Most couples we work with have never had professional photos taken before, and the idea of being in front of a camera can feel… a little intimidating.

But here’s the good news:
You don’t need to know how to pose.

That’s where we come in.

Instead of stiff poses or forced smiles, we use simple, natural prompts to help you relax, connect, and just be yourselves. The result? Photos that feel real, effortless, and actually like you.

We’ll be honest… we have a bit of a soft spot for Thee Olde Wedding Chapel in Riverside, CA. There’s just something about it. The simplicity, the intimacy, the way it brings the focus back to what really matters. It’s the kind of place where weddings feel less like productions and more like moments. And after spending time here with our couples, we can confidently say it’s one of our favorites.

If you’ve ever been out to Joshua Tree, you already know that it doesn’t feel like anywhere else in Southern California.

It’s quiet.
It’s expansive.
And somehow, it feels both wild and incredibly peaceful at the same time.

We’ve photographed engagement sessions all across Southern California, from beaches to mountains to cityscapes. But Joshua Tree always holds a special place in our hearts.

And if you’re considering a Joshua Tree engagement session, here are five reasons why we love it (and why you just might fall in love with it too).

f you’ve ever wondered who’s behind the cameras at krisann photography, this is us. Not just as photographers, but as a family.

We’re a family-run photography and videography team based in Riverside, California, serving Southern California and beyond. What started as a small, personal passion has grown into something we now build together as husband, wife, and son.

But this story didn’t start with photography.

Wondering whether a full photography session or a mini session is the best fit for your family? At krisann photography, we’ve created this guide to help you decide — and to share why our fall mini sessions are one of the most popular choices of the year.

It was one of those perfect Southern California days. Blue skies. Ocean breeze. The kind of light photographers dream about. We stopped for lunch, wandered the paths at Heisler Park, grabbed coffee, talked about life, and yes, took absolutely gorgeous photos in between.

But what made this session special wasn’t just the location (though Laguna Beach never disappoints). It was the season they’re in.

Angel is graduating high school soon.

And if you’re a mom reading this, you already know. That sentence carries weight.

A new year always brings a sense of reflection and hope. As I step into 2026, I find myself pausing to look back at the stories we’ve been trusted to capture, the families who have welcomed us into their lives, and the moments that reminded me why photography matters so much.

Years from now, when those photos are framed on walls or tucked into albums, I hope they bring people back to that sweet day — the laughter, the love, and the moments that mattered most. Because long after the flowers fade and the day has passed, what remains is love — and we’re honored to capture it.

On the eve of another wedding shoot, I sit here thinking over all of the past weddings we’ve captured — the laughter, the tears, the vows whispered with trembling voices, the dance floors filled with joy, and the quiet moments that no one else sees. You might think that after 15+ years as a wedding photographer, these moments would start to blur together. But the truth? I still get emotional at every single wedding.

As I sit down to write this, I can feel my heart overflowing with gratitude. Over the past 15+ years, we’ve had the privilege of capturing thousands of moments — weddings, engagements, family sessions, graduations, newborn snuggles, and everything in between. But as beautiful as the photographs are, it’s the people in them — you — who truly make our work so meaningful.

More than fifteen years. That’s hundreds of weddings, countless engagement sessions, family portraits, maternity shoots, senior sessions, and more love stories than we can possibly count. Over the years, we’ve been welcomed into some of life’s most important moments — from tearful vows and joyful first dances to tiny newborn yawns and milestone celebrations.

Photography has been more than our profession. It’s been our family’s passion, our shared purpose, and one of the greatest blessings of our lives.

When people ask me how I became a wedding photographer, the story always starts with my own wedding day. My husband and I eloped to Las Vegas, just the two of us. It was sweet, simple, and full of love—but there’s one thing we’ve always wished we had: wedding photos. We don’t have those beautiful images to look back on, to share with our children, or to relive those once-in-a-lifetime moments. That experience has shaped everything about how I approach wedding photography today.

For me, capturing weddings isn’t just about pretty pictures—it’s about preserving legacies, celebrating families, and freezing moments that grow more valuable with every passing year. I know how precious those images become because I’ve lived without them. That’s why when I hold a camera on your wedding day, I’m not just documenting an event—I’m safeguarding memories you’ll cherish forever.

Planning a wedding is exciting, but let’s be honest—it can also feel overwhelming. Between choosing your venue, coordinating vendors, and making sure every little detail is perfect, it’s easy to overlook one of the most important pieces of your wedding day : the photography timeline.

At krisann photography, we believe that every couple deserves to enjoy their wedding day without feeling rushed or stressed. That’s why we created a FREE Wedding Photography Timeline Guide to help you visualize how your photos will seamlessly fit into your big day.

Whether you’re working with a wedding planner or mapping out your own schedule, this guide is designed to give you a clear, realistic plan that ensures every meaningful moment is beautifully captured.

When you book Krisann Photography, you're not just hiring someone to show up with a camera—you’re welcoming a trusted friend and a dedicated support system into one of the most meaningful days of your life.

We are a family-owned Southern California wedding photography and videography business, and we believe in connection, comfort, and capturing every genuine moment with care. We consider it a privilege to walk beside you as your story unfolds—and our goal is always to make sure you feel truly seen, supported, and celebrated.

Here are 3 intentional things I do at every wedding to ensure you feel both comfortable and confident in front of the camera—and in the moment.

After photographing hundreds of families, couples, and seniors over the last 15+ years, I’ve learned that a truly great portrait session isn’t just about fancy cameras or golden-hour light — it’s about showing up prepared, relaxed, and ready to have fun (yes, FUN!).

So, in the spirit of honesty, here’s what your friendly photographer (that’s me) really wants you to know before your portrait session. These aren’t rules — just helpful tips that can make the difference between "that was stressful" and "wow, that was actually kind of amazing."

When couples think about their wedding photos, it’s usually the big, emotional moments that come to mind — walking down the aisle, the first kiss, or the first dance. But some of the most meaningful and visually stunning photos come from the smaller, often overlooked details.

From the carefully chosen wedding dress and heirloom jewelry to the invitation suite and personalized decor, these tiny elements help tell the full story of the wedding day. Capturing these details allows couples to relive not only the major milestones, but also the thoughtful touches and unique choices that made their celebration truly one-of-a-kind.

I hear it all the time—“I’m so awkward in front of the camera.” Or, “I never know what to do with my hands.” Trust me, you’re not alone! Whether you're getting portraits taken for the first time in years, planning a family session, or stepping in front of the lens for a branding shoot—feeling nervous is completely normal. So today, I’m sharing my top 10 tips to help you do exactly that. These are the same things I share with my own clients before every session because everyone deserves to feel confident in their story.