Business Details
8 Years
experience
Authentic Wedding & Elopement Photography in California
Milk & Thistle Photography is a California-based wedding and elopement photography service dedicated to capturing authentic, emotionally resonant moments. Founded in 2018 by Carlee, a former dental assistant turned full-time photographer, the business prioritizes natural storytelling over staged poses, embracing earthy tones and deep, romantic imagery. Carlees approach focuses on building client comfort through personalized communication and creative techniques, ensuring couples feel at ease during shoots.With a passion for travel, Milk & Thistle Photography serves locations beyond California, including Colorado, Arizona, and international destinations. The business emphasizes transparency, offering clear pricing without hidden fees, and guarantees client satisfaction through flexible editing and timely delivery of high-quality images.
Services
Wedding Photography
Elopement Photography
Engagement Sessions
Travel Photography
Maternity Photography
Details
- Year established: 2018
Highlights and features
- We specialize in natural, unposed wedding photography since 2018.
- No extra travel fees for U.S. weddings or elopements.
- Experienced second shooters ensure comprehensive coverage of your event.
- Guaranteed delivery of at least 35 edited images per hour of shooting.
- Transparent editing process focused on body positivity and authenticity.
What people say
Authentic storytelling
Natural poses
Pinterest-worthy photos
Comfortable experience
Deep romantic tones
Services
Wedding Photography
Milk & Thistle Photography offers comprehensive wedding photography, focusing on candid moments and emotional connections. Using a blend of photojournalism and artistic composition, the service ensures timeless images that reflect the couple's unique story. Clients receive at least 35 edited images per hour of coverage.
Elopement Photography
Specialized elopement photography captures the intimacy and spontaneity of smaller ceremonies. The service emphasizes natural backdrops and unposed interactions, with no additional travel fees for U.S. locations. Images are delivered within 6-8 weeks post-event.
Engagement Sessions
Engagement sessions help couples acclimate to being photographed, fostering comfort and trust before the wedding day. These sessions double as icebreakers, allowing clients to experience the photographer's style while creating shareable memories.
Travel Photography
Milk & Thistle Photography provides photography services for weddings and events in California, Colorado, Arizona, and international locations. Travel logistics are coordinated directly with clients, ensuring seamless coverage regardless of location.
Maternity Photography
Maternity sessions celebrate the beauty of pregnancy through natural, emotive imagery. The service prioritizes client comfort and body positivity, with optional second shooters available for comprehensive coverage.
People
Carlee Tatum
Lead Photographer
Carlee Tatum is a California-based wedding and elopement photographer with a focus on authentic storytelling. Since 2018, she has specialized in capturing natural moments using earthy tones and emotive compositions, prioritizing client comfort and artistic integrity.
Questions
How long have you been a wedding photographer?
I've been a full-time wedding photographer since 2018, transitioning from a career in dental assisting to pursue my passion for storytelling through imagery.
Do you charge extra for travel?
No additional fees for U.S. weddings or elopements. Smaller shoots outside California may incur travel charges based on location.
What's the benefit of a second shooter?
A second shooter provides dual perspectives and ensures comprehensive coverage, capturing simultaneous moments like family reactions and couple portraits during ceremonies.
How many images will I receive?
Minimum of 35 edited images per hour of shooting. For example, an 8-hour wedding guarantees at least 280 high-resolution, fully edited photos.
Do you offer photo editing services?
Yes, all images are professionally edited for tone and clarity. Minor adjustments like blemish removal are included upon request.
Can we share our photos on social media?
Absolutely! I encourage sharing and tagging Milk & Thistle to help others discover authentic wedding photography.
