A romantic couple embraces against a backdrop of majestic granite mountain cliffs during golden hour, Tunnel View, Yosemite California.

When your story meets a moment worth remembering.

Photography that lets you step back into the moments that matter the most!

Specializing in: Seniors · Couples · Maternity · Newborns · Wine Country Experiences · Brand Collaborations

Sometimes the best moments aren’t the ones we plan — they’re the ones that just happen. The way you relax into yourself, the way laughter sneaks up out of nowhere, the way your story shows up in the tiniest details. That’s what I’m here for. Not the perfect pose… just the real you, living a moment worth remembering.

A beautiful smiling senior, young lady, wearing a black varsity jacket with patches holds softball and batting glove outdoors. Monterey, Ca

You're not here for perfect poses—

you’re here for the moments that feel like you. The way your kid reaches for you without thinking. The laugh that bubbles up out of nowhere. The quiet breath before a big milestone. The way you look at the people you love most.

That’s what I’m here to capture.

The real, honest, messy, beautifully human pieces of your story — the ones you’ll want to hold onto long after the day is over.

A romantic outdoor portrait shows a couple in vintage-inspired attire sharing an intimate moment among green foliage.

And if you’re wondering what it actually feels like to be photographed by me…

Here’s what I want you to know before we ever start:

you don’t have to perform for me. You don’t have to pose perfectly or know what to do with your hands. We’re just going to hang out, breathe, laugh a little, and let the real moments show up.

I’ll guide you gently and naturally — giving you direction when you want it and space when you need it — so you can feel comfortable, present, and connected with the people you love.

Because the most meaningful images come from the moments that feel lived, not performed.

If you’re ready to create something beautiful together, here’s how simple it is to get started.

Just Like Our Sessions—Simple, Honest Pricing & Beautiful Memories

Whether you're celebrating a milestone or simply soaking up the moment, your session is priced by time. No hidden fees, no complicated tiers—just beautiful images and meaningful connection.

Just tap the photo to book!

Gallery Upgrade Options:

If you fall in love with more images than you expected (and most people do), you’ll have the option to upgrade your gallery after your session. Full upgrades are $150 when added during booking, or $300 afterward. Individual images are $20 each.

For the couples who choose meaning over expectations:

I offer hybrid photo + motion coverage throughout California and beyond, including Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Big Sur, the Oregon Coast, Hawaii, and the Dolomites. Whether your day is rooted in the mountains, the coast, or somewhere far from home, I document it with the same intentional, movement‑driven approach.

With no travel fees for amazing locations like Yosemite, Big Sur, or Joshua Tree!

Love doesn’t need an audience to be extraordinary.

Some of the most powerful stories unfold quietly — on a mountaintop at sunrise, in a tucked‑away vineyard corner, or with just your closest people gathered around you. If you’re dreaming of a celebration that feels intentional, heartfelt, and true to who you are, I’m here for it. Whether you’re planning a private elopement, a tender proposal, or a small, soulful gathering, I’ll help you slow down, breathe it all in, and savor every second.

My approach is simple:

real connection, natural moments, and images that feel like the two of you — honest, effortless, and full of heart.

Let’s create something that reflects your love exactly as it is… beautiful, grounded, and wonderfully you.

Here’s what real people have experienced with me…

Reviews

Couldn’t imagine my big day without Laura

Sara P.
From the moment we booked Nixie Design Studios for our wedding, their communication was open, direct and consistent. The photographer was a pleasure to work with - they listened to our vision and delivered beautiful, true-to-color images that captured all the special, timeless moments of our big day. I couldn't imagine my wedding day without Nixie Design Studios there to beautifully document it. Their top-notch service and incredible eye for detail made them an invaluable part of our celebration.

Laura is fantastic

Cheryl D.
Nixie Design Studios was such a pleasure to work with on our wedding day! From the moment we first spoke, Laura and her team were friendly, fun, and made us feel completely at ease. Their posed, skilled shots captured all the special moments we wanted, like the flowers, my dress, the ceremony, and our guests having a blast. Laura listened carefully to our timeline and made sure to get photos in the bride and groom's dressing rooms too. I was blown away when we saw the final photos - they truly exceeded our expectations! Thank you Laura and Nixie Design Studios for helping make our day so perfect.

Beautiful Work

Emelia M.
Nixie Design Studios was the perfect choice for our wedding photography. Their work is absolutely beautiful - the photos Laura captured truly showcase the joy and love on our special day. From the getting ready shots to the romantic portraits, their eye for detail and artistic style shines through in every image. Laura was a pleasure to work with, making us feel comfortable in front of the camera. The final photos exceeded our expectations, and we're thrilled to have such gorgeous memories of our wedding day we couldn't recommend them more highly.

Amazing photographer

Latasha w.
Nixie Design Studios was the perfect choice for our wedding photography. They have a very versatile style, able to capture both classic and modern shots. The quality of their work is fantastic - their editing is superb and they pay close attention to every detail. On our wedding day, they were very kind and flexible, helping to make the experience smooth and enjoyable. We're thrilled with the beautiful photos that will allow us to relive our special day for years to come.

Amazing Work!

