Saying "I Do": Your Dream Beginning Captured


From vineyard vows to mountaintop elopements and redwood “I dos,” I photograph weddings with heart, light, and soul.

I’m here to document the real, unscripted moments that make your day unmistakably yours.

Hey there, lovebirds!

Welcome to my wedding photography page, where the magic begins. First off, congratulations on your engagement! This is such an exciting time, and I’m beyond thrilled to be part of your journey. Based in the heart of Napa Valley's wine country, I specialize in capturing heartfelt moments for couples planning outdoor, intimate weddings—whether it's a backcountry adventure, a lakefront ceremony, or an elopement by a stunning waterfall.



Let’s create unforgettable memories together.

Think back to your most cherished moments—the ones that truly made life special. Now, imagine your wedding day filled with memories just like those: the laughter, the tears, and the joy shared with your loved ones. Whether you’re planning a national park wedding, an elopement in the vineyards, or a mountaintop celebration, your story deserves to be told in the most beautiful and authentic way.

Check out our services

Portrait Photography

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Family Photography

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Kids Photography

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Capturing the magic in the moment.

I don’t focus on perfection—I focus on the moments where the real magic happens. From a playful joke shared during the hike to your ceremony location to the quiet, heartfelt glances that say everything, it’s those unplanned moments that make your day truly special. My passion is capturing your unique love story with authenticity and care.

Elopement couple bride looking at camera and groom looking at background, cuddled together in Yosemite National Park at sunrise.
blue hour close up of elopement couple holding hands with mountains in background, Yosemite National Park
Laughing bride with table setting behind her outdoors.
A couple smiles joyfully while holding gelato outdoors, with the woman wearing a colorful floral patterned dress.
Elegant white bridal shoes with decorative bows peeking out from under a wedding dress on a plush white carpet.
Groom in an elegant white dinner jacket and black bow tie poses outdoors at dusk among tropical plants and palm trees.
A smiling bride in a white strapless wedding dress with long dark wavy hair and a small white hair accessory.
Elopement couple at Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park at Sunset with Half Dome in the background.
Elopement details photo for wedding in Yosemite National Park

Timeless photos for your one-of-a-kind love story.

Your wedding day is more than just an event; it’s the start of a new chapter in your love story. My mission is to preserve every laugh, every tear, and every unforgettable detail so you can relive those memories for years to come. Based in California and always ready to travel, I specialize in documenting intimate weddings and elopements in extraordinary places—wherever your adventure takes you.

Let’s create something magical together. Ready to turn your dream wedding into reality? Let’s chat and start planning your adventure—I’d be honored to be part of your special day! And don’t forget to check out my blog for tips, stories, and inspiration on planning a wedding as unique as your love.

So Delighted to Meet You and Capture Your Special Day!

I’m a passionate photographer based in the gorgeous Napa Valley. I specialize in capturing the magic of your most cherished moments and turning them into timeless memories you'll love forever. Who doesn’t want to look back at their wedding day, maternity session, surprise proposal, graduation, or any other special milestone with joy? I’m here to make sure those moments are documented perfectly.

Let's Get Started - Tell Me About Your Special Day!

Proud Member of Professional Photographers of America
Award: Best of Zola 2025
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Actually, it’s nature itself that creates the most beautiful pictures, I’m only choosing the perspective.

— Katja Michael
Follow me on Instagram
@nixiedesignstudio
Silhouette of couple embracing against majestic mountain valley vista at sunset.
A couple exchanges rings during a mountain proposal with Yosemite's dramatic Half Dome backdrop.
A graduate in blue cap and gown looks out over a city vista on graduation day.
A person in suspenders and white shirt smiles while adjusting their bowtie outdoors.
An olive green renaissance-style dress photographed in golden hour lighting with city backdrop.
Rocky beach shore at sunset with palm trees and dramatic clouds over the ocean.
Newlyweds pose against a lush wall of hydrangeas and flowers in a romantic garden setting.
White fence along a misty field at sunset with mountains in the background.
A casual outdoor portrait against a rustic stone wall.
A person in a floral turquoise dress holds colorful flowers while smiling outdoors.
Foggy coastline view of Big Sur with dramatic cliffs and crashing waves.
A baby in a pink tutu dress taking first steps while holding hands.
Rocky coastline with turquoise waters and white foam crashing against jagged rocks.
Secluded beach cove with turquoise waters surrounded by rugged cliffs.
Portrait in a garden setting with bokeh flowers in the background.
Mountain river valley with rushing waters and forested slopes under blue skies.
A couple poses by an elegant outdoor wedding table setting with blue and white decor.
Silhouette of trees against a starry night sky with visible shooting stars.
A romantic sunset embrace between a couple against Yosemite Valley's scenic backdrop.
A black and white graduation portrait showing a graduate in cap and gown smiling at the camera.
A person wearing suspenders and glasses smiles while adjusting their bowtie in natural lighting.
Panoramic coastal landscape showing rocky cliffs and blue ocean waves against a clear sky.
Dramatic sunset over rocky coastal waters with golden clouds reflecting on the ocean surface.
A couple descends wooden stairs, with the person in a flowing turquoise dress holding a bouquet.
Vibrant purple and green aurora borealis illuminating the night sky above silhouetted trees.
Tender black and white portrait of a parent kissing a sleeping newborn.
Scenic coastal cove with white sand beach surrounded by rocky cliffs and turquoise waters.
A joyful wedding couple laughs together against a backdrop of tropical palms.
Sleeping newborn wrapped in blue and white striped blanket.
An elegant outdoor wedding setup with a person in a white gown and blue accents.
Panoramic view of Bixby Bridge along the Big Sur coastline with dramatic cliffs and ocean waves.
Close-up of hands exchanging rings with mountain landscape in background.
Scenic view of Lake Tahoe with deep blue waters surrounded by pine trees and mountains.
Baby wearing blue patterned dress and matching headband smiling outdoors.
Dramatic coastal view of McWay Falls with turquoise waters crashing against rocky cliffs in Big Sur, California.
A romantic wedding moment with a couple sharing joyful laughter while holding a colorful bouquet in an outdoor garden setting.
Silhouetted trees against a vibrant purple Milky Way galaxy in the night sky.
Portrait in a garden with pink flowers and greenery in soft lighting.
Rugged coastline with white waves crashing against rocky outcrops in the deep blue ocean.
A romantic proposal moment captured against majestic mountain peaks.
Black and white image of tiny baby feet resting in an adult's palm.
Secluded cove with turquoise waters surrounded by rocky cliffs and small beach.
A couple celebrates their engagement with a bouquet held high against a mountainous backdrop.
Stunning view of the Milky Way galaxy stretching across the dark night sky over tree silhouettes.
White limestone rock formations jutting out into blue ocean waters along a dramatic coastline.
Happy baby wearing blue starry outfit and headband outdoors.