Heartfelt. Intentional. Effortless.
Planning a wedding is deeply personal, and your photography experience should be too. From the first conversation to the final gallery delivery, everything I do is rooted in service, artistry, and care. My goal is to create space for you to be fully present&mdash;whether you're walking down the aisle, laughing with your dearest friends, or stealing a quiet moment with the one you love most.
This is more than photography. It&rsquo;s about preserving connection, emotion, and beauty so that years from now, you&rsquo;ll feel it all over again.

CUSTOM-TAILORED TO YOU 01 Your wedding is thoughtfully designed &mdash; your photography experience should be too. Rather than offering preset packages, I begin by getting to know you, your vision, and the events surrounding your celebration. From there, I craft a custom proposal that reflects your unique needs. Most clients invest an average of $8,500 for wedding day coverage.
&nbsp;

WARM, PERSONAL, AND INTENTIONAL 02 By taking on a limited number of weddings each year, I&rsquo;m able to offer a truly personal and approachable experience. I believe in kind-hearted communication, genuine connection, and honoring your vision and values. Building a relationship with my clients is at the heart of how I work.
&nbsp;

DIGITAL GALLERIES &amp; HEIRLOOM KEEPSAKES 03 Your digital images are delivered through a private, beautifully designed online portal. From there, I personally guide you through the process of selecting heirloom pieces &mdash; albums, prints, and artwork &mdash; thoughtfully designed to be treasured for generations. Custom collections are created based on your specific needs, with wedding day investments beginning at $7,000.

<h2 style="text-align: center;">What You Can Expect</h2>
&nbsp;

The Experience

I highly recommend Rochelle for all your photography needs. Our family has hired her for headshots, family portraits, and most recently for our daughter’s wedding. Her unique style and her creative eye are what set her apart from other photographers. The images she produces are high quality and she captures the essence of each person she works with. She makes her clients feel comfortable and truly knows how to bring out the very best in each and everyone of them. The wedding album we ordered for my daughter and her husband is stunning and unlike any we have ever seen, all because of Rochelle! Professional and personable, hard working and fun, there is no one quite like Rochelle Wilhelms Photography for all of life’s special moments!

Sylvie E

I cannot express how happy I am with how my wedding album and pictures turned out. The quality of every single picture and material used that went into this is absolutely top tier! Thank you Rochelle for creating and helping shape one of my most favorite days into something I can remember and cherish forever. It was so fun to work on the album with you and relive that day all over. You truly captured the day beautifully and now it can be displayed for everyone else to experience again! Highly recommend Rochelle and Graphi Studios! So elegant and romantic..it truly belongs in a museum! Ro made me feel comfortable from the start (which is really hard for me as I don’t like pictures). I will be using her for all of my future photography needs!

Vanessa A

I had the pleasure of meeting Rochelle at a photography workshop years ago. We instantly connected and that isn't hard as she's one of the most down to earth, funny, creative women I know. As soon as I got engaged she was my first phone call to book for my own wedding. She worked so hard to make sure everything was perfect for us. You can't go wrong booking Rochelle for your wedding day, she won't miss a beat and smile and laugh the entire time all while creating beautiful images. Thank you, Rochelle, for providing me with some of my most favorite, priceless images of all the people I love.

Shayla L

Rochelle has the eye of an artist and her photographs show this. She took so many gorgeous pictures of my son and his now wife for their wedding that took place at the end of October. The bride’s dress was non-traditional (black) and the photos were romantic and moody. Rochelle has such a gift in making her subjects feel very comfortable. I loved the whole process of working with her so much that I have booked her for my daughter’s wedding this coming May.

Brooks S

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West Coast Wedding Photography - 8 Hours

Local to Northern CaliforniaDesigned for couples who want a private, intimate wedding experience, free from distractions and full of meaningful moments. For those who believe love is at its best when it’s just the two of you. Picture this: a quiet ceremony in a secluded meadow, an exchange of vows beneath towering redwoods, or a cliffside kiss with the Pacific as your witness. No crowd, no noise—just the magic of your love story unfolding in an intimate and breathtakingly beautiful way. This collection is crafted for couples who want to say “I do” and then embark on an extraordinary photographic journey. No rush, no limits to creativity—just 4 hours of pure magic captured for you to treasure forever.

The San Francisco Elopement Package (4 Hours, 1 Photographer)

Your engagement session is a chance to celebrate this exciting season of your life and create timeless, meaningful images that reflect your unique connection. Whether it’s wandering through your favorite neighborhood, chasing golden light in an open field, or revisiting the spot where you first met, this session is all about telling your love story in a way that feels effortless and authentic.

