A sense of great freedom, unfiltered joy, and endless love is woven into wedding photographer Lizzy Mae’s wedding imagery. Also known as Moments with Mae, she follows hopeless romantics across California and beyond, capturing heirloom-worthy memories in a dreamy blend of digital and film. Her galleries are filled with authenticity, never over-posed or over-produced. And while every couple brings their own rhythm, one element ties so many of her images together: nature. Sun-drenched hillsides, misty forests, and sandy dunes become living, breathing parts of the love stories she tells. Ahead, Lizzy shares why the outdoors is the most honest, emotive backdrop you can choose, and how to make it work effortlessly in your wedding photos.
Nature Exemplifies Your Love
Nature is alive, imperfect, and always growing, which is why it echoes real love so well. The focus is on authentic moments that let the setting speak, like wind catching a veil or the way evening light wraps around a couple. Wide scenes provide scale, while close textures—rock, moss, water—keep the story intimate. With a little space for the landscape to breathe, the images feel timeless without trying.
The Language of Landscapes
Each setting has its own voice, and it’s important for couples to choose one that matches their energy. A beach feels open and airy, a forest is cozy and grounded, the desert is minimal and editorial, and the mountains bring awe and adventure. As a photographer, I help couples translate a location’s personality into the frame.
Gold, Blue, and In-Between
I recommend timing portraits around the best light, usually 60 to 90 minutes before sunset. For a cinematic mood, plan a few minutes for blue hour just after the sun dips. When midday happens, I find flattering shade, use backlighting, and let the environment act as natural fill. Clouds, wind, and a touch of mist can look incredible on camera, and I direct the couple so everything feels intentional.
Natural Composition
I use natural frames like tree lines, rock arches, and tide pools to draw the eye to the couple. Foreground elements and layered depth add dimension, and I may shoot through wild grasses or driftwood as the couple connects. Negative space and simple horizons keep the scene calm, while leading lines like trails and shorelines guide the story. Gentle movement and relaxed positioning let the landscape do the heavy lifting, keeping the couple present with each other.
Presence over Perfection
The goal is to feel the day, not perform it. Small “imperfections” like wind-tossed hair, sandy hems, or a passing cloud become the details that make images honest and memorable. Build quiet pockets into the timeline to breathe, hold each other, and forget the camera for a moment—connection always reads better than any pose. When couples choose presence, the photographs carry the mood of the day long after it’s over.
