Santa Barbara Wedding Photographer
This means that the logistics of capturing your big day will be handled professionally, and you'll just get to have a blast — with lots of laughs along the way! Seriously, when's the last time someone suggested you whisper your favorite veggie seductively in your partner's ear?!
While I love taking pretty pictures, I also love being part of your support system on your most important day. It's in my nature to be helpful, and I'm happy to be there for you in every way possible. Seriously, I have been known to tighten corsets, pin boutonnieres, make last-minute toss bouquets, and all sorts of other things that go beyond the realm of photography. I've often been described as a bonus member of the wedding party and I can't wait to be yours!
...but I also bring my (AMAZING) sense of humor to every wedding. 😜
I take my job incredibly seriously
250+ WEDDINGS PHOTOGRAPHED
16 YEARS EXPERIENCE
INTERNATIONALLY PUBLISHED
When you hire me to document your wedding, you hire a friend who has your back no matter what. I know what it’s like not to feel confident in front of a camera, and as a part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community myself, I also know how it feels to not be accepted everywhere. That's why I'm all about making you feel welcomed + your love story celebrated.
I love non-traditional weddings because I had one, too! Whether you want to wear a colorful dress, elope in a park, or showcase your nerdy hobbies on your wedding day, I'm here for it all.
My wedding day!
You Welcome Here.
I worked for one of the top wedding floral designers in Los Angeles for five years. I’ve also worked for a few top planners over the years. I'm so grateful for these experiences, as they've given me a unique perspective on the wedding industry that most photographers don't have.
I have had pets for my entire life, now my house is full with one dog, six indoor cats and I support a bunch of community cats as well. Also, I adore otters, there's just something about them that I just want to snuggle their fuzzy faces, I even got to swim with some.
I have a thing for food, cooking, and eating all sorts of culinary concoctions. Foodie favs are tacos, sushi, bbq, pasta, pastries, and fried chicken.
I love watching movies and can quote most of my favs. When I was a kid I was all about 80's comedies, now I bounce from Marvel to Studio Ghibli and all sorts of things in between.
I also thoroughly enjoy traveling just about anywhere, I've traveled all over the United States and probably know the I-5 better than most people should. I've been to Western and Eastern Europe several times and one of my favorite places is Barcelona. If your wedding isn't in Southern California, I'm happy to come to you!
I'm part of the LGBTQ+ community and I support causes near and dear to my heart. Each wedding that is booked a donation is made to one of these: The Los Angeles LGBT Center; The ACLU; Planned Parenthood; Kitten Rescue Los Angeles, Kitty of Angels, or Australian Shepherd Rescue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you do more than just take photos on the wedding day?
Yes, day-of support is part of the experience, not an extra. That's meant tightening corsets, pinning boutonnieres, and even assembling a last-minute bouquet when things go sideways. Couples consistently describe this as feeling like they gained a bonus member of the wedding party, not just a photographer with a camera.
Do you travel outside of Los Angeles for weddings?
Yes, I'm based in Southern California but I travel regionally, nationally, and internationally for the right couples. I've photographed weddings in Mammoth, Nevada, and Disneyland, and I'd happily travel anywhere your dream wedding is happening.
Do you help with our wedding day timeline?
Yes, timeline assistance and photo planning guidance are built into every single package, from the $2,900 Color Pop Collection up. You'll get help sequencing your day so the light, the locations, and the logistics actually work in your favor. This isn't an add-on, it's part of how every wedding with Trista Maja Photography runs.
What venues do you love shooting at?
Some favorites include anywhere in Santa Barbara, The Fig House in Los Angeles, Botanic Gardens locations across Southern California, Inn of the Seventh Ray, and Interesting Converted Warehouses. Quirky, colorful, personality-filled venues tend to be a favorite match for the storytelling style. If your venue isn't on this list, that's totally fine, any location that fits your vibe works.