Napa - Sonoma Engagement Photography

The Focal Essentials All You Need Plan lets you create a beautiful business website with the power of AI. Create Packages, Pricing pages and Blogs. Make booking easy for your client with Focal's Booking System. 5TB of Gallery Storage.

All You Need (Website + Booking System) Plan

Cream C,B

Alex and Natalie's wedding was a testament to the beauty of intimate celebrations. Choosing to exchange their vows aboard a sailboat on Lake Tahoe, they embraced the serenity and grandeur of nature, creating a day that was both personal and profoundly moving.
&nbsp;
A Unique Vision
From our initial conversations, it was clear that Alex and Natalie desired a wedding that deviated from the conventional. Their love for the outdoors and adventure led them to&nbsp;Tahoe Sailing Charters, where they found the perfect vessel to host their ceremony. With a skilled skipper at the helm, who also officiated the ceremony, they curated an experience that was both seamless and deeply reflective of their journey together.
&nbsp;
The Splendor of Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe's crystalline waters and majestic mountain vistas provided an awe-inspiring backdrop for the day's events. The sailboat, adorned with elegant floral arrangements in soft blush and verdant greens, complemented the natural beauty surrounding us. As we set sail, the gentle breeze and clear skies signaled a perfect day ahead.
&nbsp;
An Intimate Ceremony
Anchored in a tranquil cove, Alex and Natalie stood at the bow, encircled by their closest friends. The skipper officiated with heartfelt words, capturing the essence of their relationship. Their vows, spoken with unwavering sincerity, resonated over the calm waters, symbolizing a love both profound and enduring.
&nbsp;
Celebration on the Waves
Post-ceremony, the atmosphere shifted to one of joyous celebration. Champagne toasts, laughter, and music filled the air as the sailboat gently cruised along the lake. The couple's friends shared stories and well-wishes, enhancing the sense of camaraderie and love that defined the day.
&nbsp;
Capturing Timeless Moments
As their photographer, I was privileged to document the genuine emotions and candid interactions that unfolded. The interplay of natural light and the stunning landscape provided a canvas that highlighted the couple's connection and the day's authenticity.
&nbsp;
A Lasting Impression
Alex and Natalie's sailboat wedding was a poignant reminder that the most meaningful celebrations are those that reflect the true essence of a couple's love. By choosing an intimate setting amidst nature's grandeur, they crafted a day that was uniquely theirs&mdash;unforgettable and timeless.
&nbsp;
If you're envisioning a wedding that captures the authenticity of your love in a setting as breathtaking as Lake Tahoe, let's connect. Together, we can create and preserve the memories of your special day.

Venue: Tahoe Sailing Charters -&nbsp;<a href="https://tahoesail.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tahoesail.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1736361628094000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0CI0JbQy0_4omK_4w-2rur">https://tahoesail.com/</a>
Photography: Rochelle Wilhelms Photography
Dress: Grace Loves Lace -&nbsp;<a href="https://graceloveslace.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://graceloveslace.ca/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1736361628094000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2pp1sR7dsJBcwoSkjWHgAG">https://graceloveslace.ca/</a>
Florals: Walnut and Main -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walnutandmain.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.walnutandmain.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1736361628094000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1mAazS-5ehHzGMjUgLPJcN">https://www.walnutandmain.com/</a>

Alex and Natalie’s Intimate Sailboat Wedding on Lake Tahoe

Hello, and welcome to my celebration of love and unity through the power of wedding photography. I'm here to share with you the tangible magic that a professional photographer can bring to your special day. I firmly believe that everyone should have access to breathtaking images that capture not just the physical beauty, but also the emotional essence of their wedding day. When you hire a professional photographer, you're getting so much more than just perfectly lit and composed photos. My aim is to create a narrative of your story, capturing the romance, the intimacy, and the joy that makes your wedding day uniquely yours. My approach to wedding photography is a blend of elegance and authenticity, filled with timeless moments and genuine emotion. For over a decade, I've been privileged to walk alongside couples on their wedding day, putting them at ease and capturing their best selves. I understand the importance of capturing your vision, your excitement, and the unlimited potential of your day. And trust me, being comfortable with your photographer can make a world of difference in your photos! As a professional, I'm not just there to take photos; I'm there to ensure that your day runs smoothly. I take the time to understand you&mdash;your dreams, your desires, and how you want to experience your wedding day. You are the heart of this story, and I'm here to capture it in the most beautiful way possible. Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog and consider the importance of professional wedding photography. It's my hope that we can work together to create something more than just photos, but cherished memories that will be passed down through the generations. Let's embark on this journey together. I am always available to answer your questions, whether in person over a cup of coffee, or via video chat. I am dedicated, passionate, and genuinely invested in my craft. It's crucial to me that I am the right fit for you and your vision. And if I'm not, I would be more than happy to recommend another artist who can better serve you. After all, this day is about you, and you deserve the best. I look forward to hearing from you. Let's capture the magic together.

