bridesmaids at destination wedding ceremony at la casa toscana florida
couple bonding in the water during a st augustine beach engagement obx inspired session

St Augustine Florida Wedding Photographer & Elopement Photographer

Documentary Destination Wedding Photographer

 
detail couple kissing historic downtown st augustine elopement old hollywood style
 

Storytelling Imagery.
Timeless Film-Stills.
Romantic & Emotional.

 
 
lena christine a documentary wedding photographer in st augustine florida smiling at the beach

Hi! I’m Lena Christine

My approach to wedding photography is documentary & focuses on your individuality to create honest images.

 

St Augustine Wedding Photographer & Florida Elopement Photographer

You are not like any other couple. You have an entire past with your partner, a love story. Your experiences together - the ups + the downs, the mundane, the adventures you’ve taken, the obstacles you’ve overcome - these could all make a movie.

I want you to imagine this movie, pull out every sentiment, every sweet word whispered, every healing touch, every lingering kiss, every embrace, and all the in-between moments that makes you unique & human.

This is the film, I want to capture for you two through honest storytelling photographs full of raw emotion, connection and your personalities.

My entire purpose is to document your wedding day in such a way that you can live it through your photographs a million times.

Rest easy knowing that I will pour all of my attention into capturing not only artistic portraits of you two, but in addition - the details you worked so hard on, the unseen in-between moments, the laughter and reactions of your wedding guests, and all the cherished interactions with those you love the most.

Photographs are the only thing (other than your memories) capable of taking you back to one of the happiest days of your lives for generations to come.

I am proud to offer my expertise, creativity and all of my love to you to freeze still this amazing chapter of your lives.

Not only will I care on the day of, but I am also happy to share tips and tricks (especially when it comes to eloping in St. Augustine, Florida) to help you plan your wedding day with an emphasis on what matters the most.

 

IN A WORLD FULL OF CURATED BRIDAL PORTRAITS, REGURGITATED PROM POSES, AND COOKIE-CUTTER WEDDINGS - LET’S BREAK TRADITION AND CREATE ONE-OF-A-KIND DOCUMENTARY NON-TRADITIONAL AND VINTAGE WEDDING PHOTOS THAT ALLOW YOU TO BE FULLY PRESENT.

 
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castle-otttis-elopement-st-augustine-fl-opt.jpg
 

Known to skip the small talk and celebrate random occasions!

I wear my heart on my sleeve. I am a tarot enthusiast, introvert-extrovert, Leo sun and Capricorn moon (Sagittarius rising) & an enneagram four. I have fully embraced my weird. I am a hopeless romantic and the biggest nerd. I believe vulnerability cultivates deep human connection.

I am a big-time mental health advocate and focus a lot of my energy on being in tune with myself through exercise, meditation and healthy habits.

Over the years, I’ve been able to connect with my inner child on a deeper level and learned to be more mindful, which helps me capture the best storytelling moments. I trust my intuition & love living in the moment. I encourage you to do the same on your wedding day and every day.

 
 

BASED IN FLORIDA
AVAILABLE — WORLDWIDE

 

HI, I AM

lena a destination wedding photographer smiling on the rocks of st pete beach with a camera
 

LENA

 

THE BIGGEST HOPELESS ROMANTIC

 

Planning a wedding in St. Augustine, FL (or anywhere) is one of the most vulnerable and all-consuming tasks you can do. Feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start? Check out my wedding planning quick tips below!

WHERE DO YOU START PLANNING YOUR DESTINATION WEDDING OR ELOPEMENT?

  • It is so important to first and foremost decide what type of wedding day celebration is right for you and your partner. Do you want a big loud wedding filled with lots of joy, all your favorite people, tons of laughter and emotions? Or are you the get eloped on your own terms, take photos together and skip the hassle types? There is no right or wrong way of honoring your commitment to one another. Just make sure it feels right to you! :)

    For tips on Eloping in St. Augustine, read this post.

    For activities to try during your elopement abroad, read this post.

    For travelers seeking a European escape without crossing the Atlantic, there are plenty of destinations in the United States that capture the essence of Europe’s charm, history, and beauty.

    10 Places in the US That Feel Like Europe.

  • Where you two get married may have a simple answer or require some soul searching . Is it in your hometown? The city? The country? Another country all together? And it may come back to the previous decision you had to make - what type of wedding do you want to plan? I encourage you to keep your minds and hearts open and really dig deep to make the best decision for you. Once you pick a location, it’s important to book your venue ASAP.

    For a list of St Augustine wedding venues and Jacksonville wedding venues to book, read this post.

  • Do you two have a special date you want to commemorate? Or maybe a number that means something? Or are you open? If you are not set on a specific date, consider your wedding location and do some research. Is your dream ceremony venue outdoors? Check in to see which season promises to have the best conditions. Is your location in a tourist destination? Consider scheduling outside of busy wedding season. Not sure? Ask your venue coordinator or do a web search!

  • Photography is a unique art and it comes down to preference and style. I am a documentary St. Augustine wedding and elopement photographer (available for destination weddings and elopements) who values a photo journalistic approach for quality candid photographs. I am also a hopeless romantic and have a thing for editorial style artistic portraits.

