Love, Captured with Intention and ElegancE

A MODERN TAKE on CLASSIC ROMANCE

A black triangle pointing downward on a white background. Wedding invitation, shells, pearl necklace, green ring box, stamps, and a rolled scroll on a stone surface. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel. 
wedding photographer in SAnta Cruz|Carmel|big Sur

CAPTURE THE VERSION OF YOU THAT FEELS THE MOST alive, confident, and you!

A stone fountain with colorful flowers including pink roses, orange dahlias, and other blooms, placed along the edge of the fountain.Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, and Half Moon Bay.
Wedding invitation suite including save the date card, detailed event schedule, and a custom folk tale card, with floral accents and a glass display box. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur.

I photograph love with intention—quiet, soulful moments that feel intimate yet elevated. My approach blends romance with refined simplicity, creating a relaxed, luxurious experience from start to finish. For couples who value connection, beauty, and authenticity, I’m here to preserve your story in a way that feels effortless and deeply personal.

A woman in a long, flowing gray dress stands at the edge of the ocean at sunset, with her toes in the wet sand and waves approaching her feet. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, and Half Moon. 
meet your photographer

I’M MARIA, THE HEART BEHIND THE CAMERA.

I’m Maria, a wedding and lifestyle photographer based along the California coast, serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, and beyond. I specialize in intimate weddings, heartfelt elopements, and soulful family sessions—always with a focus on connection, beauty, and the feeling of home.

Photography found me over a decade ago, and I’ve been chasing honest, emotive moments ever since. My style is calm, intentional, and quietly romantic—designed for couples and families who want a seamless, guided experience with natural direction that helps them feel confident and look their best.

The OFFERINGS

Bride and groom in wedding attire standing close together outdoors at sunset, surrounded by trees and greenery. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, and Half Moon Bay. 
01. weddings

I specialize in capturing romantic, candid, and artfully composed imagery for couples who value a luxury experience rooted in ease, emotion, and natural beauty. Whether you're planning a coastal elopement in Big Sur, a timeless ceremony in Carmel, or a heartfelt celebration in Santa Cruz, I create photographs that feel effortless, elegant, and true to you.

A man in a black suit and a woman in a light coat standing close next to a car in a rural area during sunset.Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, and Half Moon Bay. 
02. portraits

From intimate beach proposals to golden-hour engagement sessions, I create timeless, true-to-you images with a refined yet relaxed feel. Whether we're wandering the cliffs of Big Sur or strolling the shores of Santa Cruz, I guide you with care so your connection shines through—natural, emotional, and effortlessly beautiful.

Pair of elegant, white Steve Madden wedding shoes with sparkly bows and jewel embellishments, a small ring box with diamond rings, on a soft, sheer fabric. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur. 
kind words
A happy couple dressed in wedding attire, standing close together outdoors by the water, smiling with their hands pressed together in a prayer-like pose. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur.

“The BEST photographer!”

If you’re looking to have a lovely photographer to take stunning photos and help you through all the emotions and timelines of your big day Maria is the photographer for you!

kadi and forest
Two men dressed in tuxedos standing on brick steps outdoors, smiling and posing near potted white flowers and greenery. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, and Half Moon Bay.

“Excellent photographer with a GREAT EYE! Maria truly exceeded our expectations!”

Overall, we can't recommend Maria enough for her exceptional service and the stunning memories they helped us create.

drew and david
Bride and groom in wedding attire smiling together against a stone wall. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, and Half Moon Bay.

“Maria made my wedding day effortless- she captured some of the most GENUINE memories my husband and I will cherish forever.”

I’m so happy to have found a friend and photographer in Maria! Would recommend a million times!

blair and Kyle
A vintage blue tricycle with a basket sits among pink flowers and greenery in a garden, with a white camper in the background and a decorative street lamp to the left. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel
A couple dressed in wedding attire, outdoors with trees and flowers in the background. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, and Half Moon Bay.

The GALLERY

A table set for an outdoor event with white candles, floral arrangements, a white plate with a pink and orange flower, a glass.Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, and Half Moon Bay.
White downward-pointing triangle on a black background. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, and Half Moon Bay. 
real couples real stories

RECENT MOMENTS THAT took our breath away

A bride and groom in wedding attire sharing an intimate moment in a forest setting, with trees and dappled sunlight in the background. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, and Half Moon Bay. 
Romance in santa cruz

Minimalist details, editorial vibes, and pure connection—proof that less is more.

A bride in a wedding dress holding a bouquet walking outdoors with four women in colorful dresses near the ocean.Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, and Half Moon Bay. 
intimate moments in big sur

A dreamy outdoor celebration filled with golden light, heartfelt vows, and timeless details.

A bride and groom on a city street, smiling and holding hands, with the bride's train flowing behind her, during a wedding celebration. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, and Half Moon Bay. 
elegance in carmel

Minimalist details, editorial vibes, and pure connection—proof that less is more.

Close-up of a woman's hand with an engagement ring resting on a man's shoulder, both dressed in formal attire, black and white photograph. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, and Half Moon Bay.
A woman helps a bride fasten the lace-up back of her wedding dress. The dress features intricate lace embroidery, and the woman is wearing a bracelet. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, and Ha

ON the BLOG

HOW TO PREPARE for your engagement photos

The Best WEDDING VENUES for STUNNING PHOTOS in Carmel.

The Ultimate WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY TIMELINE

Several cocktail glasses filled with red drinks on a rustic wooden table, with a floral arrangement nearby and a blurred person in the background. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur.

INQUIRE

A woman wearing a floral dress with a sleeveless design, standing outdoors among other people. She has dark hair and is wearing earrings with pearl accents. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur.

I am here to help you preserve all your most raw, beautiful memories, emotions.

Let’s capture heartfelt moments together