The Experience

The Experience

Even though I have a background in filmmaking, I’m not going to yell cut during your ceremony or give you direction on how to deliver your vows. I will, however, guide you on the day to give you the best photos possible. Whether it’s tips on the best place to have your first look, or corralling your family for the perfect group photo; I will give you clear instructions so you’re not left wondering, "what do I do now?"

This direction carries over into wedding planning (Pre-Production), your wedding day (Principal Photography), and delivery (Post-Production). Whether it’s visiting your venue to find the best place to have your first look, or writing out your timeline so your wedding goes as smoothly as possible, I will be there with you, making sure that you have everything you need to make your day as stress-free as possible.

A healthy mix of a fly-on-the-wall and a director

Let's do this!

The wedding day is here, you're surrounded by your wedding party getting ready for your big day, and with the Maya Papaya experience you'll get...

Picture this...

The Early Bird Gets the pretty photos 

I will arrive 20 minutes early to scout your getting ready space for the best places. I'll greet you and your wedding party and hype up how great you look. I'll start with photographing your details, 

When I return, I'll focus on photographing you getting dressed.
I'll be there to capture all the moments. While I'm working with you, my second shooter will photograph your partner; that way no moments are missed. 

Sneak Peeks in 24 hours

Once I get home I immediately back up your wedding photos to my hard drive and start editing your sneak peeks. You'll receive a text and email with your personalized gallery within 24 hours of your wedding so you can share with your family and friends on social media.

And don't worry, I'll include instructions on how to download the images to you phone for Auntie Carol.

Family Photos that don't last 3 days

My goal is to get through family photos in 30 minutes or less. Because it's chaotic separating family from an open bar, I will coordinate with the DJ to make sure the family members you want photos with stay in the ceremony space until we are finished with photos.

Based on the list that we create prior, we'll go through the family photos lighting quickly, prioritizing the ones who can't stand for very long.

First Look or No First Look

If you and your partner agree to do a first look (which is the best way to alleviate those pre wedding jitters), I'll bring your partner to private for you two to have your moment alone. I will direct you as you approach, but once you are arms length away I will fall back and let the moment happen.

Don't worry if you don't want to do a first look, there are other alternatives (first touch, letter reading etc). Whichever you choose, I'll incorporate it into your day.

portraits in the best light

I don't want to keep you away from the cocktail party you paid for, that's why I plan your couples portraits during sunset for 30 minutes.

That way you can get breath taking photos during golden hour, but also give you time to meet and mingle with your family and friends so you don't have to scarf down your dinner to meet with each table during your reception.

Part Wedding Photographer, PArt Director

The moment we've all been waiting for. I'll create a game plan with my second shooter so that we're covering all the angles of your wedding day.

Leading up to the ceremony I'll be nonintrusive, photographing your guests mingling and any cute antics your family is up to. During the ceremony I embrace my inner director, utilizing my camera's silent shutter, so your guests will never know I was there.

WANT TO KNOW HOW I ENVISION YOUR WEDDING DAY?

I'll chat with you and see what you're dreaming up for your day before I create a pitch of what your day will look like with me as your photographer. 

contact me now

Engagement Session Treats

I don't know about y'all, but I get hangry when I haven't eaten in a while. And
when you have a 1.5 hour session, that hanger sneaks up on you. That's why I bring snacks and water for you and you fiance, so that you won't Hulk out during your session.  

Setting the Mood

Going the Extra Mile

I know first hand how awkward it can be to have your photo taken in silence. To combat that I bring a bluetooth speaker so you can listen to your own personalized soundtrack during your session. So you don't have to worry about dancing to nothing.

A Stress-Free Experience

I pride myself on possessing the perfect energy on a wedding day. With an emphasis on enjoying your day and not getting through you day, I harness my superpowers of humor and positive vibes to ensure that any and all  wedding day hurdles are handled with positivity and grace.

More questions? Send me a note

Of course! It's personally one of my favorite parts of the wedding planning process. I book downtime into your day so you don't feel rushed. I'm available to you as a resource whenever you need it

DO YOU HELP US MAKE A TIMELINE?

You can definitely include additions to your package. So if you want to add on more time and a photo booth, just let me know. I will make sure to lock in the changes for you accordingly.

CAN WE MAKE CHANGES AFTER BOOKING?

I will send you an online gallery with a sneak peek of your images within 24 hours of your session. Remaining engagement session images will be delivered within 4 weeks, Weddings will be delivered within 6-8 weeks.

How and when will we get our images?

A retainer is the portion of payment that locks in your vendor. To book me a flat fee of $500 is required upon signing. The remaining balance is due 30 days before your wedding.

WHAT IS A RETAINER?

Of course I love meeting couples! It's not a requirement for me but if you're local then I'd love to meet with you at a local coffee shop. Also If we meet up your coffee is on me.   

Can we meet you before booking?

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You work with LGBTQ couples?

HELL YEAH! My business a safe space for LGBTQ couples. 

What if you haven't shot at our venue?

That's totally fine. If I can I like to meet up ahead of the wedding date a check out the venue. I come to each wedding with all my equipment so that I can make sure that I'm prepared for any situation. 

"She was super energetic and guided us to not be awkward like we started and we had so much fun, laughing and happy tears when I revealed the purpose of the photoshoot at 6AM! Maya was quick with getting our photos ready, and we had them by like noon, I think. AND OH MY GOD, they were absolutely stunning."


Albina + Kyira

"Being with Maya felt like I had known her for years; like she was part of our family. Maya captured our wedding and our joy so perfectly. She shot our wedding on a snowy new year's day early in the morning- conditions most people would prefer to be inside, sleeping, and/or hungover for. I appreciate everything she did for us, from her support, to how absurdly fast her picture turnaround was."


Maya + Sean

"If your looking for a photographer that genuinely listens and goes above and beyond, this is her!... This girl knows how to bring the energy and quality to any event she does! I couldn't thank her enough! Thank you! Thank you so much for making our day so special!"



Kristina + Luis

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