Hello, it's so nice to meet you.
MY NAME IS Laina
Welcome! I’m Laina, a California-based & destination wedding photographer rooted in San Diego. With nearly a decade of experience, I’ve had the honor of capturing love stories that reflect both the intimate and grand moments of life.
Every couple’s journey is unique, and my goal is to artfully preserve those fleeting moments that will be cherished for generations to come. My work is more than a collection of images—it’s a creation of visual heirlooms that embody the beauty, joy, and emotion of your day.
Above all, I seek to honor the Lord in all I do, capturing the love He has so beautifully designed, and I am humbled by the trust my clients place in me to document these once-in-a-lifetime moments.
A little about me
I love morning light, finding kindred spirits, the color blue, anything and everything by C.S. Lewis, seeing people smile with their eyes, learning people’s Myers-Briggs personality type, a good concert with raw acoustics, visiting art museums, taking time to savor the moment, finding my identity and worth in Christ alone, black-and-white film photographs, reading classic literature, people-watching at airports (but really, who doesn’t?), when people feel like home, heartfelt poetry, late-night kitchen-floor conversations, tight hugs, and music played from the heart.
There's just a glimpse into my life and a few of the things I hold dear. No matter who or where we are, we’re all souls wandering this beautiful earth, each with a unique story to share. No two stories unfold the same—and that’s the magic. Your love, your laughter, the quiet in-between moments—they deserve to be preserved in a way that feels entirely and authentically yours. I don’t just document love; I listen for its rhythm, its softness, its spark—and then I craft imagery that speaks in the language of your story. It’s a sacred thing to witness, and I’d be honored to help you tell yours.
Anne of green gables series still Makes me Cry
My Favorite Things
I'll arrive at first light and show up excited and ready to shoot your day - without missing a beat. Whether it's spending the morning with the mother-of-the-bride and the bridal squad helping you get ready or with hanging with the groomsmen as they spiffy up, I'm in. I will be on all day watching out for every special moment so that you can simply enjoy the day! I'll be there to help ensure things flow smoothly while documenting the getting ready prep through to ceremony, reception and hey, maybe even that afterparty. I'll be there in the centre of it all photographing moments and details that you're right in the midst of or little moments you might’ve missed.
Rain, hail or shine, I won’t miss a beat
Behind The Lens
My work is deeply inspired by the romance and softness found in the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist eras—artists like Monet, Renoir, and Cassatt, who captured fleeting moments with a gentle, dreamlike touch. Like them, I’m drawn to the quiet beauty in everyday emotion—the way light falls, a glance shared, a moment that lingers. Through my lens, I seek to tell your story with the same sense of artistry, depth, and tender nostalgia.
What Inspires Me
Zac & Mary
"Absolutely the best. We had very high expectations and yet were still blown away! Laina was such a delight to work with and perfectly executed all our specific requests. She has such a great way of calming and making you and your wedding party feel comfortable and at ease, which really comes out in the photos. Very reasonable pricing too, especially considering the quality is really as good as it gets. Cannot recommend Laina highly enough!"
William & Thuyvi
"Beautiful, professional, and overall, the best in the business. I cannot recommend Laina more. Laina made our wedding so special and stress free. Before the wedding, she was extremely communicative, knowledgeable, warm, and made the whole process simple and enjoyable. During the wedding, Laina shot our whole wedding from start to finish. She was able to capture our most important moments all the way to the tiniest, yet delicate details. She caught moments that I wasn't able to see, which looking back on the photos now, I am so grateful for. Laina is intentional to learn their clients - their passions, values, and personalities - and it shows in her work. She is experienced, knowledgeable in her art, and professional. Thank you, Laina for being our photographer!"
Mary Beth
"The best in Jax! I can't say enough good things. She was a joy to work with from start to finish. We hired her for photo and were so thrilled with the results. She perfectly captured the mood and personality of our wedding. One thing I really appreciated was meeting with her well before our big day arrived and talking through our story as a couple, our vision for the wedding and the aesthetic we were looking for in our photo memories. She was so responsive and accommodating and gave us exactly what we were looking for and more. Super flexible. Super professional. Super talented. Loved working with Laina!!"
Kind words
No story is one and the same. Yours will be finessed to share your unique journey.