The Magic of Professional Wedding Photography

<h2 style="text-align: center;">AWARDS</h2>
Rochelle has been honored to receive the following International Awards:
(Gallery with images and award 6 from WPPI, 1 from Weddison)

<h2 style="text-align: center;">PRESS</h2>
Rochelle Wilhelms Photography has been privileged to be featured in the following publications:
&nbsp;
Rangefinder Magazine
Wedding Chicks
Style me Pretty
Borrowed &amp; Blue
Pretty My Party
Elegant Wedding Magazine &amp; Chic Wedding
Love+Wander
Something Turquoise
The Frosted Petticoat
The Lovely Bay
The Wedding Atlas
Elegance &amp; Enchantment
Evoking You
In Bliss
Weddingwire Network
Grey Likes Baby
Two Bright Lights Blog
Style Redefine
Senior Year Magazine
&nbsp;

Awards & Press

<h2 style="text-align: center;">FAQ for Photography Packages</h2>
&nbsp;
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;">1. What is the difference between a lighting assistant and a lead second photographer?</h3>
A lighting assistant is responsible for setting up and managing lighting equipment to ensure flawless, well-lit images. They assist the lead photographer in creating the desired ambiance and capturing high-quality shots in challenging lighting conditions. A lead second photographer is an experienced professional who provides additional coverage, capturing alternative angles, candid moments, and details that complement the lead photographer&rsquo;s work. They help ensure no important moment is missed.
&nbsp;
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;">2. How many photos will we receive?</h3>
The number of photos varies by package and the length of coverage, but on average: Elopement Collections: 250&ndash;400 photos Wedding Day Collections: 500&ndash;800+ photos All images are professionally edited and delivered in high resolution via an online gallery.
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;"> 3. What is included in the engagement session?</h3>
Engagement sessions include up to 2 hours of photography coverage, location and wardrobe consultation, professional editing, and an online gallery of high-resolution images with unlimited downloads and personal printing rights.
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;"> 4. Can we add additional hours to our package?</h3>
Yes! Additional hours can be added to any collection at $750 per hour. This can be arranged before the wedding or on the day of, depending on your timeline.
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;"> 5. What is the turnaround time for our photos?</h3>
Wedding galleries are delivered within 6&ndash;8 weeks. However, if you choose rush post-production, your gallery can be ready within 1 week for $800.
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;"> 6. Do you offer albums, and how are they designed?</h3>
Yes, we offer custom albums made in Italy with options for linen, vegan leather, or Italian leather covers. Albums start at $900 and include 10 spreads (20 pages). Additional spreads can be added for $45 each. Albums are designed in collaboration with you to ensure they reflect your wedding beautifully.
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;"> 7. Can we customize a package?</h3>
Absolutely! If none of the listed collections meet your exact needs, we can create a custom package tailored to your wedding day. Let&rsquo;s discuss your vision and craft something perfect for you.
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;"> 8. What is the difference between the collections?</h3>
The Minimalist Collection: Ideal for smaller weddings with up to 125 guests, it includes 6 hours of coverage and one photographer. The Tailored Collection: A step up, featuring 8 hours of coverage, a second photographer, and an engagement session. The Signature Collection: Designed for couples wanting comprehensive coverage, this package includes 10 hours of coverage, a second photographer, a lighting assistant, an Italian leather album, and an engagement session. The Legacy Collection: The most extensive option, offering 12 hours of coverage, two photographers, a lighting assistant, rehearsal dinner or engagement session coverage, and a larger Italian leather album.
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;"> 9. Do you travel for weddings?</h3>
Yes! We are based in Northern California but travel worldwide for weddings. Travel fees vary depending on the location and are discussed during the booking process.
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;"> 10. What is the difference between a rehearsal dinner session and an engagement session?</h3>
Rehearsal Dinner Coverage: Focuses on capturing candid moments with family and friends as you celebrate before the big day. It&rsquo;s a great way to document the excitement leading up to your wedding. Engagement Session: A personalized session celebrating your relationship. It typically includes posed and candid photos at a location meaningful to you.
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;"> 11. Do you offer payment plans?</h3>
Yes, we offer flexible payment plans. A non-refundable retainer is required to secure your date, with the remaining balance divided into manageable installments.
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;"> 12. How do we book you?</h3>
Booking is simple! Once you&rsquo;ve selected a package, a signed contract and a non-refundable retainer fee are required to reserve your date. Contact us to get started!
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;"> 13. Can we print our photos anywhere?</h3>
Yes! All of our collections include high-resolution digital files with personal printing rights. However, we recommend using our professional print lab for the highest quality prints and products.
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;"> 14. How do we know how much time we need for photography?</h3>
We&rsquo;ll work with you during your planning session to create a customized photography timeline. This ensures every important moment is captured while keeping your day stress-free and seamless.
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;"> 15. Can we meet before booking?</h3>
Absolutely! We&rsquo;d love to connect for a consultation via Zoom or in person. It&rsquo;s the perfect opportunity to discuss your vision and answer any questions you may have.

