Jaimie Nicole Krause is an award-winning wedding photojournalist with over 20 years of experience documenting weddings with care, restraint, and deep attention to human connection.
Based in California and photographing weddings nationwide, she takes on a limited number of commissions each year to work intentionally and without distraction.
actually
as it
beautifully captured
real moments
happened
The most meaningful moments don’t need direction — just space.
as seen in:
I document weddings honestly, with attention, empathy, and respect for the experience itself.
My role isn’t to direct or manufacture moments. It’s to observe, anticipate, and document what’s happening. I’ll guide gently when it’s helpful — with timing, light, and logistics — but I’m not there to turn your wedding day into a production.
When there’s space to slow down, connection has room to exist. Those moments are what will hold weight years later — not because they were perfect, but because they were real.
ROOTED IN PRESENCE
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
DOCUMENTARY
You don’t need to know how to act, where to stand, or what to do with your hands.
Some moments need guidance. Others just need space. Knowing the difference — and responding accordingly — is part of the work.
Whether you're having a wedding weekend celebration or it's just the two of you, you're allowed to have a positive wedding experience that feels true to you. Your wedding day doesn't have to be aesthetically pleasing to hold weight. It just needs room to unfold.
you don't need to know how to do this.
I'm paying attention so you don't have to.
Most couples come into this with questions — about timing, family dynamics, awkward moments, or whether the day will actually flow.
This process isn’t hands-off. Before the wedding, we talk through what matters to you and shape a timeline that supports your priorities. That planning is intentional — it’s what allows the day itself to feel unforced.
When the structure supports the experience, you don’t have to think about the photography at all. You get to stay present, knowing the story is being documented as it unfolds.
What it's like
to work together
I photograph weddings across the United States, working with couples who choose locations based on meaning — not proximity.
Whether you’re planning a wedding close to home or somewhere that feels like a destination, the approach stays the same: thoughtful planning, unforced moments, and space to be present.
Travel is included. Location doesn’t change the way I work — or the way your day is documented.
Destination Wedding Photojournalism
- LAURA AND MATT
"AMAZING! I can not say enough good things about Jaimie and her work! I spent so much time researching photographers, so afraid to make the wrong choice and wanting beautiful photos that matched my vision. I stumbled upon Jamie's website and knew instantly I had to book her. I felt so comfortable meeting with her for the first time and discussing my plans for the day. After getting our engagement photos back (quickly I might add) I was even more excited. They exceeded what I had in mind! And then... our wedding photos. I can't even find the words to explain how happy my husband and I were with her gorgeous documentation of our big day! There were so many details (that I missed in the whirlwind of that day) that she captured so beautifully. Some of my favorites are candids of our friends and family at the reception. It is so great to have those memories!
" Five stars doesn't even begin to give Jaimie enough credit for her incredible eye and artistic talent!"
Wedding photos that you can feel don't come from chasing trends or recreating shit you found on Pinterest.
They come from how you choose to spend your time.
If photos with your parents or grandparents matter, plan five or ten quiet minutes to sit with them. You can't force emotion, but you can create space where others feel comfortable enough to show it freely.
You don’t need thirty minutes of formal wedding party photos. Get a few group photos, and use the rest of that time to actually be with the people you chose to stand beside you — share a toast, eat some chicken nuggs, or just hang out.
If you want candid, joyful, emotional photos, the secret isn’t posing or prompting. It’s planning a wedding day timeline that allows room for things to happen organically.
Plan for Moments,
Not Photos
Enough time to be present — not so much that it takes over your day.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, which is why I help couples plan this intentionally based on what they value most.
If you want a deeper breakdown, I’ve written more about timeline planning here:
• Wedding Day Timeline Planning: How Long Everything Takes
• Helpful Wedding Day Timeline Planning Tips
how much time should we plan for photos?
You’re not expected to know what to do.
Most people feel awkward when a camera is aimed at them, which is why I work really hard to make you forget about me. I'm really good at that. I'm also really good at reading a room (superpower or trauma response? You decide.) and if I feel you floundering, I'll give you a bit of gentle direction/guidance, but the goal isn’t to perform. It’s to let you settle into being yourselves.
What if I don’t know what to do or we're awkward?
Yes — and this is a big part of the process.
I work with couples ahead of time to create timelines that allow the day to unfold gently, creating breathing room for things to happen organically, rather than rushing from one thing to the next. This isn’t hands-off. It’s intentional, supportive, and thoughtfully planned.
will you help with timing & flow?
