First, thank you for sharing your vision with me.
As I read through your email, I could immediately picture your day unfolding. The quiet morning getting ready, a first look tucked beneath the trees, portraits throughout Yosemite Valley, and ending the evening gathered around a cozy private dinner with the people you love most.
What stood out to me most wasn't just Yosemite. It was your desire for a wedding that feels calm, meaningful, and true to the two of you. It doesn't sound like you're planning a day filled with back-to-back events. You're creating an experience that allows you to be present with one another and the people who matter most.
With December's limited daylight in mind, I've thoughtfully created the collections below, along with a tentative timeline designed specifically around your celebration. While we'll customize every detail together as your wedding approaches, I hope this gives you a clear picture of how we can make the most of Yosemite's beautiful winter light while keeping the day relaxed and unhurried.
After reading everything you've shared, one collection immediately came to mind. I believe the 7.5-hour collection provides the perfect balance of coverage for your day. I'll explain why as you read through the proposal.
I can't wait to hear your thoughts.
Warmly, Maggie
Your Day, as I Envision It.
Based on everything you've shared, I've created this tentative timeline to illustrate one way your wedding day could naturally unfold. We'll personalize every detail together as your celebration approaches.
The Story Begins
The morning unfolds with quiet anticipation, thoughtful details, and candid moments as you prepare for the day ahead.
Journey to Cathedral Beach
A peaceful drive to a beautiful first look location just minutes from Yosemite Valley Chapel.
Your First Look
A private moment together followed by portraits surrounded by Yosemite's timeless beauty before the celebration begins.
Return to Yosemite Valley Chapel
A relaxed drive back to the chapel, allowing time to settle in before the afternoon unfolds.
Wedding Party Portraits
Captured on the chapel grounds before guests begin to arrive.
A Few Quiet Moments
Final touches, freshening up, and a chance to take a deep breath before walking down the aisle.
Your Ceremony & Family Portraits
Exchanging vows followed by meaningful photographs with the people you love most.
El Capitan Meadow
Couple's portraits surrounded by Yosemite's iconic granite walls as the valley fills with the beautiful colors of a winter sunset.
Journey to Your Reception
A quiet drive together before the evening celebration begins.
An Intimate Evening Celebration
Cocktail hour, dinner, heartfelt toasts, and candid moments shared with your closest family and friends.
What Our Couples Say.
"I had no doubt that our photos were going to be beautiful and perfect. The minute she arrived at the venue I felt completely confident in her and her team — so prepared, so organized, every single shot we requested."
Curated for your day.
6.5 Hours
The Intimate Collection
For couples wanting meaningful, intentional coverage at a relaxed pace — ceremony, portraits in the valley, and the quiet in-between moments that make the day feel complete.
$4,500 $4,100
Approx. 550–700 edited images
7 Hours
The Signature Collection
A balanced experience with space for getting ready, ceremony, portraits in the valley, and your intimate dinner reception — unhurried and entirely yours.
$5,200 $4,800
Approx. 700–850 edited images
7.5 Hours
The Yosemite Collection
The perfect balance for your day — space for getting ready, a first look in the valley, ceremony, portraits in Yosemite's winter light, and your cozy private dinner reception.
$5,500 $5,100
Approx. 750–950 edited images
8 Hours
The Editorial Collection
Full flexibility for couples wanting expanded coverage — more time in the valley, deeper storytelling, and every moment of the evening fully and unhurriedly documented.
$6,200 $5,800
Approx. 950–1,250 edited images
✦ A $400 credit has been applied to all collections — just for you.
All collections include a wedding consultation call, a dedicated 30-day timeline planning call, thoughtful timeline guidance, a curated online gallery, and a documentary-driven approach centered around preserving the feeling of the day as naturally as it unfolds.
One photographer coverage is best suited for intimate celebrations. Custom wedding weekend and extended coverage available upon request.
A Little Something Timeless.
Captured on 35mm, film brings a quiet depth and texture to your photographs — preserving the softness, movement, and in-between moments of your Yosemite celebration in a way that feels timeless and entirely true to the day.
35mm Film Add-On
$600
Approx. 50–60 images. Selected moments — ceremony, portraits, in-between warmth — developed, scanned, and woven into your gallery.
Extended Film Coverage
$950
Approx. 100+ images. More film throughout the full day — a richer, deeper analog archive alongside your digital gallery.
The Experience.
Working with me isn't just about showing up with a camera. From our first conversation to the moment your gallery lands in your inbox, everything is intentional and unhurried.
Before your wedding day, we'll connect for a dedicated planning call — timeline, light, shot list, every detail mapped so your day flows and nothing gets missed. For a December day in Yosemite, this matters especially.
On the day itself, I arrive ready. You won't have to think about a single thing. I'll ease your nerves, make you laugh — and the second something real starts to unfold, I go quiet, step back, and let it happen.
Because those are the moments no one can direct. Those are the ones that last forever.
Your gallery arrives fully edited, beautifully curated, and ready to relive — with print and album options to make it something you keep forever.
Featured Galleries.
A few recent weddings — each one different, each one entirely theirs.
Maggie Smith Photography
Editorial · Documentary · Film-Forward