Some celebrations work small
I primarily photograph elopements and couples sessions. But I also work with couples who choose to include a small group of people in their celebration. If you're here, you're probably trying to figure out if that describes you.
For 14 years, I photographed traditional weddings. I was good at it. But somewhere around year eight, I realized something wasn't working.
The couples I was photographing were exhausted. The families were stressed. And I was spending entire days capturing carefully choreographed moments that didn't reflect the actual relationships in the room.
Guest lists that started at 40 grew to 80 because of obligation. Timelines that started as "let's keep it simple" became productions designed around vendor schedules and family politics. The focus shifted from connection to performance.
So I stepped away from that work and moved toward elopements and couples sessions—celebrations where people could actually breathe.
But here's what I learned: the problem wasn't the presence of other people. The problem was why they were there and how that shaped the day.
When a couple invites 8 to 40 people because they genuinely want those specific people to witness their commitment—not because they're managing obligations, appeasing families, or trying to keep everyone happy—that changes everything.
It's not about the number. It's about the intention.
A small wedding built from obligation feels like a scaled-down traditional wedding. All the same performance pressure, just with fewer people watching.
A small celebration built from intention feels completely different. You're including people because their presence adds something meaningful to your experience. Because you want them there. Not because you have to explain why they're not.
That difference matters. And it's visible in how the day unfolds.
When I photograph celebrations with a small group, I'm looking for that intentionality. Couples who chose this because it aligns with who they are, not because they're compromising or trying to make everyone else comfortable.
Those are the celebrations I work with.
What I Don't Do Anymore
Celebrations with 50+ guests — Weddings driven by family expectations rather than your actual preferences — Full-day timelines built around vendor schedules and traditional milestone moments — Ceremonies where the couple feels like performers — Weddings where my role is to execute a shot list — Events where the priority is looking perfect over feeling real
If that describes what you're planning, I'm not the right fit.
When I Still Say Yes
I work with couples who keep their celebrations small because that's what they actually want. Not because they couldn't afford bigger. Not because they're compromising. Because intimate is their genuine preference.
The celebrations I photograph look like this:
You're including 8 to 40 people. You can name each person and explain why their presence matters to you. This isn't about who you felt obligated to invite. It's who you genuinely wanted.
You're not performing traditions you don't believe in. You kept what aligns. You let the rest go.
You're comfortable with documentary coverage. I'll guide when needed, but I'm not orchestrating a production. Most of the day unfolds, and I'm there to capture it.
You chose your celebration to feel like you. Not like what weddings are "supposed" to look like.
If that describes your plans, we should talk.
HOW I SHOW UP
I don't direct the day. I guide moments when they're stiff, but I don't orchestrate a production.
If your family wants formal portraits, I'll do them. But I'll give you 15 minutes of clear, efficient group shots, then we're done. I'm not spending 40 minutes posing every possible combination.
The rest of the day, I'm documenting. Not directing.
I work best with couples who trust me to see what matters without being told. If you need a photographer who follows a detailed shot list or wants constant direction on what to shoot next, that's not my approach.
Most intimate celebrations need six to eight hours of coverage. If your day genuinely requires more, we'll talk about it.
I'm there to capture your celebration as it unfolds. Not to shape it into something it isn't.
Wir hatten das Vergnügen Björn für eine 4-stündige Hochzeitsbegleitung buchen zu können. Nicht nur die Ergebnisse waren toll, sondern vor allem Björns Art und Weise der Umsetzung hat uns begeistert. Mit seiner entspannten und persönlichen Art haben wir uns pudelwohl gefühlt und können eigentlich nur danke sagen!
Jana + Justin
Families & Complexity
Some couples keep their celebrations small because family dynamics are complicated.
Maybe you're inviting your mom but not your dad. Maybe one side of the family is coming and the other isn't. Maybe certain people can't be in the same room, so you're keeping the guest list tight to avoid the tension.
I've photographed celebrations where estranged parents showed up. Where one family was present and the other chose not to be. Where the couple had to navigate grief, distance, or unresolved conflict just to have the day they wanted.
I won't ask intrusive questions. I won't put you in situations that feel forced. And I won't create false narratives about family unity when the reality is messier than that.
You don't need to explain everything to me. You just need to know I've seen this before, and it doesn't change how I show up.
What to Expect
I don't book these through forms. We talk first—call or meeting. I need to understand what your day actually looks like. Not the Pinterest version. The real one.
From there, we'll figure out if I'm the right fit and what coverage makes sense. Most intimate celebrations need a full day—six to eight hours, sometimes more. It depends on your timeline, not a standard formula.
Pricing starts around €3,500 for celebrations in Germany, €4,500 if I'm traveling across Europe. Multi-day or more complex timelines run higher. We'll talk through specifics once I understand your plans.
After the celebration, you'll get a digital gallery. No print packages. No upsells. Just the images from your day.
Turnaround is typically four to six weeks. Sometimes sooner if the schedule allows.
No complex contracts. No hidden steps. Just clear expectations from the start.
I work with couples choosing connection over convention—not couples downsizing traditional weddings for budget or logistics. If you're in the first group, reach out. If you're in the second, I'm not your photographer.
Reality Check
This won't work if you need:
— A shot list with specific must-have moments — Constant direction throughout the day — Bright, airy, magazine-style editing — A photographer who never offers guidance (I will step in when needed) — Coverage that extends beyond eight hours with multiple location changes and outfit transitions
This could work if you're okay with:
— Documentary coverage with guidance when moments feel stiff — Moody, cinematic editing (not bright and clean) — Me occasionally repositioning someone for better light, and that's fine — The focus staying on your celebration, not performing for the camera — Some moments not being photographed because I was capturing something else, and you trust I made the right call
This isn't about being difficult. It's about knowing what I do well and being honest about what I don't.
