THE WEDDING
EXPERIENCE
"From the moment I first interacted with her I knew I was sharing space with pure goodness. Her talent is surpassed only by her sense of self. Not only does Nikki have the ability to reach through the lens and see the art in the most simple of moments - she meets those moments with kindness and light.
Not only does she connect with clients on a deep, sentimental level - she brings an easy and bright energy that manages to keep even the heavy things joyful. She is always focused on giving her clients and her team everything she has. Her generosity of spirit paired with her truly bespoke aesthetic makes her the best of the best. My clients and I always feel so lucky to be in her orbit!"
"Her generosity of spirit paired with her truly bespoke aesthetic makes her the best of the best."
Sweet words from Marilyn Speight, Just A Little Ditty Events
A wedding day may last only hours, but it lives on—etched into memory, into the hearts of your loved ones, and into the legacy you’ll pass down. The images become more than documentation; they are the story future generations will hold to understand who you were, how you loved, and the beauty of that singular day. That makes what we create together not just meaningful, but heirlooms worth investing in.
It's not a day,
it's forever
How we approach Documenting your marriage
open up our lookbook
As a photographer, I don’t just show up to document — I arrive as a true collaborator, ready to serve both our clients and their professional teams with calm, intuitive presence. With over a decade of experience, I understand the flow of a wedding day and the nuances of high-touch events. I anticipate moments before they unfold, communicate with kindness and clarity, and move with quiet confidence—ensuring that timelines stay on track while allowing space for beauty and emotion to breathe. I’m deeply committed to being an asset to the teams on which I serve: aligned in vision, effortless to work with, and dedicated to delivering a seamless experience from the first inquiry to final gallery delivery. The result? Artful, emotive imagery that makes my referral partners look like the hero for making the perfect recommendation.
Our Philosophy on Collaboration
Inspired by texture and light, I use both as storytelling tools—subtle threads that run through each frame to evoke the essence of the day. From soft linens to golden hour glows, every image in the collection is crafted to reflect not just how the day looked, but how it truly felt.
Planned by Caitie Hanrahan
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
01
A masterclass in intentional design—where every visual element serves a purpose and reflects the refined taste of the couple. The result is a cohesive, elevated aesthetic brought to life by a visionary team of creatives, each contributing their distinct talent to a shared, artful narrative…then made permanent by imagery the couple can return to to relive these moments again and again.
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
Planned by Nouvelle Weddings
02
Planned by Social Graces Events
Movement, details, stolen glances. These three are cornerstones in curating the culminating gallery collection for my clients.
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
03
Color is a quiet through-line in my work—a tool I use to bring cohesion and clarity across every frame. Whether captured on film or digital, each image is carefully calibrated to feel part of a unified whole, allowing the final gallery to unfold with a sense of intention, harmony, and depth.
Planned and Designed by the Bride
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
04
In collaboration with our planner counterparts, we craft timelines that prioritize what matters most: time with your guests and with each other. By allowing moments to unfold organically, the day flows naturally, giving us the space to capture it all with authenticity and heart.
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
Planned by Kate Phillips Events
05
Planned by Caitie Hanrahan
Some moments on a wedding day are not meant to be interrupted—most profoundly, the ceremony. We honor the sanctity of this exchange by approaching it with quiet reverence, documenting with an unobtrusive eye so the images remain a true reflection of your vows as they unfolded.
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
06
Our process is like a deep breath—a pause amid the whirlwind. While the energy of the day swirls around you, we create space for stillness, for presence. These intentional moments allow you to take it all in, and they become the heart of the images we create together.
left: Karen Duckett Events / right: Alyson Taylor Events
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
07
I’m endlessly inspired by iconic fashion moments and storied spaces—places of grandeur that set the stage for something extraordinary. But it’s our clients who inspire us most: their connection, their style, their narrative.
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
Planned by Alyson Taylor Events
08
Planned by Caitie Hanrahan
Some moments on a wedding day are not meant to be interrupted—most profoundly, the ceremony. We honor the sanctity of this exchange by approaching it with quiet reverence, documenting with an unobtrusive eye so the images remain a true reflection of your vows as they unfolded.
