About - Tessie Rae Photography

Hi, I'M Tessie!

As a wedding photographer, I believe the most meaningful photographs are the ones that bring you right back to how it all felt - the happy tears, the uncontrollable laughter, the quiet moments together, and the people who mean the most to you.

Being invited into such an important chapter of your love story is an honor I never take lightly. From the excitement of planning your wedding to the moment you finally say “I do,” I want you to feel supported, comfortable, and completely yourselves.

My hope is that, throughout this process, I become more than just your photographer. I want you to feel like you have a friend in your corner, someone who helps you feel at ease, encourages you to stay present, and captures the moments you might not even realize are happening.

My goal is to create timeless, authentic photographs that tell your story honestly, so years from now, you can look back and feel it all over again!

Fun Facts

California

I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and now call Orange County, California, home! My husband and I love the beach and try to go multiple times a week!

From the Bay to Orange County, I love documenting California love stories and capturing the beautiful, genuine moments that make each one unique.

Lifelong passion

I took my very first photography class when I was just 11 years old! Little did I know that what started as a childhood interest would grow into such a meaningful part of my life.

I will cry at your wedding

First looks, watching you walk down the aisle, your first dance, heartfelt speeches - if there's a tear to be shed, I'll probably be right there feeling it with you!

I'm a sucker for the little moments and big emotions that make your day so special. I'll be behind the camera capturing it all, but don't be surprised if I'm wiping away a happy tear, too!

Coffee

I'm always down for coffee! Whether we're chatting about your wedding plans, your love story, or just life in general, there's something special about slowing down and having an unhurried conversation. Give me an iced latte and a few uninterrupted hours, and I'm one happy girl!

TESTIMONIALS

Tessie is truly wonderful. She didn’t just photograph my wedding day, she helped make the entire day happen. When I somehow ended up without a ride to my own wedding, Tessie stepped in. When my dress broke, she helped me fix it. She was even there for those last-minute moments, like applying one more layer of deodorant! Through it all, Tessie handled so much quietly in the background, making every moment feel special and taking away so much stress from the day. She has a genuine servant’s heart and is the kind of person who says “yes” to where God has planted her. You aren’t just getting an exceptional photographer when you book Tessie, you’re getting someone who truly cares, serves wholeheartedly, and goes above and beyond to make your moments all the more special.

Payton + Malachi

Tessie took the most intimidating part of planning a wedding for my wife and I out of the equation. Her professionalism and eagerness and genuine warmth she provided the entire day really sealed it that we made the perfect choice. Photos were returned super quickly and the edits were incredible. Tessie really made our day extra special and provided memories that will last a lifetime.

Rebecca + Mike

Tessie is THE BEST!!! She’s so talented! She has the best eye for backgrounds, poses, and moments to capture all while being so funny, lighthearted, and making you feel stunning. Her photos always come out looking amazing, light, crisp, chic, and consistent! Shes so sweet and selfless when it comes to scheduling, being flexible, and putting her time into editing. If you want to be blessed, use Tessie as your photographer!

Monet + Brennan

Tessie was an absolute dream to work with. She captured our family beautifully, with ages ranging from just 15 months to 80 years old, and somehow made every single person feel completely comfortable, relaxed, and at ease. Her professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail were exceptional. What makes Tessie truly special is her ability to capture the moments that feel completely natural—the genuine laughter, little interactions, and quiet connections between family members that you don’t even realize are happening in the moment. The photos feel effortless, timeless, and incredibly personal. The final images are stunning, but the experience itself was just as wonderful. Tessie has such a gift for making you feel cared for while creating something truly beautiful. We are absolutely thrilled with our photos and could not recommend her more highly. Anyone who books Tessie will be beyond happy—not only with the finished product, but with every part of the experience.

Bixler Family

Tessie is amazing! What a sweet and beautiful soul. We were so blessed to find her, and the engagement shots she took for us were STUNNING! She made our love stand out so naturally, we even had family members comment on how obvious our love for each other was through her photos. She truly captures the raw emotions of some of life’s most beautiful moments! 10/10 recommend her for any and all special occasions. Will absolutely be a client for life!

Karli + Aaron

Tessie was amazing at our engagement! It was a surprise to me and she made us feel so special as a couple. We are both not the best behind the camera, but she gives great natural direction and made us laugh. Our pictures turned out absolutely amazing and we will cherish them forever. We would 100000/10 recommend her to anyone for any occasion!

Lindsay + Dylan

Get in Touch

YOUR LOVE STORY DESERVES TO BE REMEMBERED.

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