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.
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.
Start here:
How can we work together?
Engagement
sessions
Request more information
Request more information
Elopement
Photography packages
Request more information
wedding
Photography packages
Avonlea Farms Wedding
Market at Grelen Wedding
Castle Hill Cider Wedding
Meadows at Castleton Wedding
Wedding Inspiration
Recent Work
Monte Ventoso Elopement
Shenandoah NP Elopement
Hawksbill Mountain Elopement
New River Gorge Elopement
Elopement Inspiration
Recent Work
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 two toddlers, two dogs 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 intimate 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’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
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, 2020)
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.
“
ON THE BLOG
SEE THEIR STORY
(ELOPEMENT, 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)
Need something else? You can email me directly at hello@karaleighcreative.com
Interested in working with Kara?
Fill out the Form below and I’ll be in touch.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUBMISSION. WE WILL BE IN TOUCH SOON!
I'm a Virginia wedding photographer and filmmaker based near Roanoke, Virginia. I primarily serve southwestern and central Virginia, including Roanoke, Staunton, Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Lexington, Lynchburg, the Shenandoah Valley and Shenandoah National Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
do you offer wedding videos?
I do! I do! 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! Small weddings I typically shoot solo. Big weddings I typically have a second shooter
Do you travel for weddings?
All travel fees are included within a three hour drive of Roanoke. That means if you are planning a wedding in Charlottesville or anywhere in the Shenandoah Valley or Shenandoah National Park or Boone, NC or the New River Gorge National Park, there are absolutely no travel fees for your wedding. I do take on a few weddings outside of that radius every year :).
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?
Let me explain why not: your wedding deserves SO MUCH MORE than just an hour or two of coverage. This is a momentous event in your life. It deserves more documentation, more lasting photographic memories, than a quick one-off.
