Hey there! My name is Kestrel (yes, like the bird) and I use she/her/hers pronouns. I’m a wedding, elopement, and family photographer with a relaxed, journalistic, and adventurous vibe based in the Pacific Northwest. I grew up in the San Juan Islands, spending most of my summers exploring the areas near by boat. I currently live in Seattle, WA, but find myself all around the PNW for work and fun.

The reasons I LOVE documenting weddings are because of the people, the emotion, and the unique aspect of each and every day for different couples. I do my best work when the focus is on the people, whether that’s just you and your partner up on the mountains somewhere, a modest 70 person celebration, or a 300+ elegant affair. The details matter, but only in relation to YOU and your people. Not only do I want to capture timeless moments and the story of the day, made up with the details, the tears, the laughter, and the loving glances…I want you and your guests experience with me throughout the entire process to add to your celebration in a positive way. It is crucial to me that my presence only enhances your wedding day.
I also want to assure you that most people are not immediately comfortable in front of the camera. In fact, most of the photos you’ll see on my site are from folks who describe themselves as feeling awkward in front of the camera- myself included! Part of my process is creating room for you to be yourselves and be documented more candidly. Everyone is unique in what they need to feel comfortable, some prefer more instruction, some prefer fully candid. I’ll be using my professional experience to work with you to create a process that feel comfortable, fun, and relaxing for you while still creating beautiful, natural images.

I also strongly value and prioritize running a business that proudly supports the LGBTQ+ community. Likewise, while I’m far from perfect, anti-racism is an important value to me as well. In all my work, I seek to prioritize the safety of clients that fall within groups affected by homophobia, racism, transphobia, ableism, fat phobia, etc. If you identify with any of these communities and are nervous about photography in some way relating to this, I’m always happy to hear your concerns and talk honestly about how I can support you throughout the process of hiring and working with a photographer.
Above all, I want to document your love and your joy!

The wedding industry itself can be a strange world that often wants to attract and sell to those they think will spend the most money. It CAN tell you that you need to prioritize having an Instagram worthy wedding, being on the cutting edge of wedding trends, and bust your budget on making sure you are the next featured wedding.
It is not inherently wrong with having a beautiful wedding full of details. Whether the details are designed by talented vendors or focused on highlighting the natural scenery around you, the most important part of your day is really about what matters the most to you and your partner. What is going to bring you joy? Does a certain detail matter to you, does it make you excited? If not, don’t do it.
It is also very important that no matter what your design aesthetic is, that you receive beautiful, high quality photos that tell your story. You deserve a team of vendors that believes in your vision, and will work their hardest to support your incredible and unique celebration. I am not a wedding photographer that follows the same shot list wedding after wedding, but the photographer who’s looking for the intimate, candid moments that document the story of you, your partner, your loved ones, and your celebration. I am the photographer that wants to get to know you both so that I can best document your story, and provide you with an experience and photographs that enrich your entire celebration for years and years to come.