls, greenery accents, and large windows.

    When will we receive our photos?

    Turnaround times vary slightly depending on the season, but you can expect your full gallery within a clearly communicated timeframe after your session or wedding.

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Let’s Work Together

Reach out if you’re ready to book your wedding or engagement session!

Contact Me
Contact Me