Your love, exactly as it is
Couples Portrait & Intimate Wedding Photography
Available in Southern California + Worldwide
THE PHILOSOPHY
Emotionally authentic,
not just aesthetically perfect
Images that make you smile and say: “This feels like us.”
Documented with intention and care.
Preserved in photo books to cherish for a lifetime.
The most rewarding thing about couples photography is the fact that I get to immerse myself in something that’s important to all of humanity: love and community.
No matter what the photos are for, it’s meant for something much deeper than content for Instagram.
I feel so passionate about this work because of it. Out of all the different types of photography, this one feels the most human to me. It’s not for a brand, it’s not to sell you a product you don’t need, and it’s most certainly not for social clout.
These photos are much more important: it’s meant to capture something real and meaningful in your relationship. Something that honors your journey, your emotional connection, and that sense of deep peace + belonging that comes from years of companionship.
Aesthetics matter, but how your photos feel — and how they make you appreciate everything that’s led up to this moment — is what I care about most.
Lets get wholesome and make art that honors it ❤︎
Love Letters From Clients
“We really wanted our photos to be organic and feel like ‘us’ - and she more than delivered!”
Erika was such a delight to work with for both our proposal and engagement shoots! She immediately put my partner and I to ease - making us laugh, giving suggestions for poses, and reviewing captured shots with us in real-time so we could get a sneak peek. When it comes to capturing natural, tender moments, she is a real pro. She went above and beyond to be creative, find different angles, and do whatever it took to get the right shot. Truly the engagement photos of my dreams 🥹🥹
We couldn’t recommend Erika enough!!
— Alina + Eric (Proposal + Engagement)
“The whole process felt really collaborative and I felt like she sincerely cared about us, our ideas, and wishes for how the evening would go.”
Throughout the whole night they were so professional and created a really positive experience for guests and my husband and I. It's not always easy getting your photo taken but they made it really easy and felt like close friends. I really trusted her.
— Sierra + Robert (Intimate Wedding)
“You made a photo-awkward couple feel 1000% comfortable to be themselves and forget that the photoshoot was even happening.”
We couldn't be happier with the entire photoshoot process from beginning to end! And the final photos! You really captured our energy, our happiness, and our love for each other.
— Cristina + Kevin (Engagement)
How my photography experience differs from other photographers:
Intentional
Planning
We plan a location and experience that’s truly aligned with you, not whatever's trending.
Emotional
Safety
I take the time to learn about your relationship so you feel genuinely cared for, and your photos reflect that.
Gentle
Guidance
You'll never feel lost, awkward, or micro-managed! I'll guide you just enough, and disappear when a real moment is unfolding.
Heirloom
Focus
Every image is composed with a printed photo book in mind — because your future selves deserve the best experience reliving those memories.
Steady
Presence
No matter how the day unfolds, I stay calm, communicative, and focused on you. I’m here to make the experience easier, not harder!
As someone who grew up with divorced parents, I have deep respect for couples who build their relationship with intention and care. Now that I found my own partner I'm committing to have a meaningful life with, my desire to work with people who are also in conscious relationships has only deepened (‘:
Being invited into your world as a couple to help preserve a special life moment is something I will never take for granted — it's an honor that continues to heal and ground me in my own belief for love ❤︎
A Note From The Artist
Types of Photography Services:
Couples Portrait
Starting at $400
Proposal / Engagement / Anniversary / Maternity
Intimate Wedding
Starting at $2000
Courthouse / Half Day / Full Day
Event Coverage
$250/hr
Engagement Party / Bridal Shower / Baby Shower
HEIRLOOM PHOTO BOOKS
Photos belong somewhere you'll actually see them
Every package includes a custom-designed photo book — printed on premium materials, quality-checked by hand, and shipped directly to your home.
Ready when you are.
No pressure to have everything figured out!
I'd love to hear from you, and we’ll take it from there.
Please note: I only take on weddings with less than 75 guests.
日本語でも対応出来ますので、ご連絡お待ちしております。
Or email directly: hello@aokierika.com