A vintage black and white photograph showing a dental examination in progress at a medical office.

San Francisco & San Jose

wedding photographer



documentary-style storytelling

for modern lovers

A sequence of monochrome photos shows two people in white shirts embracing against a scenic outdoor landscape.

San Francisco & San Jose

wedding photographer



documentary-style storytelling

for modern lovers

Black and white photo of an outdoor wedding ceremony with guests seated in chairs facing a columned gazebo structure.

San Francisco & San Jose

wedding photographer



documentary-style storytelling

for modern lovers

A bride and groom walk through an elegant white marble hallway with ornate architectural details and natural light.

San Francisco & San Jose

wedding photographer



documentary-style storytelling

for modern lovers

Students in white shirts concentrate on their work at classroom desks in this vintage black and white photograph.

San Francisco & San Jose

wedding photographer



documentary-style storytelling

for modern lovers

A series of vintage black and white photographs showing people and classic cars from the 1960s era.

San Francisco & San Jose

wedding photographer



documentary-style storytelling

for modern lovers

People sit at outdoor tables under a glass canopy in a garden setting with trees and natural light.

San Francisco & San Jose

wedding photographer



documentary-style storytelling

for modern lovers

as seen in
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Black and white text reading
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Hello, lovers!

My name is Tessa.

 

A person in a black sleeveless dress poses dramatically against a bright window with city views in the background.
A sequence of photographs showing a white bridal figure emerging from dark forest shadows into dappled sunlight.

I am a wedding & elopement photographer serving the San Francisco Bay Area of California. Since 2016, I have focused on documenting weddings with a playfully candid yet elevated, fine-art feel. My aesthetic is a blend of film and digital, bringing an editorial eye to authentic storytelling, and inspired by the everyday interactions that can often go unnoticed. I show up like a familiar friend, present and warm, and ready to compose thoughtful frames to create portraits that feel both nostalgic and cinematic.

Learn more about me
A series of black and white photos showing passionate romantic embraces between couples in vintage style.
A colorful lantern-lit alley in an Asian night market with red glowing lights illuminating the narrow street.
Handwritten text appears at the top of a white surface showing partial phrases about being spirited and sentimental.
A series of connected photos showing a casual dining experience with people gathered around a table at a restaurant.
A bride's flowing white wedding dress train trails behind her on a polished floor with floral arrangements nearby.

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Love letters text written in cursive handwriting against a white background.

Tessa made us feel comfortable right away.

Two people dance playfully together on an empty city street with tall buildings and the Transamerica Pyramid in the background.

We really enjoyed the entire experience working with Tessa! It was our first time getting professional photos taken and we were afraid that we would be a bit nervous and awkward in front of the camera. Tessa made us feel comfortable right away. Tessa has a great eye for capturing genuine moments and found the perfect locations. We enjoyed running around town with her and she made the whole experience light and fun! We can’t wait to use these photos for our wedding and would absolutely recommend Tessa to anyone looking for a talented and kind photographer!

Amena & Carlos

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Love letters text written in cursive handwriting against a white background.

Every shot feels so authentically us while also being absolutely stunning.

Two people sitting at a table sharing milkshakes or drinks in black and white photography.

I’m absolutely in awe. We’ve been sitting with the sneak peek since you sent it, going through them over and over and reliving every moment! Thank you so much for capturing us so beautifully. You made me feel beautiful, and these photos are a perfect example of why you’re so incredible at what you do. Every shot feels so authentically us while also being absolutely stunning. I’m so grateful we found you, and I can’t wait to work with you again at the wedding in September. If this is just the sneak peek, I’m not ready for what the full gallery is going to do to me! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Ben & Dena

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Love letters text written in cursive handwriting against a white background.

Thank you for pouring your heart into these photos.

A sequence of black and white photos showing a crowd gathering on a beach with cliffs in the background.

THANK YOU SO MUCH! You are truly amazing and our greatest blessing for our wedding. We can't wait to recommend you to our family and friends. And even to work with you again in the future. The photos were amazing, beautiful, astonishing, and Jairon and I were so excited to show all our family! Thank you for pouring your heart into these photos. It definitely shows!

AHtziry & Jairon

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Love letters text written in cursive handwriting against a white background.

she knew all the cutest spots in the city and every backdrop was beautiful!

Two people sit in a doorway beneath a decorative green and turquoise awning in San Francisco's Chinatown while a pigeon walks by.

We absolutely loved working with Tessa for our engagement photos! She gave us such clear and thoughtful directions for each pose, which really helped us feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera. She also knew all the cutest spots in the city and every backdrop was beautiful! The turnaround time was so fast, and the photos turned out even better than we imagined. She's so easy to work with, super creative, and made the whole experience fun and effortless:) highly highly recommend!! 🫶🏼

Katie & Terence

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A collection of black and white and color wedding photographs arranged in a grid showing couples and venue details.
A romantic gay couple shares tender moments in a series of four intimate photographs with white floral decorations.

 

 

Is that a yes?

 

 

every great love story begins with one.

i'm all in if you are!


 

let's chat