That’s not a problem so much as it's just life. Isn't the saying, "Life is what happens when you're making other plans"? When we let go of expectations, we gain the joy of experience.
Some of the most meaningful moments happen when things unfold differently than expected. I work with what’s happening, not against it, and I’m always paying attention to what matters in the moment.
what if things don't go as planned on our wedding day?
You’re supported the entire time.
There’s intention and structure, without micromanaging. I’ll help guide timing, setting, and flow so things feel easy, allowing space for things to happen organically, without prompting.
Is this still guided, or are we just left on our own?
Yes.
We’ll get the photos that matter to you and your family — smiling, looking at the camera, frame-worthy — without making that the entire focus of the day.
do you still get photos of everyone looking at the camera?
Absolutely.
Those photos matter — especially to parents, grandparents, and future you. I’ll guide family and group photos efficiently and intentionally, making sure we get the combinations that matter without dragging it out or missing anyone. Quick, organized, and painless — then we move on.
Do you still take family & group photos?
A few things you might be wondering
inquire
I take on a limited number of wedding commissions each year so I can work intentionally and be fully present for every couple.
Coverage is designed around documenting the day as it’s lived — not maximizing hours or manufacturing moments. The focus is on space, flow, and meaningful storytelling.
Wedding photojournalism coverage begins at $5,000. Full collections are customized based on the scope of your celebration.
Working Together
I thoughtfully respond to all inquiries. You can expect a response within 24-48 hours.
Featured
galleries
A Destination Wedding in the Desert at the Quirky, Cool Hicksville Trailer Palace in Joshua Tree, CA
A Utah Couple's Destination Wedding Weekend on a Missouri Farm with Yurts, Food Trucks, Hot Air Balloon Rides, Fireworks, and Live Music.
Lush Greenhouse Garden Wedding & Reception in the World-Renowned Tower Grove Park's Piper Palm House
JOSHUA TREE, CALIFORNIA
MIDWEST / MISSOURI
St. Louis, missouri
view highlights
Lush greenhouse garden Soiree at the famed Piper Palm House in Tower Grove Park
st. louis, missouri
utah couple's glamping-style destination wedding on a missouri horse farm
Midwest U.s.
Chic Couple marries in the desert at quirky, cool hicksville trailer palace
joshua tree, california
Experience
- JESS AND CHRISTINA
Jaimie should be at the top of your list! Not only is she extremely talented but she is also very warm and personable. She's creative, responsive, and dependable. Jaimie knows exactly how to get people to feel comfortable in front of a camera. Rather than cueing forced-looking poses, she truly captures the true essence of her clients and how they interact with each other."
"Jaimie knows exactly how to get people comfortable in front of the camera.
- meggie and luke
I love my wedding photos! Every reaction is genuine and real and makes me smile to just remember the moment. She perfectly captured my relationship with my husband. In regards to the actual posed photos, because everyone gets at least a few, she really knew how to get everyone's attention and efficiently get the families together, lined up, and smiling. It was very no nonsense which is exactly what you need when everyone's excited and distracted and in the way. I hate taking photos but this was just so easy and relaxed!"
"I absolutely love Jaimie's style; her photos artfully capture the light and shadow.
their
- Meg and Alex
"Jaimie made us feel confident and comfortable in her presence, capturing candid photos of genuine interactions.”
*Share a bit about how you’re planning to spend your wedding day. I’m especially interested in what feels most important to you.
Inquiry Form
hello@jaimienicolekrause.com
Tell me about your event (just the basics -- who, where and when) and how you want to experience the day.
I personally read and respond to every inquiry within 24–48 hours. If you don’t see a reply, check your spam folder — or email me directly at:
Let's start with the big picture.
A personal response will be sent by email within 48 hours.
In the meantime, if you’d like to move things forward, you’re welcome to schedule a consult call using the calendar link below. That’s the next step in the process, and it gives us space to talk through your plans in real time.
If a response hasn’t come through within 48 hours, please check your spam folder or reach out directly at hello@jaimienicolekrause.com.
Wedding Guide & Pricing
If you’d like to review collections, pricing, and the booking process now, you can check out my Wedding Guide.
What We’ll Talk About
On our call, we’ll cover:
- How you want to experience your wedding day
- What matters most to you
- Timeline flow and coverage recommendations
- Any logistical questions you have
The goal is clarity — so you can move forward feeling confident and grounded.
Tell me what matters to you
Based in California and photographing weddings nationwide, including Joshua Tree, Southern California, San Francisco Bay Area, and St. Louis, MO.