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
09
Color is a quiet through-line in my work—a tool I use to bring cohesion and clarity across every frame. Whether captured on film or digital, each image is carefully calibrated to feel part of a unified whole, allowing the final gallery to unfold with a sense of intention, harmony, and depth.
Planned by Social Graces Events
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
10
Color is a quiet through-line in my work—a tool I use to bring cohesion and clarity across every frame. Whether captured on film or digital, each image is carefully calibrated to feel part of a unified whole, allowing the final gallery to unfold with a sense of intention, harmony, and depth.
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
Planned by LK Events & Design
11
Planned by LK Events & Design
In collaboration with our planner counterparts, we craft timelines that prioritize what matters most: time with your guests and with each other. By allowing moments to unfold organically, the day flows naturally, giving us the space to capture it all with authenticity and heart.
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
12
A masterclass in intentional design—where every visual element serves a purpose and reflects the refined taste of the couple. The result is a cohesive, elevated aesthetic brought to life by a visionary team of creatives, each contributing their distinct talent to a shared, artful narrative... then made permanent by imagery the couple can return to to relive these moments again and again.
left: Kate Phillips Events / right: Nouvelle Weddings
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
13
Inspired by texture and light, I use both as storytelling tools—subtle threads that run through each frame to evoke the essence of the day. From soft linens to golden hour glows, every image in the collection is crafted to reflect not just how the day looked, but how it truly felt.
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
Planned by Caitie Hanrahan
14
Planned by Karen Duckett Events
I’m endlessly inspired by iconic fashion moments and storied spaces—places of grandeur that set the stage for something extraordinary. But it’s our clients who inspire us most: their connection, their style, their narrative.
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
15
Some of our favorite weddings unfold at home—where every detail is built from the ground up, both literally and emotionally. With seasoned teams orchestrating the logistics, these celebrations blend the beauty of thoughtful design with the intimacy of a deeply personal setting.
Planned by Kate Phillips Events
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
16
What inspires me most are the connections my clients share. Every glance, every gesture, every unspoken exchange reveals the heart of the day. Capturing the nuances of these relationships — and translating them into images that feel deeply personal— is my greatest joy in documenting a wedding.
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
Planned by Mary Elizabeth Events
17
Planned by Caitie Hanrahan
A masterclass in intentional design—where every visual element serves a purpose and reflects the refined taste of the couple. The result is a cohesive, elevated aesthetic brought to life by a visionary team of creatives, each contributing their distinct talent to a shared, artful narrative... then made permanent by imagery the couple can return to to relive these moments again and again.
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
18
We travel across the country to the places that hold the deepest meaning for our clients—landscapes that shape their story. By leaning into the distinct character of each setting, we create imagery that feels intimately connected to both place and memory—timeless photographs rooted in nostalgia.
Planned by Alyson Taylor Events
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
19
The best way to let organic moments unfold is by maximizing time with each other and with your guests. I give my clients the space to fully live their wedding day, knowing that the most meaningful images emerge naturally—vivid, joyful memories preserved with honesty and life. This is the heart of my process.
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
Planned by Social Graces Events
20
Planned by Caitie Hanrahan
Movement is at the heart of our work. By incorporating motion into portraits and candid frames alike, we’re able to translate the energy of the day into imagery that feels alive—photographs that let the viewer not only see the moment, but experience its vibrancy and rhythm.
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
21
Iconic moments from Emma & Andy’s effortlessly chic East Coast nuptials, captured in black and white film.
Planned by Social Graces Events
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
22
Guest experience is at the heart of the wedding weekend. Every thoughtful touch—from cigar bars and ice cream trucks to mobile oyster shuckers and interactive displays—reflects your personality and creates unforgettable memories for the people you love most. We’re intentional about documenting these moments, ensuring the ways you made your celebration uniquely yours are preserved forever.
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
Planned by The Hive Wedding Collective
23
Planned by Kate Phillips Events
We know that for many of our couples, pups are family too. When four-legged friends are part of your story, we’re always delighted to include them in your wedding day portraits—capturing the joy and personality they bring to such a meaningful celebration.
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
24
My work as a motherhood photographer quietly informs the way I approach weddings—especially when little ones are part of the celebration. Whether they're walking down the aisle or dancing under the tent past bedtime, I’m drawn to their wonder and authenticity. We aim to create tender, timeless portraits of even the tiniest guests, honoring their involvement in the day.