    So I do both! If this speaks to you - we might just be a perfect fit! I travel throughout Florida and will travel for destination wedding and elopements as well.

  • I hands down recommend having a wedding planner if you have a medium to a large size wedding. It takes a lot of pressure off you and your partner when it comes to planning. It’s super important to have a chat with your planner before you hire them to make sure they are the right fit for you. Let them know what you value the most on your wedding day, set expectations and get a feel for their character.

    Aside from your partner, your photographer/videographer and wedding planner are going to be with you the entire time on your wedding day so it’s so important that you trust your intuition and make sure we are the right fit!

 

wedding and elopement planning resources

I am all about helping you plan your wedding day!

Below you will find a row of blogs dedicated to general wedding planning and another row for tips and tricks for planning your St. Augustine Elopement.

Resources
The Secret Ingredient to Stunning Wedding Centerpieces: Your Personal Story
The Secret Ingredient to Stunning Wedding Centerpieces: Your Personal Story
How to use Pinterest to plan your wedding
How to use Pinterest to plan your wedding
Top reasons to add on a bridal boudoir photoshoot
Top reasons to add on a bridal boudoir photoshoot
Don’t put away the dress - add on a trash the dress photoshoot instead
Don’t put away the dress - add on a trash the dress photoshoot instead
Questions you should ask your wedding photographer.
Questions you should ask your wedding photographer.
Why hire a documentary photographer for your wedding?
Why hire a documentary photographer for your wedding?
 
 
 
 
“The day of the wedding was actually our first time meeting Lena, and I wasn’t nervous because I felt we had built a relationship already through the booking process.”
 
family bridal portraits during an lgbtq intimate elopement on st augustine beach
 
dip and kiss during first dance at mill pond estate wedding venue in tampa florida
 
vintage vespa scooter elopement couple kissing on downtown street in st augustine florida
 
couple holding hands at wedding reception at bowing oaks plantation in jacksonville florida during speeches and toasts
 

CHALLENGING

THE NORM

PRESERVING

RAW MOMENTS

LET’S CREATE CAPTURES THAT TELL YOUR UNIQUE STORY & STAND THE TEST OF TIME

 
dad leading daughter to ceremony at a destination wedding at la casa toscana in florida

my values

romantic nostalgic old hollywood elopement couple by flagler college in downtown st augustine kissing next to a fountain

Raw Feelings

I pride myself on being a documentary style photographer who focuses on capturing genuine feelings and connection. We will laugh until we cry, have too much fun, forget our insecurities and exist in the moment!

vinatge filmy black and white of groom holding bride dress and walking at castle otttis in historic st augustine

Authenticity

I do not strive to recreate cookie-cutter images. Please feel free to send me inspiration but that’s all we are doing with it. We will create images that can only be yours alone. We can 100% take Pinterest worthy images that are original!

downtown cobblestone streets of st augustine couple dancing romantic nostalgic old hollywood elopement vibes

Spontaneity & Romance

We will pretend that we are making a romance flick that is sure to hit the big screen. Let’s get super extra and you will wow any audience! I DO encourage you to have a personality throughout our time together. Be yourselves!

Testimonials

Featured
Janine & Luke
Janine & Luke

“My husband and I knew we wanted to elope in St. Augustine. We found Lena through google and are soooo happy that we did. Her website and guide answered all the questions we had about eloping in the St. Augustine area. She pretty much has a guide for everything you need to know. Locations, times, restaurants, ideas. You name it, she has it on there. Based off of her recommendation we decided to do a sunrise elopement at the St. Augustine lighthouse. It was the most romantic time and setting. We were so happy with our decision to elope there. She took videos and photos of our ceremony and right after we were done we were her muses for her art. She directed us effortlessly with natural poses and shots. Honestly it didn’t even feel like a photoshoot. It just felt like we were having an adventure with a friend. She reminded us to savor the moment and truly embrace each other. I honestly have no clue how she was able to make it so much fun and beautiful/romantic at the same time. She truly is an artist with an amazing personality and I am so so happy we decided to chose her as our photographer. A picture is worth a thousand words and her photos speak for themselves. I just wanted to vouch for her great personality, professionalism, and fun loving spirit. We will truly cherish those memories forever thanks to Lena. Thank you so much do an amazing time!”

Sascha & Dennis
Sascha & Dennis

“Lena was an absolute rockstar! From the moment we met her, we knew we were in good hands. She was not only professional but also incredibly present and attentive throughout our special day. Her genuine enthusiasm and warm personality made us feel comfortable and at ease, which made a huge difference in capturing those perfect moments.

The photographs she delivered were nothing short of breathtaking. Each image was a work of art, and she truly has a gift for capturing the essence of the moment. What stood out the most was the uniqueness of her shots. They were not your typical wedding photos; they were creative and infused with a touch of magic that perfectly reflected our personalities and the atmosphere of the day.

Not only did she capture the big moments beautifully, but she also managed to seize all those candid, heartfelt interactions that we'll cherish forever. Looking at the photos, we can relive the emotions and excitement of our wedding day, and for that, we are eternally grateful.

