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.”
Real memories documented with intention and care.
Preserved in photo books to cherish for a lifetime.
I specialize in taking photos that capture the best parts of humanity.
I’ll never get over taking photos of people who are experiencing something deeply meaningful to them. That soft smile you share when you’re truly excited to spend the rest of your life together. Your genuine reaction to your childhood bestie giving a hilarious yet most heart-warming speech ever. The ‘we fucking did it!’ energy as you’re walking down the aisle and feel everyone’s love as they cheer you on.
Because of how inherently sentimental these memories are, I love using my camera like a mirror more than a canvas. Unlike other forms of photography, it’s not just about taking a sick shot and editing it to perfection. I believe it means so much more when it reflects back who you are in your best moments, your connection with the people you love, and what it means to celebrate life in your own way.
Aesthetics matter, but how your photos feel and how it honors what you truly cherish in life matters more.
I hope this resonates with you too ❤︎
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)
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
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 you and 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 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!
Types of Photography Services:
Portrait Session
Starting at $400
Proposal / Engagement / Anniversary / Maternity
Intimate Wedding
Starting at $1500
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 as a gift — printed on premium materials, quality-checked by hand, and shipped directly to your home.
More details on the packages page.
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 intimate weddings with less than 50 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