Your Carmel Valley Wedding Photographer focusing on capturing light and airy imagery for the joyful and romantic couples!
You don’t want a basic wedding package and you definitely don’t want just any photographer for your Carmel Valley Wedding.
YOU CAN RELAX NOW, YOU ARE IN THE RIGHT PLACE.
Hello!
If I’m going to be by your side on your wedding day, allow me to introduce myself.
I’m Dana, a full-time destination wedding photographer based in California (but always a Pennsylvania girl), military spouse, passionate swiftie, and dedicated world traveler. If you are planning a wedding rich with new experiences and light on stress, I’m glad you are here.
I BELIEVE LIFE SHOULD BE ENJOYED.
As a Carmel Valley wedding photographer, my connection to my couples is more important to me than anything else.
Serving couples getting married at charming wedding venues, whether it's at Bernardus Lodge, Mission Ranch or a vineyard in the valley, fills my heart with so much joy. It’s always a thrill to work in new and incredible places, but with nearly 100 weddings in my portfolio, it still surprises me how different each and every wedding day truly is. The menu you choose, the music you dance to, the color palette that inspires you - it all comes together on your wedding day to tell your story.
As your wedding photographer - and your new unofficial hype woman - I’m here to reassure you: your love story is unique and incredible and I will make sure your wedding photos remind you of that every day.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM ME
RE: WHO IS DANA ARNOLD ANYWAY?
Everything I am has prepared me to be your Carmel wedding photographer - from my first booking in Hawaii (the same day there was a hurricane), to the last 10 years as a military spouse (listen - I KNOW how to be flexible). If you’re looking for a photographer that gets you to go from "We are shy and awkward in front of the camera" to "WOW THIS IS US?!" - I’ve got you.
I call this a “freedom shot” because it’s the moment where you have full permission to be yourself, or the moment you are caught in the middle of a memory that made you feel completely free.
When you hire the right photographer, they do more than show up and take your picture. The right photographer should make you feel calm as your wedding day approaches, comfortable in front of the camera, and confident that your wedding photos will show off your good side.
Let’s cut to the chase.
Why hire me as your photographer for your incredible wedding day?
You want to hire a wedding photographer who sees your wedding day through your eyes. I’m just as charmed by wedding day love now as I was the very first time, and that magic and delight shines through in your wedding photos.
I also believe that good wedding photography doesn’t just happen on the wedding day. I chat with my couples throughout the planning process, sharing any advice and tips that come up closer to your wedding day. I know what my fellow Americans expect, in terms of
quick response times and personal, quality service.
SOUND GOOD? I SURE HOPE SO.
I invest in your experience
When you book me for your wedding, you're also taking advantage of my years of experience and investing in myself.
Trained as a Professional Stylist
I've trained as a professional stylist at a luxury wedding salon in the Bay Area, so if you need someone to fix a dress on the fly or bustle your train before your first dance, I'm in your corner (and will handle your dress with care during getting ready shots)
Attended Luxury Wedding Retreats
I've invested in retreats, not only for the chance to take stunning photos, but so that I can learn from industry leaders on how to better photograph your wedding details, provide a top-notch customer experience, and more.
Personally Travel Often
Before I became a destination wedding photographer, I had traveled to 12 countries on my own dime.I still prioritize investing in experiences that enhance my adaptability and quick thinking skills, (which is incredibly valuable on a wedding day)
...and so much more. I'm always sharpening my toolkit and investing in myself so that when I show up on your wedding day, you are getting the best version of me yet.
"Her infectious personality and outgoing nature made us feel comfortable being ourselves. Taking our photos was such an incredibly fun process. When my husband and I met Dana, we immediately connected with her, were impressed with her portfolio, and knew she was the only photographer we’d want to capture our special day. Her website is beautifully designed and easy to navigate, and she goes above and beyond communicating with her clients. It’s clear that Dana loves her craft and is passionate about capturing the love and magic of every moment."
"Working with Dana was an experience we will never forget."
Lindsay and Dillon
"Dana captured our day so beautifully!"
I could not have asked for better photos and a more fun photographer to work with. She is incredibly talented, makes you laugh during photo shoots (which makes the photos turn out incredible), is accommodating, and gets photos back in a very timely manner. Her photos will be up on my wall and in a treasured photo album for years to come. Do yourself a favor and book Dana for your wedding! She's truly the best!
"I have endless nice things to say about Dana and her team."
We initially reached out to Dana inquiring about her wedding day packages and were impressed with the lightning fast response time, the ease of use and clarity of her packages and of course her stunning photography! After an initial call, we felt like Dana was already a lifelong friend of ours and immediately knew this was the wedding photographer for us! Over the past year, Dana has sent us the sweetest welcome package, given us the best photos of us and our dog we've ever had, made us laugh and ensured to get every and I mean EVERY single one of the photos from our wedding we dreamed of. If you're looking for a Wedding Photographer who's a master of a light and airy look and getting family members to show their biggest smiles, Dana is the absolute best choice!
Chandler and Ray
Sarah and Lucian
Here is what my real couples have to say!
featured portfolio
Recent Weddings and Images
Fairview Laguna Seca Wedding
Alyssa and Ryan had an incredible wedding at Laguna Seca, celebrating with their friends and family who traveled far and wide.
Spring Wedding for Elaina and Alex
Homestead owners who took the weekend off to get married, and celebrate with their loved ones!