Planned by Nouvelle Weddings
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
25
We know how rare and meaningful it is to have all the people you love gathered together in this moment in time and space. That’s why we’re intentional about documenting not just the couple, but the guests who fill the day with joy. Your final collection becomes more than a record of events—it’s a living archive of everyone who showed up to celebrate alongside you.
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
Planned by Mary Elizabeth Events
26
Planned by Kate Phillips Events
Before the first guest takes their seat, we make time to document the reception design in its untouched state. Every detail—from the place settings to the florals—represents months of thoughtful planning, and capturing the space before it’s filled with celebration ensures that this artistry is preserved for our collaborative team alongside the memories it was created to hold.
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
27
I believe the most compelling images come when my clients feel free to simply be themselves. By creating space for you to let your guard down, we’re able to craft photographs that move beyond poses—authentic portraits that reflect your true personality and the essence of your connection.
Visual Direction for Jordan Simpson Makeup Artistry
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
28
We know how rare and meaningful it is to have all the people you love gathered together in this moment in time and space. That’s why we’re intentional about documenting not just the couple, but the guests who fill the day with joy. Your final collection becomes more than a record of events—it’s a living archive of everyone who showed up to celebrate alongside you.
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
Planned by Kate Phillips Events
29
Planned by Caitie Hanrahan
The best way to let organic moments unfold is by maximizing time with each other and with your guests. I give my clients the space to fully live their wedding day, knowing that the most meaningful images emerge naturally—vivid, joyful memories preserved with honesty and life. This is the heart of my process.
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
30
Iconic moments from Emma & Nick’s whimsical wedding weekend, captured in black and white film.
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
31
We travel across the country to the places that hold the deepest meaning for our clients—landscapes that shape their story. By leaning into the distinct character of each setting, we create imagery that feels intimately connected to both place and memory—timeless photographs rooted in nostalgia.
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
Planned by The Hive Wedding Collective
32
Planned by Caitie Hanrahan
Some moments on a wedding day are not meant to be interrupted—most profoundly, the ceremony. We honor the sanctity of this exchange by approaching it with quiet reverence, documenting with an unobtrusive eye so the images remain a true reflection of your vows as they unfolded.
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
33
Movement, details, stolen glances. These three are cornerstones in curating the culminating gallery collection for my clients.
Planned by The Hive Wedding Collective
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
34
The best way to let organic moments unfold is by maximizing time with each other and with your guests. I give my clients the space to fully live their wedding day, knowing that the most meaningful images emerge naturally—vivid, joyful memories preserved with honesty and life. This is the heart of my process.
N
I
K
K
I
S
A
N
T
E
R
R
E
Planned by Nouvelle Weddings
35
That’s exactly where I come in. As a photographer who sees through both an empathetic and artistic lens, I document your wedding weekend with care, intention, and a gentle presence that allows the most meaningful moments to unfold naturally. I’ll immerse myself in your celebration from start to finish, capturing not just how it looked, but how it felt — the palpable anticipation before the ceremony, the glances exchanged during dinner, the joyful chaos of the dance floor. With precision paired with poetic intuition, I work across film and digital to create a gallery full of depth and texture, infused with light, emotion, and quiet luxury. My role is to preserve your vision with beauty and truth — so your wedding photographs don’t just document the day, but begin the story of your family’s legacy.
We might be a perfect fit if you believe that the most meaningful moments are made even more beautiful by thoughtful intention. You care deeply for the people in your life and want your wedding weekend to reflect that — a celebration rooted in connection, elevated by exquisite details. You have a timeless yet sophisticated sense of style, one that favors heirloom pieces over fleeting trends. You dream of long weekends with your love on the coast, curated dining culture complete with laughter around the table, and gathering loved ones with grace and warmth at every opportunity. Your joyful intention in your personal life is an energy you match with your ambition in your professional life. And while you’re planning a wedding, you’re really laying the foundation of something greater — a legacy. Your photographs aren’t just for you, but are transcendent: a narrative of heirlooms for people you love whom you haven’t yet met.
A Note From Nikki
Dear, Future Mrs.
