Your wedding day goes by fast. One moment you’re getting ready with your closest people, and the next you’re on the dance floor wondering where the hours went. My job is to make sure you don’t lose a single one of those moments. I’m Bethany Watson, a California-based wedding photographer, and I’ve spent years learning how to catch the real stuff: the nervous laughter before the ceremony, the look on your partner’s face when they see you for the first time, the hug with your mom that says more than words ever could. You can read more about me and how I got into this work if you’re curious.
What I Do Best?
I photograph weddings, engagements, and elopements across California and beyond. Every couple brings something different to the table, and that’s what keeps this work exciting for me. Some of my clients want barefoot beach ceremonies with crashing waves. Others dream of elegant vineyard receptions or cozy backyard celebrations. Whatever your vision looks like, I’ll adapt to it. My style leans bright, warm, and detail-oriented, but the real focus is always on you and the people you love.
Beyond the big day itself, I also offer engagement sessions and bridal portraits. And if you’re still in the early planning stages and trying to figure out how to throw a great bachelorette party, I’ve written about that too. These pre-wedding moments deserve just as much attention.
Why Couples Choose to Work With Me?
I’ve been behind a camera since I was a kid growing up on the California coast. My dad painted landscapes and my mom never went anywhere without her film camera, so creativity runs deep in my family. That background shows up in how I approach your wedding day. I’m not just looking for the obvious shots. I’m watching for the quiet glances, the candid laughs, and the tiny details you spent months planning.
Before your wedding, we’ll sit down together (coffee, video call, whatever works) and talk through your timeline, your must-have shots, and what matters most to you. On the day itself, I bring calm energy and stay out of the way when you need me to. But I’m also right there to guide you through portraits so they feel natural, not stiff or posed.
Celebrating Love Across Cultures
One thing I truly enjoy about working in California is the diversity of weddings I get to photograph. I’ve shot ceremonies that blend American traditions with customs from all over the world, and each one teaches me something new. I’ve covered beautiful Ukrainian wedding traditions with their flower crowns and embroidered details, and the energy at those celebrations is something else entirely.
I’ve also had the privilege of documenting weddings where couples met across borders. Latina brides often bring such warmth and vibrant color to their ceremonies, from bold florals to lively receptions that keep everyone dancing. And couples with Russian roots tend to put real thought into meaningful rituals that honor their heritage. Every culture has its own way of celebrating love, and I’m here for all of it.
If you’re in an international relationship or curious about how couples around the world approach commitment, there’s a fascinating piece about the most loyal women by country that’s worth a read. It’s a good reminder that strong partnerships look different everywhere, but the foundation is always the same.
Stunning Locations Across California
Living here means I get to work with some of the most beautiful backdrops in the country. Big Sur’s dramatic coastline, the rolling hills of wine country, San Francisco’s iconic skyline, redwood forests that make you feel tiny in the best way. I know these locations well and can help you pick the perfect spot for your shoot. And if your wedding takes you outside California, I’m happy to travel. I’ve packed my gear for destination weddings before and I’ll do it again.
Tips, Stories, and Inspiration on the Blog
If you’re deep in wedding planning mode, you’ll find a lot of useful content on my blog. I write about real weddings I’ve photographed, share tips on everything from choosing a color palette to finding hidden-gem venues around the state, and post behind-the-scenes looks at my process. For those who are exploring options for meeting someone special, I also cover topics like finding the right bridal sites to start your search.
Let’s Talk About Your Wedding
Whether you’re planning a grand vineyard celebration, a beachfront elopement for two, or something completely different, I’d love to hear about it. Every love story deserves to be told well, and that starts with a simple conversation. Reach out, tell me about your plans, and let’s figure out if we’re the right fit.
Your wedding photos should make you feel something real when you look at them, not just next week, but twenty years from now. That’s what I’m here for.