Meet Kayla of Wentzek Photo

Grounded in nature and always seeking true connection

That’s what this is all about

I’m a photographer obsessed with your love story.

And, I want you to know that your connection is the catalyst to everything we create together

Since 2010, photography’s made me whole. But, it’s not what gets me teary-eyed behind the camera.

What gets me teary-eyed is you two, living out your uniquely amazing version of a perfect day without distraction or expectation, all while doing good for this earth.

The photos we create are just the amazing by-product of the love and connection you’ve built together. And without that, I wouldn’t be out here taking photos.

So thank you — truly — for trusting me to be part of this experience.

Let's connect

Let me tell
you a story—

I didn’t want to plan my own wedding.

It may sound odd, but listen:

It wasn’t that I didn’t care about our love or want us to grow old together. It was that I didn’t care about all the STUFF; the decorations, the traditions, the production. I didn’t want to spend three thousand dollars on a tent for the reception, make seating charts, or pick out colors for dresses or suits.

None of that mattered, or had anything to do with our love or us at all.

We didn’t want to just accept our wedding day. We wanted to get excited about it.

So let me tell you, when we decided to elope in Yosemite, the idea of our wedding day went from dreaded obligation to full on STOKE.

Amidst the majesty of Mother Earth and the soaring granite rocks at our backs, we exchanged vows in the morning with 11 dearest people bearing witness.

That experience changed me. Not just because it was incredible (and it was so incredible), but because it shaped my mission to empower other dauntless couples like you to do the same.

I want you to be just as IN LOVE with your own wedding day, and I will do everything I can to make that happen (and capture it in photos while I’m at it).

“Our day was magical and perfect — and Kayla was a huge part in making our dream elopement a reality.

“Our family came with a crew (including a baby and kiddos!) and Kayla was inclusive and kind with them all and able to comfortably capture everything and everyone. Our photos are absolutely incredible, but more importantly our day and our memories we made as a family will forever be cherished.”

Caitlin + Allen

My first love was nature

I grew up in these North Georgia mountains, running out my back door straight into Mother Nature. This place is a part of me.

Being outside filled me up in a way that felt hard to contain. But photos — photos could bottle up that feeling and preserve it.

My photos also built a bridge between me and my grandfather, Pop Pop. He wasn’t much of a talker, but we found connection through photography. Eventually, he trusted me with his Minolta film camera, which was a big deal, and he even bought me my first DSLR. Through high school, then college, photos were what I came back to over and over again as a way to create connection and contextualize it.

These two passions — nature and connection — married when I celebrated my own elopement. Being able to spend my days outside telling love stories? I can’t think of anything better. And since 2019, crafting and capturing elopements has been my sole focus.

I’m a heart-on-my-sleeve kind of gal

And other things you should know about working with me

I’m a north Georgia native

Only growing up four miles from the Appalachian Trail in Blairsville, GA, I was outside A LOT. And, I can’t wait to share some hidden gems with you and show you all my favorite spots in the mountains. I think you’re going to love it here.

I genuinely want to get to know you

Creating photos that feel like you don’t just happen. I work hard to get to know you on a human level — your favorite activities, your anxieties, your hopes. I’m beside you on a huge day, and that’s so special to me!

Your Experience Matters to Me

I know how overwhelming it is to plan this day! So I never expect you to figure it out on your own. I’ll offer my guidance on location scouting, vendor recs, timelines + more.

You could call me a nerd (I don't mind)

I play Magic: The Gathering and DnD with friends, so I’m pretty sure it’s earned. You might also find me tending to my plants outdoors, crocheting, or losing myself in video games.

I'm obsessed with my animals + nature

My pups Kamots and Nakai are both rescues, and besides my husband Robert (we met rock climbing in college!), they’re my absolute favorites. Catch us hiking, backpacking, or recharging in nature.

This is what matters most

Empowerment

Every step of the way, I am your advocate. I believe so deeply in creating a safe space for people to be their true selves, and that means giving them the encouragement and empowerment to feel confident in their ideas, decisions and love story.

Vulnerability +
Honesty

There is no one right way to show your love. However you feel most comfortable and natural, I want you to be free to express yourselves. And because that takes vulnerability, I’ll honestly share myself with you too — my quirky, awkward, passionate self. I wholeheartedly believe our mutual vulnerability creates true connection. (:

Inclusivity

Wentzek Photo is a welcoming and affirming place. I do not tolerate hate, discrimination or racism in any way. All gender and sexual identities, ethnicities and religions are celebrated.

Environmental
Sustainability

I would not be the person I am today without nature, and I feel a deep need to protect our precious and amazing planet. That is why I work to always teach and practice Leave No Trace ethics, donate to environmental causes with each booking, and to never geo-tag my locations!

“Kayla went out of her way to make our day more special than we could’ve ever dreamed of.

“She even made sure to let us focus on all of the emotions of the day and slow down to soak them all in! Not once did we ever feel rushed or on edge with her around, which speaks volumes as my husband is a pretty quiet and private person. If you’re thinking about hiring Kayla….DO IT!”

Karyl + Morgan