menu
Virginia wedding photography, but make it art, not awkward
Choose your adventure
Shenandoah National Park Elopements
Documentary Wedding Photography
You are a quality over quantity person. You live boldly, love hard and want your wedding day to be an experience to remember forever.
You are in the right place.
Wedding photos & video that feel like visual poetry.
Because when you work with me you'll get epic
This isthe magic your day could be
See for yourself
Whether you are eloping in Shenandoah National Park, planning an intimate micro wedding or dreaming up a sustainable shindig for all your friends, all you have to do on your wedding day is be present and have a good time. I'll capture all the real, honest moments as if you were in your own epic indie film. Think of me as your trusty sidekick who always helps you have a good time and makes you look gooood.
I'm a cage-free, Birkenstock-wearing, there's-no-such-thing -as-bad-weather Montessori mama who lives in a tiny work-in-progress ranch outside of Roanoke with my young daughters, goldendoodle Bo and college sweetheart.
I was born with the "I could probably figure it out" gene and am infinitely curious about the world, learning new things and perfecting the best vegetarian tacos.
I have wanted to be a storyteller ever since I was a little girl (although honestly I thought I'd be writing novels and running an animal sanctuary by now.) Instead, I get to be a memory-keeper for people in some of their most intimate and important life moments. And honestly, that's pretty dope.
Hey there! I'm Kara
Let my couples tell you
What's it like to have me as your Virginia wedding photographer?
Haley
We’ll always be able to look back and remember how we felt in those moments, something that is truly invaluable.
“
ON THE BLOG
SEE THEIR STORY
(WEDDING, 2020)
Brittany
Kara made my wedding day happen! Everything from finding the location, helping me find a florist, and pick out an airbnb. If it wasn't for her the day wouldn't have happened so easily. Through the entire process Kara hung in there every time I changed my mind (67 times to be exact, including my wedding date!) and handled all of it so kindly. She builds a quick relationship with you and brings out the most real emotion in the pictures.
“
ON THE BLOG
SEE THEIR STORY
(ELOPEMENT, 2019)
Katelyn
Kara shot our wedding and put together the most beautiful wedding videos that we will cherish forever! Her adventurous personality shined through all of her creative ideas. Kara was a joy to work with and I’ll never forget our wedding day splashing in the creek thanks to her!
“
ON THE BLOG
SEE THEIR STORY
(ELOPEMENT, 2019)
Haley
We wanted the perfect mix of candid moments captured, classic wedding portraits and ultimately, an accurate depiction of our love for one another and Kara truly delivered on all fronts...We’ll always be able to look back and remember how we felt in those moments, something that is truly invaluable.
“
SEE THEIR STORY on the blog
Elisa
Kara is from the area and knows it like the back of her hand. She knew the exact spot we were getting married, where the sun will be at what time, what we needed to bring and keep in mind…I suggest getting as much time with her as you can. Between the detailed shots, family, individual shots... there is just so much to capture…If we could do it again we would do it just the same.
“
SEE THEIR STORY ON THE BLOG
SEE THEIR STORY on the blog
(ELOPEMENT)
Annie
Kara’s presence throughout the day was calming, supportive and fun! Kara will capture the raw emotions of your wedding while leaving space for you to soak in every sweet moment with your person. Afterwards, a family member asked if some of our photos were posed or prompted (us crying together during vows)… nope! Kara has such a special talent and unique eye for capturing these memories so beautifully.
“
SEE THEIR STORY on the blog
(ELOPEMENT)
Brittany
Kara made my wedding day happen! Everything from finding the location, helping me find a florist, and pick out an airbnb. If it wasn't for her the day wouldn't have happened so easily. Through the entire process Kara hung in there every time I changed my mind (67 times to be exact, including my wedding date!) and handled all of it so kindly. She builds a quick relationship with you and brings out the most real emotion in the pictures.
“
SEE THEIR STORY on the blog
(ELOPEMENT)
Ready to begin?
Next steps for booking your Virginia Wedding Photographer
Schedule a pressure-free call. When we connect, we’ll talk about your vision for your day. It's an opportunity for us to get to know one another so that when you book you are 100% confident I’m the right fit to photograph and film your wedding.
If you need planning help – like finding your venue or recommendations for other vendors – I’ll send those to you. We’ll also schedule your engagement session (if applicable.) Throughout the entire process I’m always a phone call or email away.
Your wedding day rolls around and I’ll be there to document your incredible experience from start to finish! After your wedding you can expect a "sneak peek" within two business days and your full gallery and video within two months!
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Need something else? You can email me directly at hello@karaleighcreative.com
Let's do this thing! Inquire about availability and get more information
Fill out the Form below and I’ll be in touch.
Looking for photo AND video?
I got you!
Working with just one company for both photo and video means you don't have vendors competing for the same shot or getting in one Another's way. Instead, you get the best of both worlds -- a team whose only goal is to make sure your day is captured beautifully.
Both my premium wedding and elopement packages include a 3-5 minute highlight video, but you can add on a highlight video to any package! You can also add on a full ceremony video as well as longer documentary videos that cover the day from start to finish.
Elopement Highlight Videos
Wedding Highlight Videos
Just Here for Virginia Engagement or Proposal Photos?
Whether you're celebrating a heartfelt "yes!" or searching for the perfect mountain backdrop to mark this special chapter, I’m here to document this beautiful stage of your journey.
When you choose me as your photographer, I’ll guide you through a fun, relaxed experience where you can be yourselves. From capturing a surprise proposal to celebrating your engagement, I'll help you find the perfect location—whether it's scenic mountains, charming parks, or intimate settings. My sessions are filled with laughter, real moments, and natural connections, not stiff poses. I'll be there with you every step of the way, from location guidance to outfit styling, ensuring your photos feel as vibrant and joyful as your love.
I'm a Virginia wedding photographer and filmmaker based near Roanoke, Virginia, but I serve all of Virginia including Charlottesville, Richmond, NOVA, Shenandoah National Park and SW Virginia as well as western North Carolina (Boone, Charlotte, Asheville) and Eastern West Virginia including the New River Gorge National park.
Frequently Asked Questions
do you offer wedding videos?
Absolutely! I offer both wedding ceremony films and highlight films. Feel free to check out some of my recent work on Vimeo.
What kind of Sessions do you photograph?
My work is broken up pretty evenly between traditional weddings (normally held in Charlottesville or Southwestern Virginia), adventure elopements and micro/intimate weddings. I also do a lot of adventure portrait sessions in Shenandoah National Park or on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Do you work with a second shooter?
Sometimes! These days I mostly shoot solo unless you have chosen a photo-video package!
Do you travel for weddings?
All travel fees are included within a half-days drive of Roanoke. That means if you are planning a wedding anywhere from Charlotte to Boone to DC to Charlottesville to Shenandoah National Park to Richmond there are absolutely no travel fees for your wedding. I do (very occasionally) take on weddings outside of that radius that might have travel fees.
What makes you different?
- I can seamlessly switch between photo and video when capturing your day
- I'm *really* good at helping people feel comfortable in front of the camera quickly
- I'm equally happy getting up at 3am and hiking up to a summit to watch you exchange your vows at sunrise as I am capturing an epic hopping reception at a local vineyard.
- Your gallery is *never* stiff, but WILL include a perfect mix of timeless, editorial-style portraits and natural, candid moments
Can we book you only for an hour or two?
Only for portrait sessions! My elopement coverage starts at four hours and my wedding coverage starts at six :).