Bernardus Lodge Wedding in Carmel Valley
Tayler and Michael had an intimate wedding and flew in from Texas to host said wedding in charming Carmel Valley, even brought their dog!
More Favorites
A gorgeous classic styled wedding at Rocabella with golden hour views of the breathtaking Aegean Sea
The perfect chateau in the South of France that can host up to 45 guests, and has a wonderful garden
10-Year Anniversary Session
Kristin and Jon celebrated 10 years of marriage by having an anniversary session outside Tokyo, Japan.
I’m not the kind of wedding photographer that shows up, takes photos, and then goes home. No, I am much more than that.
Because the truth is: I’m more invested in you and your memories than you could ever imagine. Because I know you won’t be able to stop me from crashing your rehearsal dinner (and snapping photos of your grandma) or drag me away from capturing the hilarious dance floor moments that happen after the cake is cut, I am here for all the wedding day moments you want me to capture.
I am also a gifter and love going ABOVE AND BEYOND for my couples. So, expect a custom welcome gift, monthly check-ins, guidance when needed, and more. Let me spoil you because you deserve it.
Packages and Investments
No hiding the prices or inclusions. I am here to ensure you know exactly what you are getting.
8 hour wedding day
$6,500
- Welcome Gift for the couple to share
- Engagement Session with one location and one outfit
_ Rehearsal Coverage up to one hour
- Two Wedding Photographers for the whole day
- An assistant to help fluff the dress, focus on details for photos, capture BTS videos, etc.
- At minimum 600 edited images
- Online Digital Gallery with unlimited downloading
- One 11 by 14, and Two 5 by 7 Prints of your choice.
10-hour wedding day
$7,800
- Welcome Gift for the couple to share
- Engagement Session with two locations and two outfits
- Rehearsal Coverage up to two hours with mini shoot before or after
- Two wedding photographers for the whole day
- An assistant to focus on details, fluff the dress, capture BTS videos and more
- At minimum, 900 edited images
- Online digital Gallery with unlimited downloading
- One 11 by 14, Two 8 by 10, and Two 5 by 7 prints of your choice.
The Process where the gifts and experience keep on giving...
Let’s start with a complimentary consultation to get to know one another (because unlike for your caterer or florist, your photographer’s personality matters). You want your wedding paparazzi to feel like your best friend, and this conversation is how we make sure that happens.
I’m big about supporting local and indulging in high-touch experiences. While a plane ride or road trip just to give you a hug wouldn’t be very environmentally friendly, you can expect a custom gift for the two of you with lots of yummy welcome treats.
Throughout the planning process, we keep in touch. I’m not about to let you slip away and then “catch up” closer to the wedding day. As a seasoned traveler and destination wedding connoisseur, I’m only a call or email away anytime you want to plan your wedding details.
The day before your wedding, I will join you (with my camera) for the rehearsal. It’s amazing how this simple step can make the entire wedding day experience much more enjoyable for everyone involved (because I actually know your family and friends during your group portraits!).
I write a wedding day blog with how the day went based on mine and your guest's experience. My couples have told me that this is one of their favorite ways to look back on their wedding day and they loved sharing it with those who could not attend.
You deserve the best experience
and with me, that is exactly what you will get
1.
2.
3.
4.
7.
6.
Once you head back home, I will start the editing process. Within 4 weeks, I will send you an online gallery with digital high-resolution images (and offer unlimited downloading). This means your gallery will NEVER expire and the link can be shared with anyone!
5.
On your wedding day, you can expect the kind of images you’ll find in my portfolio. Your details and expressions matter equally to me, and your final gallery will be filled with gorgeous wedding photos that capture exactly how you were feeling in every moment of the day (and all of the stationery and florals you carefully chose over the last year).
WHAT I KNOW FOR SURE
With me as your photographer
You’ll ENJOY having your photos taken. Seriously. I know at least one of you hates having their photos taken and is worried they’ll look or feel awkward in the photos. Not on my watch!
You’ll book a wedding photography package that includes exactly what you need to cover your favorite moments - whether that’s a three-day event filled with all the festivities or an intimate elopement for the two of you.
You can count on me to work tirelessly to capture all of your “must have” moments, so you can experience being truly present on your wedding day and not stress over all the details.
You’ll get a photographer who is assertive (read: bossy) enough to get your larger-than-life wedding party to line up for wedding photos, but cheerful enough that you’ll still have an amazing time.
frequently asked questions
Yes! I know May Grey, June Gloom (and even Fogust) are in the Bay Area. It's constantly changing. I have photographed weddings in rain, fog, and sun (all in one day). This experience has taught me how to adjust and edit based on moment-by-moment changes. So, you know I will do my best based on these changes at your wedding!
I like to live life with a smile. People have called me bubbly, warm, and light. It's also how I feel wedding days should be: warm and loving. I put this into my editing and it's how I act at your wedding: with a smile and always warm, light, and positive.
Wedding Days can sometimes be stressful. The wedding party can get fired up, people are excited, and we are all here to celebrate you two. Along with being professional and chatting with everyone as if we are friends, I will also take an assertive and organized approach to ensure we stay on time and still capture the moments you want in your photo gallery!
The average delivery for me to edit and send you the gallery is around three weeks. This will vary based on bookings, and other commitments that time such as vacations, holidays, or unexpected emergencies.
Contact
Destinations with Dana
Follow along on my journey as a international wedding photographer, traveler, and military wife