<h2 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;">The Client Experience: What to Expect</h2>
From the first inquiry to the delivery of your stunning gallery, here's what you can expect when working with Rochelle Wilhelms Photography:
&nbsp;
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;">1. Initial Contact &amp; Inquiry</h3>
Once you&rsquo;ve reached out through my contact form, I&rsquo;ll respond promptly to schedule a consultation. During this initial conversation (via Zoom or phone), we&rsquo;ll talk about your wedding vision, photography needs, and which collection best suits your day.
&nbsp;
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;">2. Booking &amp; Securing Your Date</h3>
After our consultation, I&rsquo;ll send over a personalized proposal that includes your selected collection, optional add-ons, and contract. Once you&rsquo;ve signed the agreement and paid the non-refundable retainer, your date is officially reserved!
&nbsp;
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;">3. Engagement Session (If Included)</h3>
For packages that include an engagement session, we&rsquo;ll plan the perfect shoot to reflect your love story. I&rsquo;ll help with location selection, wardrobe consultation, and overall styling. On the day of the session, you&rsquo;ll get a taste of what it&rsquo;s like to work together while creating timeless, beautiful images.
&nbsp;
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;">4. Pre-Wedding Planning</h3>
A few months before your wedding, we&rsquo;ll schedule a 1-2 hour planning session. During this time, we&rsquo;ll:
<ul style="text-align: center;">
<li style="line-height: 2; font-size: 18px;">Discuss your wedding day timeline.</li>
<li style="line-height: 2; font-size: 18px;">Identify key moments and family/group photos.</li>
<li style="line-height: 2; font-size: 18px;">Review venue details and lighting plans (including a local venue&nbsp;walkthrough if applicable).</li>
<li style="line-height: 2; font-size: 18px;">This ensures everything is organized, and your day flows seamlessly.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;">5. Your Wedding Day</h3>
On the big day, my team and I will arrive ready to capture every moment with artistry and care. From getting ready to the grand exit (depending on your coverage), we&rsquo;ll document the story of your day with attention to detail and emotion.
&nbsp;
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;">6. Post-Production</h3>
After the wedding, I carefully edit and retouch your images to ensure they are timeless and beautiful.
Full galleries are delivered within 6-8 weeks. Rush post-production is available for delivery within 1 week (additional fee). You&rsquo;ll receive your high-resolution images in a private online gallery for easy viewing, downloading, and sharing.
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;"> 7. Album Design (If Included)</h3>
If your collection includes an album, I&rsquo;ll work with you to design a custom piece that reflects your day.
Choose from a variety of high-quality materials (linen, vegan leather, or Italian leather). Approve the final design before it&rsquo;s handcrafted in Italy.
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;"> 8. Delivery &amp; Beyond</h3>
Once your images are delivered and albums are completed, your story is preserved forever. I&rsquo;m always here for future needs&mdash;whether it&rsquo;s family portraits, anniversary sessions, or simply to relive your memories through prints and products.
&nbsp;
Your Experience, Simplified Every step of the process is designed to ensure a seamless and personalized experience. From our first conversation to the final delivery of your images, my goal is to make you feel supported, celebrated, and excited every step of the way. Let&rsquo;s create something unforgettable together!

