READING TIME: 4 min 49 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/15/2025
UPDATED: 03/15/2025
Photography is more than just capturing moments—it’s about telling a story, creating emotion, and crafting memories that will last a lifetime. For Nonna Vanesian, wedding photography is an art form, blending timeless elegance with a cinematic touch. With over 15 years in the industry, she has mastered the ability to transform fleeting moments into visually striking imagery. We had the pleasure of speaking with Nonna to learn more about her creative process and passion for storytelling.
For Nonna, photography is not just a profession but a way to preserve emotions, atmosphere, and beauty. “Photography, for me, is not just a profession but a way of storytelling—capturing emotions, atmosphere, and beauty in a way that feels cinematic and timeless.”
Her journey into wedding photography began in 2008, and since then, she has approached each wedding with fresh eyes, knowing that every couple, location, and moment is unique. “No two weddings I shoot are ever the same. Each couple, each location, and each moment is unique, and I approach every wedding with fresh eyes, aiming to create something truly personal and visually striking.”
With over 15 years in the wedding industry, Nonna has continuously refined her approach to capturing the essence of love stories. “Weddings are not just events; they are deeply emotional and beautifully complex stories. Over the years, I’ve learned how to anticipate fleeting moments, use the environment creatively, and work with light and composition to craft images that feel both natural and cinematic.”
Her experience has allowed her to develop a keen eye for detail, ensuring that each image she creates feels authentic and timeless.
Nonna’s photography style is a seamless fusion of storytelling and editorial sophistication. “I would describe my style as a fusion of timeless elegance and cinematic storytelling, with a touch of editorial sophistication. My goal is to create wedding images that feel like they belong in a beautiful film—full of emotion, depth, and natural movement.”
Rather than following trends or repeating the same shots, she adapts her approach based on the couple’s energy and surroundings. This flexibility allows her to create images that truly reflect the uniqueness of each love story.
While equipment plays an important role in wedding photography, Nonna believes that vision and interpretation are what truly create magic. “I use Canon cameras and lenses, especially the RF line, because they provide the clarity, depth, and precision I need to capture every nuance of a wedding day. But while high-end equipment is important, it’s only a tool—I believe the real magic comes from how you see and interpret the moment in front of you.”
Her Canon gear serves as an extension of her artistic vision, allowing her to bring her storytelling approach to life.
Editing is an essential part of Nonna’s creative process, enhancing the cinematic mood of her images while preserving authenticity. “Post-processing is a crucial part of my creative process, but I always aim to keep it natural and true to the moment. I start with color and light adjustments to create a balanced, cinematic feel that enhances the mood of the scene.”
Her editing approach ensures that each couple looks like the best version of themselves—refined, yet still completely natural. “People should look like the best version of themselves, not artificially retouched. My goal is to bring out the beauty that was already there, not to change it.”
For Nonna, the most fulfilling part of wedding photography is the ability to preserve memories that couples can cherish forever. “What I love most is the ability to stop time and create something lasting out of fleeting moments. A wedding day goes by so quickly, and I see my role as more than just taking pictures—I am preserving emotions, expressions, and the unrepeatable energy of the day.”
She treasures the moments when couples express how deeply her images resonate with them. “The most rewarding part is when couples tell me that looking at their photos makes them relive every second of their wedding as if they were there again.”
Creating stunning wedding imagery isn’t just about technical skill—it’s about making couples feel comfortable and understood. Nonna prioritizes connection and communication with her clients. “I start by truly getting to know my couples—understanding what matters to them, how they envision their wedding, and what kind of energy they want their photos to reflect.”
By guiding couples through the process while allowing for spontaneity, she ensures that each image is a true representation of their love. “The best images happen when people feel completely at ease, so my goal is always to create an environment where they can be themselves without feeling like they’re being posed or directed too much.”
Nonna understands that no two weddings are alike, which is why she offers both fixed packages and customized options. “I offer fixed packages for convenience, but I understand that every wedding is different, and flexibility is key. If a couple has a specific vision or requirements, I am happy to craft a package that fits their needs—whether it’s additional coverage, multiple locations, or a unique photography approach.”
To achieve the most natural and effortless images, Nonna encourages couples to embrace the moment. “One of the best things couples can do is to trust the process and let go of any stress about the photos. Natural, effortless images happen when people are enjoying the moment rather than thinking about the camera.”
She also emphasizes the importance of light and location choices. “I suggest choosing locations and timing carefully—natural light plays a huge role in creating stunning images. And if couples are nervous about being photographed, a pre-wedding session can help them feel more comfortable in front of the camera before the big day.”
As a photographer with a love for travel, Nonna specializes in destination weddings, with Italy being one of her favorite places to shoot. “Yes, I specialize in destination weddings, and Italy is one of my absolute favorite locations to shoot. The architecture, landscapes, and light create an atmosphere that feels both romantic and cinematic.”
She also has a deep appreciation for France, where picturesque châteaux and charming streets add a unique elegance to wedding photography. “France is another favorite, with its beautiful châteaux and charming streets that add an elegant touch to wedding photography.”
Regardless of the location, she finds inspiration in new settings and ensures that each destination wedding tells a story unique to that place.
With her ability to blend cinematic artistry with editorial refinement, Nonna Vanesian continues to craft wedding images that are both timeless and evocative. Her passion for storytelling, combined with her keen eye for detail, allows couples to relive their wedding day through breathtaking photographs. Whether capturing an intimate elopement or a grand celebration, her work stands as a testament to the power of photography in preserving love stories for generations to come.
