Meet   Nikki

I’m Nikki Santerre — a Virginia-based fine art wedding, maternity, and newborn photographer serving modern brides and nostalgic mothers who value beauty, meaning, and legacy. I’m also a published writer, motherhood advocate, educator, and lifelong film connoisseur. My work lives at the intersection of artistry and memory — preserving marriage and motherhood through fine art imagery and written storytelling designed to be passed down for generations. At the heart of everything I create is a deep belief in legacy: that photographs are not merely for today, but for the children and grandchildren who will one day hold them in their hands.

Photographer of Weddings & Motherhood

Transcendent Imagery, Relevant Energy
Serving Virginia & Destination Celebrations

My wedding work is rooted in intuition and artistry — refined yet emotionally rich. I’m drawn to the in-between moments that often go unseen: the breath before a vow, the quiet squeeze of a hand, the way light settles across a silk train. My imagery is timeless, textured, and deeply personal — fine art without the pretense. With a calm and intentional presence, I create space for honest connection. I believe the most meaningful photographs happen when people feel at ease, unobserved, and free to be fully present with one another. Every gallery becomes a living love letter — one that reflects not only how your wedding looked, but how it felt.

Poetic Imagery for the 
Refined Romantic

My motherhood work honors the sacred in the ordinary. I photograph from a place of empathy, allowing my motherhood clients to feel seen by someone on a parallel journey through these seasons of Becoming. Giving you the space to feel your way through a session—not perform. From first kicks to sticky toddler hands and the quiet ache of growth, these portraits are gentle and evocative, preserving fleeting seasons with reverence. Layered with emotion and light, my imagery celebrates the poetic beauty of motherhood in all its raw, radiant forms.

Gentle Heirlooms for Your
Most Sacred Seasons

MOTHERHOOD
WEDDINGS

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An essential part of my approach to documenting weddings is being present for the entire celebration — not solely the wedding day itself. By photographing full wedding weekends, including rehearsal dinners, welcome gatherings, and farewell moments, I’m able to build genuine connection with the people who matter most to you: your family, your closest friends, your inner circle. This immersive approach allows me to photograph with depth and discernment — capturing layered moments that unfold naturally over time. The result is a body of work that feels cohesive, intentional, and emotionally complete.

Not just the day — but the feeling of the entire weekend.

Wedding Weekend Coverage 

Comprehensive Coverage for authentic connection

-Terry Kaye
of Terry Kaye Events

"I had the pleasure of working with Nikki, and I can’t recommend her enough. She is not only incredibly talented but also professional, poised under pressure, and truly dedicated to her craft. Her photos are absolutely stunning, capturing each moment with beauty and authenticity. I am a huge fan of her work.

What sets Nikki apart is her commitment to creating a positive experience not just for her clients but also for fellow vendors. She goes above and beyond to ensure every detail is captured, communicates with the vendor team, and ensures the timeline flows seamlessly. This is something truly special. Grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her.

She is a gift to our industry."

-Kate Phillips
of Kate Phillips Events

"It's always a pleasure to partner with Nikki; she is an artist and master at her craft!

To clients, Nikki feels like a longtime friend - she uses her vast experience to carefully guide couples to highlight their best angles while simultaneously capturing the perfect mix of structured and candid photos. The result becomes heirloom imagery that will be treasured by couples and their families for lifetimes!

To a planner, Nikki is a true professional. Her attention to detail is unmatched, her processes are seamless, and I know my clients are going to love their photography experience."

-Kerri Johnson,
Elle Loren & Co

"Working with Nikki is always an ABSOLUTE pleasure. Her talent behind the lens is matched only by her warmth and genuine care for clients colleagues.

She has a unique ability to make everyone feel at ease, capturing not just images but real emotions and authentic moments. Nikki's attention to detail, creative vision, and professionalism make her an exceptional photographer, but it's her kindness and passion that truly set her apart. I would work with her again in a heartbeat!"

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There is profound value in creating tangible heirlooms for mothers—photographs that live not just on screens, but in hands and hearts. Studies have shown that children who grow up seeing printed photos of themselves and their families develop a stronger sense of identity and belonging. These images become quiet affirmations: You are seen. You are loved. You are part of something lasting. For mothers, prints are more than keepsakes—they are physical anchors to seasons that move too quickly, reminders of the sacred ordinary once it’s gone. In a world that is increasingly digital, holding a photograph becomes an act of presence, a way to return to the moments that made us.

Motherhood is the heartbeat of my work—the quiet force that shapes how I see, feel, and create. Becoming a mother changed me in ways I never expected; it softened my edges, deepened my empathy, and taught me to see beauty in the smallest, most fleeting moments. That transformation didn’t just make me a better person—it made me a better photographer. I approach every session with the soul of someone who knows the weight of these days, the ache of time passing, and the sacredness tucked inside the ordinary.

Tangible gifts of sentiment

Motherhood

East Coast

Richmond

Charlottesville

Washington DC

“The Method is Your Memories”

My priority is not just to capture moments, but to give you the space to live them—gently guiding when needed, but always honoring your rhythm—so that every image reflects the truest version of your story.

Serving Virginia & Destination Celebrations

A Personal NewsletteR

Subscribe to 'The Seven'

The Seven is my newsletter, where I've created a more personal space for sharing—one where I share my writing, favorite products, life hacks, bits of travel adventures, and glimpses of the everyday joys and challenges I experience.
 
Of course, this won’t mean leaving behind the work I love. From time to time, you’ll still hear about upcoming photo sessions, creative opportunities, and ways to work with me—but in a way that feels more aligned with authenticity towards what my life actually looks like in this season.
 
I hope you’ll join me in this new chapter. I’m excited to share more of myself with you and, as always, hear from you too. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me.