<h2 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;">The Client Experience: What to Expect</h2>
From the first inquiry to the delivery of your stunning gallery, here's what you can expect when working with Rochelle Wilhelms Photography:
&nbsp;
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;">1. Initial Contact &amp; Inquiry</h3>
Once you&rsquo;ve reached out through my contact form, I&rsquo;ll respond promptly to schedule a consultation. During this initial conversation (via Zoom or phone), we&rsquo;ll talk about your wedding vision, photography needs, and which collection best suits your day.
&nbsp;
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;">2. Booking &amp; Securing Your Date</h3>
After our consultation, I&rsquo;ll send over a personalized proposal that includes your selected collection, optional add-ons, and contract. Once you&rsquo;ve signed the agreement and paid the non-refundable retainer, your date is officially reserved!
&nbsp;
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;">3. Engagement Session (If Included)</h3>
For packages that include an engagement session, we&rsquo;ll plan the perfect shoot to reflect your love story. I&rsquo;ll help with location selection, wardrobe consultation, and overall styling. On the day of the session, you&rsquo;ll get a taste of what it&rsquo;s like to work together while creating timeless, beautiful images.
&nbsp;
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;">4. Pre-Wedding Planning</h3>
A few months before your wedding, we&rsquo;ll schedule a 1-2 hour planning session. During this time, we&rsquo;ll:
<ul style="text-align: center;">
<li style="line-height: 2; font-size: 18px;">Discuss your wedding day timeline.</li>
<li style="line-height: 2; font-size: 18px;">Identify key moments and family/group photos.</li>
<li style="line-height: 2; font-size: 18px;">Review venue details and lighting plans (including a local venue&nbsp;walkthrough if applicable).</li>
<li style="line-height: 2; font-size: 18px;">This ensures everything is organized, and your day flows seamlessly.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;">5. Your Wedding Day</h3>
On the big day, my team and I will arrive ready to capture every moment with artistry and care. From getting ready to the grand exit (depending on your coverage), we&rsquo;ll document the story of your day with attention to detail and emotion.
&nbsp;
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;">6. Post-Production</h3>
After the wedding, I carefully edit and retouch your images to ensure they are timeless and beautiful.
Full galleries are delivered within 6-8 weeks. Rush post-production is available for delivery within 1 week (additional fee). You&rsquo;ll receive your high-resolution images in a private online gallery for easy viewing, downloading, and sharing.
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;"> 7. Album Design (If Included)</h3>
If your collection includes an album, I&rsquo;ll work with you to design a custom piece that reflects your day.
Choose from a variety of high-quality materials (linen, vegan leather, or Italian leather). Approve the final design before it&rsquo;s handcrafted in Italy.
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;"> 8. Delivery &amp; Beyond</h3>
Once your images are delivered and albums are completed, your story is preserved forever. I&rsquo;m always here for future needs&mdash;whether it&rsquo;s family portraits, anniversary sessions, or simply to relive your memories through prints and products.
&nbsp;
<h3 style="line-height: 2; text-align: center;">Your Experience, Simplified</h3>
Every step of the process is designed to ensure a seamless and personalized experience. From our first conversation to the final delivery of your images, my goal is to make you feel supported, celebrated, and excited every step of the way. Let&rsquo;s create something unforgettable together!

Photography that honors your story, your people, and the beauty you’ve dreamed up.

Video Title

You will find the about page from my existing website between the “” below. You can use this section primarily for tone of voice and style as opposed to content. Make sure that all references to the self are in the first person singular, as I am the only photographer on my team. Please also ensure that there are no references to “our team” or “our photographer”. Instead, all writing should be coming directly from me. 

"Welcome to my world of wedding and portrait photography, where natural elegance and timeless beauty come together. I believe everyone deserves stunning images that capture their true essence. Whether it's your wedding day or a personalized studio portrait, my mission is to create the most beautiful photographs you have ever seen of yourself and your loved ones.

I am here to walk alongside you, capturing the best version of who you are. My style, both in portraits and wedding photography, is cinematic, romantic, timeless, and authentic.

What began over a decade ago has blossomed into my deepest passion. I take the time to learn about you—what excites you, your vision, and the endless possibilities for your photoshoot. You are the heart of the story! It’s essential for me to understand how you wish to experience being photographed, whether on your wedding day, with your family, or solo.

I am truly honored that you stopped by my website and sincerely hope we will work together to create heirloom images for your walls, wedding albums, or framed treasures to be cherished and passed down through generations.

To start this journey, let's connect. Whether you can visit my studio, meet for a quick coffee, or chat via Skype, I am here to answer any questions you may have. You will find me genuine, passionate, and dedicated to my craft. It’s vital to me that I am the right photographer for you, and I am more than happy to recommend another artist if I feel they would better suit your style and needs. After all, these images are about you, and you deserve the best experience and photographs possible.

Reach out today—I’d love to hear from you."