From first hello
to photo book in hand
This page is for couples who want to know what working together looks and feels like before you reach out.
Here's everything from start to finish, so you know exactly what to expect.
The simple version
Connect
We get to know each other, make sure it's a good fit, and plan a photography experience that genuinely excites you and your partner.
Experience
We spend intentional time together without any pressure to perform.
Just fully present in something meaningful.
Cherish
Your gallery arrives, your photo book is designed with care, and your memories have a permanent + beautiful home.
What the session feels like
Every session starts with a real conversation, not just sharing a Pinterest board and picking a random location that just looks pretty for a backdrop.
Of course aesthetics matter, and I'd love to see what inspires you visually! But my process begins by getting a little vulnerable and digging a little deeper.
Before we talk about locations or outfits, I want to know what this moment actually means to you. What you value and stand for as a couple. A bit of the journey you're on and why you feel grateful having them as your life partner. I want to hear all about the world you’re creating together and how it feels to exist in it.
Why is this all important? Well, the biggest lesson I learned is that the best photos usually happen when the couples themselves are taking the lead, and have a deep understanding of what their relationship looks and feels like currently. You would think it happens when you’re super hands-on and directing/posing every detail in the images, but I was completely wrong.
Nothing can beat someone’s natural smile or laugh when they’re fully living in the moment. Or the way your body language says everything when you feel truly loved and seen by your person. It’s so heartwarming to witness couples who don't feel pressured to perform, because they already feel confident and joyful for what they have. That energy is what I love to capture in photos, and those end up becoming my client’s favorites as well!
Of course I’ll point out where the best lighting is, the best backdrop, what colors would go well, share ideas we can try out, and help you laugh so you can feel comfortable. But all of those things are in support of documenting what already exists between you two!
That’s why I’m all about collaboration and treating every session like its own passion project. We’re not here to pose you like models and take pretty photos that were faked — we’re here to capture what your real relationship looks and feels like in this current era of your life.
Whatever closeness, warmth, and connection looks like for you is exactly what I'm here to capture (‘:
What the wedding feels like
I love photographing events like weddings because something real is always happening: real conversations, real tears, real laughter, real people you love all in the same room making great memories together.
My job is to be present for all of it without getting in the way of any of it. That means I love taking the documentary approach and being more of a fly on the wall, observing and capturing what’s happening from a wider perspective.
I don’t like making people fake laugh or forcing out of place moments just to “get the shot”. But I do like to offer suggestions that feel right in that moment and often leads to a genuine interaction or reaction.
For an example: One wedding I noticed the dad of the bride looking a little shy while we were taking photos, so I asked him if he would like to hug his daughter. His face lit up and I ended up getting a really nice photo of him giving her a quick kiss on the temple after he hugged her (‘: It’s not just about nailing the first kiss shot at the altar or taking the most beautiful bridal portraits — it’s also having the eye to capture these fleeting yet meaningful moments too.
I’m also very mindful of collaborating with other vendors and will happily work with videographers to make sure everything goes smoothly. I’m not afraid to ask people to kindly move, or take charge during group photos so we don’t waste time. The balance between stepping in when needed vs stepping back to not get in the way of everyone’s experience is something I take very seriously.
The photos will be beautiful, but only because what's happening in them is! If you’re looking for someone that gets it, I hope we can be a great fit ❤︎
Next steps
Here's exactly what happens from the moment you reach out to the moment your photo book arrives.
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After you review my work, fill out the contact form or send an email to hello@aokierika.com.
Share a little about who you are, what you're celebrating, and what day(s) you’d like to work together. There's no pressure to have it all figured out, even a rough idea is enough to start.
I respond to every single inquiry within 48 hours, usually much sooner. I will never leave you on read! Even if I'm not available for your date, I'll let you know and try to point you in a helpful direction. There is no ghosting here.
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A chill 20-minute call where we get to learn about each other. I'll ask about your relationship, your vision, what feels most like you — and we'll figure out together if we're a good fit. No pressure, no sales pitch. Just a conversation.
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Once we've decided to work together, I'll send over a contract and request a 25% deposit to hold the date. Payment plans are available — just ask. Your date isn't confirmed until both are received.
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This is one of my favorite parts!
For sessions: We'll plan a location and experience that genuinely feels like it was meant for you and your partner — your favorite neighborhood, a place with meaning, somewhere you've always wanted to go. I'll also send your session guide to help you prepare for the day emotionally, outfits, and logistics.
For adventure elopements: Special guide coming soon (:
For intimate weddings: I don’t personally offer any wedding planning yet, but I have a trusted friend I would love to recommend. If you’d like any vendor recs please let me know!
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We show up, we slow down, and we let the day unfold.
For sessions: I'll guide you gently when it's helpful and disappear when it's not. By the end, most couples say it felt less like a photoshoot and more like a really meaningful date. That's the goal!
For weddings: Instead of treating your wedding like it’s a photo shoot,
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You'll receive a handful of sneak peeks within 48 hours so you don't have to wait long to relive the day. Your full hand-edited gallery arrives within the timeline outlined in your package — 2 to 4 weeks depending on your session. I edit every image with the full gallery in mind, in both natural tones and black & white.
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After your gallery is delivered, I design your custom photo book — selecting images, sequencing the story, and incorporating the personalized details that make it uniquely yours. It's quality-checked by hand (by me) before it ships to your door.
When it arrives, I hope you open it and smile immediately at how beautiful it came out (‘:
FREE GUIDE
How to prepare for
your portrait session
This free guide covers everything, so you can show up feeling ready, excited, and completely at ease.
✧ What to wear (and what to avoid) for couples photos
✧ How to choose an experience and location with meaning
✧ How to mentally prepare so you feel at ease
✧ What to bring and what to expect on the day
✧ Tips for couples who feel camera-shy
Love Letters From Clients
“We felt that she went way above and beyond our expectations.”
From the first conversation to receiving the final photos, she was always well organized, paid high attention to detail, and most importantly fun to work with. We were told by many of our peers that the most important thing in a photographer is having someone you can count on, who has a great personality, and is fun to be around. (I mean, they are with you for pretty much the entire day on the biggest day of your life, lol). SHE TICKED ALL THE BOXES. We will definitely refer her services to our family and friends and hope to see her at more events. Do yourself a favor and stop shopping for wedding photographers now, call up Erika, and lock her in ASAP!
— Austin + Runa (Engagement + Intimate Wedding)
“Her communication was amazing and she made us feel so comfortable throughout the planning process and especially the wedding day.”
Erika was an absolute pleasure to work with. She is very professional and made sure to touch base with us before and during the wedding to make sure she knew exactly what our vision was. My husband and I are not the most comfortable in front of the camera so she helped give us clear and easy direction as well. We truly can’t say enough good things about her!
— Shelby + Raphael (Intimate Wedding)
Ready to experience this for yourselves?
No pressure to have it all figured out.
Reach out and we'll take it from there.
Or email directly: hello@aokierika.com