Michael St. C.
From the moment we first reached out to Nixie Design Studios, we were impressed by their friendly, communicative, and professional approach. They were quick to respond to our initial inquiry and set up a call to understand our wedding photography needs. During our consultation, it was clear that they were passionate about their craft and genuinely cared about capturing the unique story of our special day. On the wedding day, the Nixie team was a joy to work with - they seamlessly blended into the background to capture all the important moments, while also providing helpful guidance to ensure we felt comfortable and natural in front of the camera. The final photos exceeded our expectations and perfectly reflected the joy and love of our wedding celebration. We are thrilled with the beautiful memories Nixie Design Studios was able to preserve for us, and would highly recommend them to any couple looking for an exceptional photography experience.

Love my Botanical Garden Session!

Sarah L.
I had the chance to do a spring session with Laura at the botanical gardens, and it was truly fantastic. Right from the start, she made me feel so comfortable and relaxed.

The photos turned out beautifully, and I honestly couldn’t be happier. It felt like she really understood what I wanted and brought it to life.

I’d highly recommend Laura to anyone looking to capture special memories in a stunning setting. I can't wait for my next session!

A few of the stories I’ve had the honor of capturing…

A romantic wedding couple embraces on a rocky beach with mountains and waves in the background at sunset.
Newborn baby sleeping peacefully wrapped in blue striped blanket.
Young person splashing and playing in lake water at sunset while wearing glasses.
Baby in pink tulle dress taking first steps while holding hands with adults.
Softball player in varsity jacket holds yellow ball and glove outdoors.
Graduate in blue cap and gown holds diploma on hilltop overlooking landscape.
Black and white portrait of couple outdoors in casual attire.

Still unsure? No pressure—just a creative conversation to see what’s possible.

And if you're wondering who you would be spending time with...Here’s a little glimpse behind the camera.

Cursive handwritten black text logo reading 'Nixie Design Studios' in elegant modern calligraphy style.
A photographer captures images in a garden filled with blooming zinnias and green foliage on a sunny day.

Photo Taken By: Bai McHenry Photography

I’m Laura—a photographer wildly passionate about capturing real connection and all the beautiful little moments that make life feel like you. I believe that joy belongs in every frame-and every step of your journey here!

I'll bring my camera and some fun energy, you bring your people, your keepsakes, and together we’ll create something that makes your heart skip a beat. Big hugs, belly laughs, windblown hair—whatever real looks like for you, I’m all in.

From our first chat to the final gallery delivery, your experience is crafted to be seamless, relaxed, and personal. No stiff poses here—just real moments, authentic connection, and a little bit of wine country magic. You can simply relax and have fun—beautifully, authentically, and uniquely you.

Imagine what we can create together! Are you ready to choose your experience?

Among the Vines & Beyond -

The Moments You Love, Beautifully Captured

From quiet milestones to joyful moments—these sessions are all about capturing you, as you are.

Chef drizzling sauce onto a white plate in an elegant plating technique for elegant dinner reception in Calistoga - Napa Wine Country
Two friends share a laugh while enjoying wine and appetizers under a white umbrella at an outdoor table with flowers.
White wine being poured into a clear wine glass outdoors with a blurred green garden background at Lambert Bridge Winery Sonoma California
Wine glasses and tasting notes arranged on a wooden table for a wine tasting experience in Saint Helena California.
Two people pause making wood fired pizza to smile at a counter outdoors. Branding Sonoma, California - Lambert Bridge Winery
A couple enjoying wine together at a social gathering in a restaurant with bright lighting and festive atmosphere.
A bright yellow archway frames an ocean view with tropical palm trees and blue skies.

Dive Into the Stories Behind the Lens

Your Creative Guide to Celebrating, Planning & Exploring with Heart

From vineyard vows to surprise proposals at sunset, the blog is your go-to resource for all things photography, celebration, and California magic. You’ll find wedding planning tips, winery visit ideas, branding inspiration, session prep advice, and creative ways to weave state and national parks into your story.

Whether you're exploring wine country, building a brand, or planning a milestone moment in the great outdoors, every post is here to inspire, inform, and spark connection.

Pour a glass, wander through the stories—your next adventure might just begin here.

Whether you're planning a celebration, building a brand, or just dreaming it up—I’d love to hear your story.

Scenic vineyard rows stretch into the distance on a green hillside beneath blue skies and scattered clouds.

Where My Work Has Been Featured & Professional Affiliations!

Proud Member of Professional Photographers of America
Award: Best of Zola 2025
Framed Photographer Magazine 2023 logo with delicate mint green botanical elements.
Elegant pink and beige magazine publication text layout with floral accents and decorative typography.

It starts here—but ends wherever your story takes us.

From California's wine country and national parks

I travel to where your adventure begins!

Napa, CA

Your Next Adventure Starts Here: Follow Me on Instagram

Explore heartfelt stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and inspiration to create memories that truly matter.

Follow me on Instagram
@picturenapa


Contact Us

Laura@NixieDesignStudios.com

Rooted in the heart of wine country, available wherever your story unfolds—capturing honest moments from joyful gatherings to quiet, meaningful milestones.