Devoted to Preserving The Heart of Your Story with Uncommon Care
Styling is a vital part of the client experience I offer — not just for aesthetics, but how you connect to images of yourself. From our very first conversations, I come alongside you with thoughtful guidance on where to shop and how to curate attire that aligns with the visual story you're telling — whether it’s a wedding weekend, a motherhood session, or a legacy portrait. Together, we select pieces that reflect both the tone of your event and the truest version of who you are. Because the images we create don’t just live on a screen — they become an evocative part of how you see yourself. Psychology tells us that our brains associate emotion with imagery, so the way you feel in your clothing directly impacts how you’ll remember this season of life. My goal is to help you choose attire that elevates, empowers, and emboldens you to step fully into the narrative you want told about this intimate season.
Styling
curated style steeped in legacy
Engagement sessions are a valuable part of the client experience—more than just a photoshoot, they’re an opportunity for us to connect before the wedding day. These sessions allow us to build trust and ease so that when I arrive to your wedding weekend, it feels like you’re being documented by an old friend. You’ll have the chance to wear elevated attire that reflect your personal style, visit locations that hold significance to your story, and enjoy a relaxed, memorable experience together. The result is a beautifully diverse gallery of images—perfect for save-the-dates, guest books, and art to adorn the walls of your home.
view engagement gallery
Engagements
Including rehearsal dinner coverage adds meaningful depth to your wedding weekend story. It allows me to document the people who matter most—especially out-of-town guests and extended family members who may not be photographed as extensively on the wedding day. These gatherings are often full of warmth, laughter, and heartfelt toasts—moments that deserve to be remembered. Rehearsal coverage also provides the opportunity to capture the thoughtful details and design of your welcome events, ensuring that the full aesthetic of your weekend is beautifully preserved. It’s an intentional way to begin your gallery with context, emotion, and connection.
Welcome Dinner
Extending photography coverage to the final events of your wedding weekend adds incredible value to your overall experience. Whether it’s a lively after party complete with celebrity guest DJ, a relaxed farm-to-table farewell brunch, or a decadent crab feast with live music, these gatherings are often centered around the people you love most. They're designed with your guests in mind—thoughtfully planned moments meant to celebrate connection, gratitude, and joy. Capturing these events allows me to photograph your family and friends in a more relaxed, celebratory atmosphere, rounding out your gallery with imagery that reflects the full scope of your weekend. It’s the perfect way to preserve not just your love story, but the community that surrounds and supports it.
Brunch & Farewell Events
Engagements
Albums are an essential part of our clients’ experience—where photographs move beyond the digital and become something lasting, lived with, and loved. As an heirloom curator, I take great pride in transforming your images into a beautifully crafted, tangible collection of custom art. The albums I produce are museum-quality, handcrafted with intention, and printed on archival paper designed to stand the test of time. These aren’t just books—they’re legacy pieces: transcendent reflections of your love, your people, and the fleeting moments that deserve to be held, shared, and passed down for generations.
Heirloom & Custom Albums
Understated Luxury. Bespoke Heirlooms.
"Working with her is like having your best hype woman, creative genius, and unflappable pro all wrapped into one fabulously stylish package. She somehow manages to be everywhere at once—catching stolen glances, champagne pops, and dance floor shenanigans—without ever feeling intrusive.
Her eye for detail is chef’s kiss perfection, her editing is dreamy without being overdone, and her energy? Absolutely infectious. She makes couples feel at ease, wrangles wedding parties like a seasoned pro (without breaking a sweat), and delivers galleries that make you want to frame every single image.
As a planner, I know I can trust her to bring the vibe, the professionalism, and the creativity every single time. If you’re looking for a photographer who will make you feel like your best, most glamorous self while capturing every gorgeous, wild, and heartfelt moment—Nikki is your girl. Just book her already. You’ll thank me later."
"If capturing pure magic was a sport, Nikki would have more gold medals than an Olympic champion."
Sweet words from Lindsay Kennedy, LK Events & Design
the Nikki Santerre
Wedding Experience
The final and most treasured element of the client experience is curating tangible heirlooms—transforming your digital images into timeless art that adorns your walls and lives within your home. I guide my clients through this meaningful process, helping you select and design keepsakes that celebrate your story in a way that can be touched, displayed, and cherished daily. These heirlooms become lasting reminders of your most precious moments—pieces of your legacy crafted to be passed down through generations.
