Wedding Photography

Your Love Story, Beautifully Told

Colorful, timeless wedding photography capturing the authentic emotion, quiet details, and unbridled joy of your celebration, wherever in the world you say I do.

Wedding photography by De Joy Photography, couple portraits on a dramatic coastline

I’m Amber, and I have been photographing weddings since 2008. I’m a wedding photographer with deep Santa Cruz and California roots, and I photograph weddings in Monterey and Carmel, in Santa Cruz and Big Sur, in Austin and the Texas Hill Country, and at destinations around the world. I have no fixed studio, so I travel to you.

My style is colorful, timeless, and flattering. Every image is edited by me personally, never by AI and never outsourced.

My Approach

Present, intentional, and full of ease

On a wedding day, I move with ease and stay present to what is happening around you. I know when to step in and help shape a moment, and know when to step back and let it unfold. That balance is what allows me to capture the big memories, along with the small moments you never want to forget.

When it is time for portraits, I guide you with gentle, natural prompts that bring out genuine connection rather than stiff, posed shots. My goal is for you to feel comfortable and confident so you can stay present while I capture everything.

The result is a wedding gallery that feels like a love letter: a collection of colorful, timeless images that transport you right back to how it felt to live that day.

Details

What’s Included

I offer several collections, not just one. They range from seven hours of coverage up to a full day, so we can build something around exactly what your celebration needs. Every collection includes:

Coverage tailored to your day, from seven hours up to a full day
Optional second photographer for complete coverage (select collections)
Pre-wedding planning consultation
Engagement session (select collections)
Professional editing and color grading
Private online gallery with high-resolution downloads
Print release for personal use
Sneak peek delivered within three days
Full gallery delivered within 6-8 weeks
Timeline planning and vendor coordination

Where I Work

Monterey, Carmel, Santa Cruz, and Austin

Monterey and Carmel: I have photographed weddings on the Monterey Peninsula since 2008. Some of the venues I know best are The Barns at Cooper Molera, The Perry House, The Club at Pasadera, Nicklaus Club Monterey, Bernardus Lodge, Carmel Valley Ranch, Holman Ranch, and the Carmel Mission Basilica. You can see the full stories on my Monterey page and in my Love Stories.

Santa Cruz: I have deep roots here, and I have photographed weddings in the redwoods at Waterfall Lodge and Kennolyn, and at The Hollins House.

Austin and the Texas Hill Country: I am now booking weddings in Austin. I have photographed Hill Country weddings at The Preserve at Canyon Lake, which sits between Austin and San Antonio, and at Camp Lucy. When you hire me for a Texas wedding, you get the same thing every couple gets: a pre-wedding planning consultation, help building your timeline, and a gallery delivered within 6 to 8 weeks, with a sneak peek within three days.

Your Day

A Wedding Day, Generally

Every wedding is unique, and every timeline I create is personalized just for you. Some couples have a first look, some don't; some start early, some celebrate late into the night. There are no set times here on purpose. This is simply a glimpse of the moments I typically document as your day unfolds.

Getting Ready

Capturing all the details, emotions, and anticipation

First Look

An intimate moment just for the two of you (for the couples who want one)

Wedding Party Portraits

Fun, relaxed group shots with your favorite people

Ceremony

Every vow, tear, and smile documented beautifully

Family Portraits

Quick, organized group photos with loved ones

Couple Portraits

Golden hour magic with just the two of you

Reception

Toasts, first dance, cake cutting, and celebrations

Grand Exit

A spectacular send-off to end the night

Gallery

Moments That Matter

Wedding photography moment captured by De Joy Photography
Colorful wedding portrait by De Joy Photography
Timeless wedding day detail by De Joy Photography
Authentic wedding emotion captured by De Joy Photography
Golden hour wedding couple portrait by De Joy Photography
Candid wedding celebration by De Joy Photography

FAQ

Common Questions

How many photos will we receive?

For a wedding day, you can expect between 75 and 100 edited images per hour, depending on your coverage. They are all high-resolution images, individually edited for consistent color and quality.

Do you travel for weddings?

Yes, always! I am a destination wedding photographer and I love to travel. I am available for weddings anywhere in the world and have photographed couples across Asia, the South Pacific, Mexico, and beyond. Travel fees may apply for destinations outside the United States.

What happens if it rains on our wedding day?

Some of the most beautiful, romantic images I have ever captured were on overcast or rainy days. I come prepared with backup plans and the creativity to make any weather work beautifully.

How far in advance should we book?

Popular dates book 12-18 months in advance, especially for peak season (May through December). I recommend reaching out as soon as you have a date to ensure availability.

Do you photograph weddings in Monterey and Carmel?

Yes. I have been photographing weddings on the Monterey Peninsula since 2008, including The Barns at Cooper Molera, The Perry House, The Club at Pasadera, Nicklaus Club Monterey, Bernardus Lodge, Carmel Valley Ranch, Holman Ranch, and the Carmel Mission Basilica.

Are you available for weddings in Austin, Texas?

Yes, I am now booking weddings in Austin and the Texas Hill Country. I have photographed Hill Country weddings at The Preserve at Canyon Lake and Camp Lucy. Send me your date and venue and I will tell you if I am free.

How do I reserve my wedding date?

A signed contract and a 30% retainer reserve your date. Once I have both, the date is yours and I do not book anything else that day. The remaining balance is due two weeks before the wedding, and payment plans are available.

Can we see a full wedding gallery?

Of course! During our consultation, I would love to share full galleries from past weddings so you can see the complete story of how I document a wedding day.

Book Your Date

Ready to book your wedding photographer?

Reach out today to check my availability. Popular dates fill quickly, so the sooner we start planning, the better.

Let's Make Magic