One of the most important decisions you'll make while planning your wedding is how many hours to book your photographer for. It's a question we hear all the time—and for good reason! Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and making sure it's documented beautifully from start to finish requires a thoughtful approach to your timeline. Whether you're planning an intimate elopement or a grand celebration, this guide will walk you through everything you need to consider when deciding how long to book your photographer.

One of the most heartfelt, emotionally-charged moments of a wedding day often happens before the ceremony even begins. The first look—when a couple sees each other privately before walking down the aisle—is becoming more and more popular, and for good reason. If you’re wondering whether this moment is right for you, you’re not alone. So many of my couples ask about it, and honestly? It might just become your favorite part of the entire day. Let’s dive into why this quiet, powerful tradition is worth considering.

Let’s face it—while you might be counting down the days to your engagement session, your fiancé may not share quite the same enthusiasm. And that’s totally normal. Most grooms-to-be aren’t exactly dreaming of posing in front of a camera, but that doesn’t mean the experience can’t be fun for both of you. With a little patience, some gentle encouragement, and a few clever strategies, you can help him feel more relaxed, confident, and even (gasp!) excited about it. This guide is all about turning your session into a moment you’ll both love and remember.Let’s face it—while you might be counting down the days to your engagement session, your fiancé may not share quite the same enthusiasm. And that’s totally normal. Most grooms-to-be aren’t exactly dreaming of posing in front of a camera, but that doesn’t mean the experience can’t be fun for both of you. With a little patience, some gentle encouragement, and a few clever strategies, you can help him feel more relaxed, confident, and even (gasp!) excited about it. This guide is all about turning your session into a moment you’ll both love and remember.

Get ready for some serious heart eyes 😍 — this family session was a literal dream come true! From tiny cowboy boots to sweet kisses and two-stepping spins 💃🕺, photographing Celine, Brandon, Jackson, Grandma Denise, and their beautiful horse Chocolah 🐴 during a mentoring session with Ashleigh Magnus Photography had me smiling the entire time. The love, laughter, and western charm were off the charts — sessions like this are why I do what I do! 🤎📸✨

✨ There’s nothing quite like the bond between a rider and their horse — and Maddie & Primo's session at Blenheim Equisports captured that connection so beautifully 🥹🐴💛. As Primo nears retirement at the young age of 11, this shoot was the perfect way to honor their journey together, filled with love, trust, and unforgettable memories 📸🌿.

Golden light, growing love, and the sweetest family moments 🌅💛📸 — this maternity session with Becca, Spencer, their son Auggie, and their gorgeous horse Stella was pure magic. Captured during another mentoring session with Ashleigh Magnus Photography, we spent a golden afternoon celebrating the beauty of new beginnings and the deep bonds of family (both two- and four-legged 🐴👣).

Let’s talk about those awkward, forced smiles. You know the ones—stiff lips, wide eyes, and that “please just take the photo” energy. Whether it’s your little one clamming up the second the camera comes out or you suddenly forgetting how to smile like a human, it happens to the best of us. But great news: there are simple tricks to help everyone relax, feel comfortable, and bring out those real, joy-filled grins that make photos shine. Here’s how to ditch the fake smiles—for good.

For this special senior session, I had the honor of photographing Faith — a 2025 graduate of Chapman University 🎓 — alongside her heart horse, Bronson 🐴. As captain and president of the equestrian team, Faith’s dedication and love for horses shine through in every frame. From the elegant Chapman campus to the peaceful trails of Nellie Gail Ranch, this session was full of heart, sunshine, and unforgettable moments 🌿📸💛

✨ Golden hour magic, sweet summer vibes, and a radiant smile to match! ☀️📸 I had the absolute pleasure of photographing the gorgeous Summer during a mentoring session with the incredibly talented Ashleigh Magnus Photography. These photos were captured just in time for her sorority rush — and she totally brought the energy, confidence, and sunshine! 🌻💫

When planning your wedding, the last thing you might think about is feeding your photographer. But trust us, we're human, too! Wedding days are long, fast-paced, and filled with constant action, which means photographers often go hours without a proper meal. Let’s talk about why feeding your photographer is just as important as providing meals for your guests.

On May 10th, I ventured into something entirely new — photographing my very first western horse show! 🤠 As a lifelong lover of animals and storytelling through imagery, this experience was both exciting and inspiring. From the shimmer of show tack to the rhythm of hooves in the arena, every moment was a visual adventure. Here’s a peek into my day behind the lens at Surf City Western I! 🐎✨

When planning your wedding day, it’s easy to think about the big-ticket items: the dress, the flowers, the venue, the photography. But one detail that brides often overlook—or think they can handle on their own—is makeup. While you may be a pro at your everyday glam, your wedding day isn’t just any day. Professional makeup artists exist for a reason, and when it comes to looking and feeling your absolute best, investing in one is more than worth it. Here's why hiring a professional makeup artist could be one of the best decisions you make for your big day.

Tucked away in the heart of Norco, California 🐴🌾, I had the joy of capturing Baylee in her element—surrounded by the horses she loves most. With beautiful afternoon light ☀️ and the peaceful hum of ranch life, this session was full of tender moments between Baylee, her new foal Arcky 🐎, & her sweet mare Sugar 🤍.

Golden hour, horses, and rescue pups? Yes, please! 🐴🐶✨ I had the absolute joy of joining Ashleigh Magnus Photography once again for one of her amazing mentoring sessions—this time featuring the lovely Jennie and her incredible animals at the stunning Giracci Vineyards and Farms in Williams Canyon, CA. Between the golden light, the sweet connection Jennie shares with her horses and dogs, and the peaceful vineyard setting, this session was pure magic 🌞📸💛.

When you’re knee-deep in wedding planning, it’s easy to overlook the small things—like Save the Dates. But these little cards? They pack a big punch. More than just a pretty preview of your big day, Save the Dates play a crucial role in helping your guests plan ahead and get excited. From keeping calendars clear to setting the tone for your celebration, here’s why sending a Save the Date isn’t just a tradition—it’s a total game-changer.

Brittney’s graduation session at Vanguard University was nothing short of magical ✨—a golden hour celebration of her incredible journey through nursing school. From nervous smiles to carefree laughter, she radiated strength, joy, and gratitude in every frame. With multiple outfit changes that reflected both her fun personality and her professional path, this shoot was a beautiful tribute to a bright future ahead.