Some weddings challenge you creatively. Others remind you why you do this work in the first place. Joel and John Michael’s wedding did both.

Photographing their day at The Exploratorium in San Francisco was one of the most creatively ambitious experiences I’ve had as a wedding photographer. The environment was dynamic, the timeline was tight, and the vision was bold. But it wasn’t just the aesthetics that made this day memorable. Really, it was the level of intention poured into every detail.

Every wedding season leaves its mark. And 2025 was no exception.

It was a year of creative growth, new tools, and a few honest lessons. But what I’ve always believed became even more clear: the strongest photos come from connection. When I’m aligned with a couple’s energy and vision, everything clicks.

This year also pushed me behind the scenes. And while there’s no such thing as a perfect wedding or a perfect photographer, I’ve never felt more grounded in the kind of work I want to create and who I want to create it for.

Here’s a little peek behind the lens at what 2025 taught me.