It’s me, Charlotte! Northern California elopement photographer
Why wedding stories matter to me
I was raised by two incredible working-class parents in China. They loved deeply—but quietly. We didn’t say “I love you.” We didn’t talk about feelings. Love existed, but it lived between the lines. When I moved to the U.S., I attended my first Western wedding. I watched two people stand in front of everyone they loved and speak their hearts out loud. They shared vows. They cried. They chose each other—openly, boldly, without apology. I was completely stunned. That moment changed how I see weddings. I realized how powerful it is when people are given permission to express love fully—to be seen, heard, and celebrated. That’s why documenting wedding stories matters to me. Not because they’re perfect, but because they capture courage.
The choice to love out loud. The moments you’ll want to return to, again and again.
(And yes, goosebumps still happen every time.)
Why wedding stories matter to me
The expectations?
They’re INTENSE
There’s pressure to conform.
There are rules, norms, and a growing list of people to impress. And weddings? Yeah… they can come with a lot of that.
Over time, I’ve learned that the most meaningful wedding days — big or small — aren’t about doing things “right.” They’re about doing things honestly.
Some couples want something quiet and immersive.
Some want a packed dance floor and a room full of cheers. Most fall somewhere in between.
Whatever your version looks like, you don’t need to justify it. You don’t need to perform. You don’t need to fit into a box you never asked for. You just get to choose your own happy — and let yourself enjoy it.
Le Moment Capturer | now featuring Derek
LMC’s dedicated second shooter, videographer, and the best job of them all: my dear partner
Derek brings his own artistic perspective to Le Moment Capturer while aligning with me on the most important parts of the job: making you laugh, keeping things fun, and helping you feel completely at ease.
He’s traveled to 39 countries across five continents, hiked in 37 U.S. national parks, and grew up in Michigan under the wing of his dad — a State Park Ranger. His knowledge of the outdoors (flora, fauna, and all the good nerdy stuff) has a way of grounding people and bringing them closer to their surroundings.
He’s outdoorsy, soft-hearted, and a Leave No Trace warrior.
Whether your day unfolds in the middle of nature or in the middle of a packed celebration, he’s all in.
Why wedding stories matter to me
We’re chasing life in the moment with bare feet in the sand and our hearts on our sleeves
Our deepest desire is to make your wedding day — whether it’s an intimate elopement or a meaningful celebration — feel like a joy-filled journey instead of a performance.
We don’t just show up and shoot.
We show up to create an atmosphere of patience, empathy, and fun, so you can relax, let loose, and actually be yourselves.
We share a deep love for nature, the ocean, and building real connections with the people in our lives — including the couples we work with. Someday, we dream of buying a beachfront house in Baja and hosting intimate celebrations where couples swim with whale sharks and spend hazy evenings in the sun. Until then, Northern California is home — and we can’t wait to show you around.
You’re officially invited to chase life with us. So… are you in, or are you in?