Heirloom Creation
08
While I truly love celebrating alongside my clients throughout the wedding weekend, the moment I get most excited for is delivering your final gallery. Within 48 hours after your wedding, you’ll receive a beautifully curated preview to relive some of those special moments right away. The complete collection, thoughtfully edited and prepared, will be delivered within 8 to 10 weeks. Your gallery will be hosted online for one full year, making it easy and secure to share your images with family and friends—protected with a PIN for privacy and peace of mind.
Delivery
07
Every thoughtful step we’ve taken together—from styling to timelines to welcome events—leads us to the heart of it all: your wedding day. This is the most important part of the entire process, and we approach it with calm, steady presence, serving as a gentle guide throughout each moment. Our goal is for you to move through the day with ease and intention, so that when the weekend is over, you carry not just beautiful images, but meaningful, lived memories—not a chaotic blur. More than anything, we believe your photos should honor the day, not define it. The celebration exists for you, your love, and your people—and our role is to preserve it all with authenticity and care.
Wedding Celebration
06
The wedding weekend experience begins with welcome event coverage—an intentional and beautiful way to set the tone for everything that follows. Whether you're hosting an intimate, multi-course rehearsal dinner or an elevated, design-focused welcome party for all of your guests, we’ll be there to thoughtfully document it all. These gatherings are often where the most heartfelt toasts, joyful reunions, and relaxed moments unfold—providing the perfect prologue to your celebration and adding rich context to your final gallery.
Welcome Events
05
Our timeline process is entirely collaborative, designed with both intention and flexibility. We work hand in hand with your planner to craft a timeline that honors the flow of your day—ensuring you have ample time to be present with your guests while also creating space for a meaningful, unhurried photography experience. We balance the logistics with the emotional moments so your day feels as beautiful as it looks—and your gallery reflects every moment of it.
Timeline Creation & Preparations
04
The next step in the process is sourcing attire for your engagement session. To make this as seamless as possible, I’ll send you a thoughtfully curated styling guide filled with inspiration, tips, and specific brand recommendations that align with the aesthetic we’ve established together. From color palettes to silhouettes, we’ll ensure your outfits elevate the overall look and communicate the aesthetic that aligns with your wedding weekend.
Styling & Visual Consultation
03
With your date secured, the next step in the wedding experience is planning your engagement session. We’ll begin with a brief questionnaire designed to align us on the vision for your session—considering seasonality, location, attire, and overall aesthetic. This allows us to create an experience that feels personal, intentional, and true to your story. Whether you envision a picturesque mountaintop vista, a chic city vignette, or a location meaningful to you as a couple, we’ll collaborate to bring it to life in a way that beautifully complements your wedding weekend narrative.
Engagement
02
Once we’ve discovered that we’re a perfect fit to work together, the next step is to officially secure your date with completion of the contract and retainer. Once both are secured, your reservation will be complete on my calendar, To ensure you’re fully supported from the very beginning, we will begin the process by welcoming you to your Client Experience Portal, a space for our communication where you’ll have access to planning resources exclusively designed for my clients.
Booking
01
Coastal Luxury Wedding Weekend in Beaufort
To give you a sense of the wedding collection experience from start to finish, I’ve curated a handful of galleries from some of my most favorite wedding events from Charlottesville to DC to the Eastern Shore and beyond. Each collection is as unique as they are elevated to give you a complete sense of how my film inspired style compliments my gentle documentarian approach to creating fine art imagery for my clients.
Featured Full days
Wedding Galleries
Nostalgic Equestrian Wedding at The Bride's Family Home
East Coast Chic in Wilmington with Grand-Millennium Flair
Fashion Forward Autumn Wedding in Charlottesville
Library Lovers Wed at the Peabody & The Design Was A Page-Turner
Elevated Virginia Estate Wedding at The Clifton
Whimsical & Romantic Garden Wedding with Old World Charm
Waterfront Celebration in Irvington, VA with Refined Romance
-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!"
"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!"
"Nikki gives everything she has."
Sweet words from Kerri Johnson, Elle Loren & Co
