
Matina Cordell Photography
Southern California Couples and Wedding Photographer
Available for Travel
“To all who come to this happy place: Welcome”
~Walt Disney
HI!
I know we haven’t met yet, but picture this—I’m sitting across from you at your favorite cozy café, probably with a vanilla latte in hand and an excited sparkle in my eye because I love meeting new people. Maybe we’ve already exchanged a warm hug or a cheerful high-five (because that’s just how I roll), and now we’re about to dive into all things photography, love stories, and the little moments that make life magical.
But before I get ahead of myself, let me introduce myself properly. Hi, I’m Matina, and I can’t wait to get to know you! Want to hear more about how I got here? Let’s go! ⬇️
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Capturing the Details: The Magic of Wedding Flat Lays ✨📸💍
When it comes to capturing the essence of a wedding day, flat lay photography is one of the most beautiful and thoughtful ways to preserve the smallest yet most meaningful details 💍✨. From vow books and invitation suites to jewelry, perfume, and heirlooms, flat lays artfully tell the story of the day before it even begins. These styled arrangements provide a timeless snapshot of the couple’s personal style and the intentional touches that make their celebration uniquely theirs — and yes, that includes the groom too!
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Laura & Drake
There’s something effortlessly enchanting about the bond between horse and rider — a quiet, powerful connection that speaks volumes without a single word. During golden hour at the beautiful Artesian Valley Farm, we had the honor of capturing that bond between Laura and her stunning Friesian, Drake. As part of a mentoring session with Ashleigh Magnus Photography, we explored four unique locations across the property — each one offering a different backdrop, mood, and story. From tranquil paddocks to wide-open fields, every moment with Laura and Drake felt like stepping into a fairytale.
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PDA is OK! Why Affection Belongs in Your Engagement Session
When it comes to engagement photos, one of the most common questions I get is, “Are we allowed to show PDA?” The answer? Absolutely, yes! Your engagement session is all about capturing the love, chemistry, and excitement between you and your partner—and that naturally includes a little affection. Whether you’re hand-holders, snugglers, kiss-on-the-forehead types, or just enjoy being close, this post is your gentle reminder that PDA isn’t just okay during your shoot—it’s encouraged!