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a couple running in the mountains after their adventurous elopement in Oregon.
husband and wife having an intimate moment on the beach at sunset in San Diego California, the man is kissing the woman.
couple in wedding attire walking on the beach of san diego during an engagment session
Couple laughing at sunset at batiquitos lagoon in Carlsbad Ca
couple embracing in the waves on the beach of Coronado Island in San Diego.
a bride wearing blundstone boots with her wedding dress. She is lifting her dress so you can see her boots.

Documentary-Style Mini Session & Elopement Photographer | Serving San Diego County & All of California, Oregon, & Washington.

Not every love story is meant for mountaintops, and that’s totally okay! Maybe your dream elopement happens in a cozy Big Bear A-frame with crisp October air, a magical moment among the Redwoods, or exchanging vows in La Push, baby, La Push, because Twilight was your first love story. Wherever your story unfolds, I want to document how it felt. The laughter, soft touches, and love that feels like it belongs in the pages of your favorite book. If that sounds like the kind of wedding album you’ve been dreaming of, let's connect!

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Cinematic & Emotive

Nostalgic Photography
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your story, unscripted

Authentic Love
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the art of A moment

Timeless Albums
Black and white, Northern California Elopement Photography at an engagement session

he ind of ove
hat eel ike ome

silhouette image of a bride and groom in the window of an old church building.
black and white photo of a bride and groom at a brewery at their reception with their shoes off.

Quiet Moments, Loud Love

Documentary-Style Wedding Photography & Mini Sessions

I believe photography isn't meant to be stiff, staged, or like anyone else’s. It's meant to be felt. Unscripted. Honest. Wildly true. Because years from now, when you look back, I want you to remember more than just how it looked, I want you to remember how you felt.

Let's Chat!

california elopement photographer, Michaela Estrada walking in a field

eetichaela!

Thrifting guru, musician, Freakily good at air hockey.

Hey y’all, I’m Michaela, a California-based elopement & mini session photographer with a heart for storytelling & documenting genuine connection. My photography is emotive & nostalgic; the kind of love that feels like a dog-eared page in a well-loved book. Let's celebrate your story in California, Oregon, or Washington, & create memories that will play on repeat.

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Let's Dance Barefoot in the Kitchen While our Favorite Record Spins.
emember the eeling you got hen you ead Twilight for the irst ime?

The slow burn, the stolen glances, the kind of love that lingers long after the last page. That’s the feeling I document. Moments that feel cinematic, nostalgic, and just a little bit unreal. Whether it’s fog rolling through the trees, soft light spilling through the window, or a moment so effortless it feels like fate, your story deserves to be told the way you felt it.

Black and white photo of clasped hands with the sky as a background
eelings that inger fter the redits oll

Real Stories, Photographer Guides, & Inspiration to Fuel Your Pinterest Board.

Husband and wife embracing at the hotel del in coronado while kissing.

Amidst towering trees and soft moss, this forest elopement captured raw, intimate moments that felt like a scene from a fairy tale. Nature’s beauty framed their vows perfectly."

Bride and groom running in a field after their mountain elopement.
City Lights & Love: A Chic Urban Engagement Session

"Under a canopy of stars, this engagement session captured moments of pure enchantment. The night sky added a touch of magic to their intimate celebration."

Bride and groom exchanging vows in the mountains with their friends and family.

"In the heart of the city, this urban engagement session combined modern vibes with heartfelt connection. The city’s skyline provided a stunning backdrop to their love story."

Bride pulling up her dress to reveal blundstone boots after a hike in the mountains

"With the ocean as their canvas, this beachside wedding was a breathtaking blend of romance and natural beauty. Sunset hues and gentle waves set the stage for their perfect day."

rafted ike a 90's ove ong

Every story deserves to be told in a way that feels as timeless as our favorite movie soundtrack. Evoking the same emotions you get re-reading that one Emily Henry book, making your heart skip a beat. Your day is one that needs no limits, so let's give it the spotlight.

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intimate & unscripted

PNW Elopements
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documented not staged

California Elopements
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short & totally sweet

San Diego Mini Experience
Bride and groom running toward the oregon elopement photographer in the middle of a deserted road.
"If You Haven't Worked With Michaela, You are Missing Out!"

"Absolutely wonderful at capturing the real moments. She does it in a way that made us feel so relaxed and comfortable which made our pics come out in such a genuine way. Great communicator, and fast at getting them back to you!"

—  Avery & Haylee D.

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