Besides her undeniable talent as a photographer, she played a pivotal role in making our day more enjoyable and fun. She blended in with our guests, becoming part of the celebration while still maintaining her professional focus. Her infectious energy spread to everyone around, making the whole experience even more memorable.

Her presence, attentiveness, and creativity added an extra layer of joy to our day. We couldn't have asked for a better person to document our special moments. If you're looking for someone who will not only take stunning photographs but also be a wonderful presence on your wedding day, look no further. She is the real deal, and we can't recommend her enough. Thank you for capturing the essence of our love and making our wedding unforgettable!”

Natasha & John
Natasha & John

“Let me start by saying I started my photographer search from states away I immediately knew I made the right choice just through email. Lena was amazing from start to finish booking with her was simple she was extremely helpful and timely with responses to any questions we had. Filing out the questionnaire allowed us to be vulnerable before meeting in person. When we did meet Lena was so comfortable to be around. Made taking photos fun, directed with out being pushy at all. It was truly a joy to be around her. Then let’s talk the photos they speak for themselves. Just stunning great variety of styles. Absolutely wowed us with our shoot. We were shocked with how quickly the turn over was. I could go on and on about how wonderful she is & how great your photos will be if you book with her.”

Aisha & Adam
Aisha & Adam

“Lena took the time to get to know us, our interests, and our family. She has been great with communication, answered any questions we had and she was very thorough about making sure we had a good time throughout the process. The documentary style photography and even her behind the scenes shots are raw, and in the moment, which makes for some of the best coverage! She has been reasonable and timely with her turnaround time. We are impressed with the quality of the footage we have received! Lena has gone above and beyond any photographer we have ever worked with and she is at the top of the list for best photographers we've had.“

Clo & James
Clo & James

"I really can’t put into words how incredible my experience was with Lena. She is very intuitive and can not only identify what makes a couple special but also capture it into a memory that lasts a lifetime. From the first meeting …the shoot is personalized to what makes your relationship, YOURS and yours only! The result is photos and memories that are absolutely magnificent. You’re not just getting photos. You’re getting an experience in which you and your loved one are bound to fall in love over and over again."

FAQs

WILL YOU HELP US PLAN?

I will provide a full photo timeline of the day and a family shot list to you prior to the wedding so we are on the same page!

You can find a list of recommended vendors (for North Florida) on this page.

I offer a St. Augustine elopement package that includes photography, hair and makeup, floral bouquet and boutonniere, an arch and chairs, sweetheart table, cake and champagne. Everything you need for a 25 person elopement/mini wedding. See more details here.

How do we contact you after booking?

I prefer email communication until the day of. It helps me keep things in one spot. I will send you my phone number a week before your wedding.

Are you inclusive?

YES!!!!! I am 100% inclusive of all couples. I will ask your pronouns and names right away and I have been working with LGBTQ+ couples for years and have tons of experience. All truly are welcome here.

Are you insured?

I am fully insured for my business and will be able to provide a certificate to your venue upon request.

How do you ensure our photos are secure?

I shoot on dual cameras and each of my cameras has dual memory card slots. This means double the protection on the day of your wedding. I load your photos the night of the wedding day, and back them up to a separate hard drive as well as the cloud. So even if something happens to both of the hard drives, your photos are still safe. This is so important!

How do you deliver the final product?

Digitally. You will receive an email with secure access to your digital gallery. You have the option to download the full gallery. Which you should do right away, to at least two places. Your delivery email will have all the info. You have the option to print straight from your gallery and I always run printing specials. Your gallery will be available to you for 1 year. If you prefer to keep your gallery online indefinitely, you will have that option available for purchase.

Can we see full wedding galleries, please?

Of course you can! View my full galleries portfolio.

Which wedding vendors do you recommend in your area?

I have a whole page dedicated to my trusted and beloved vendors in North Florida.

Will you do any heavy retouching?

I will not retouch your bodies or faces. All people are beautiful. If you have blemishes that aren't usually there (hey, it happens), I will edit them out.

Do we need a second shooter?

I am used to working weddings on my own. I do not usually base the need for a second shooter on the amount of guests, but rather how far your and your partner's getting ready locations are from each other. We can discuss your logistics, just let me know.

We are searching for a wedding venue. Can you recommend any in your area?

Here is a blog post with a list of St. Augustine wedding venues and North Florida wedding venues.

Do you have any dining/entertainment recommendations in St. Augustine?

Yes! I am local and enjoy St. Augustine so much. Here is a guide to the nightlife for you.

Why should we hire a documentary wedding photographer?

I made a blog post about my why and what you can expect.

details of bride shoes and jewelry vintage film aesthetic inside white room in st augustine florida
old hollywood vintage city style elopement photoshoot with couple walking across busy downtown st augustine street

TRANSPARENCY IS SO IMPORTANT TO ME EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

There are no do-overs when it comes to your wedding. This is why I believe in being 100% transparent with my couples so you know exactly what to expect from the moment you hire me through to the delivery process.

I put a lot of value in your time, your investment, and ultimately your trust in me on the biggest day ever!

For a full list of FAQs, visit this blog post.