I truly believe that the most important part of your wedding day is that you end up married, because all the details and the events fly by. I've photographed over 150 weddings now, and every single one goes by so quickly. I love my job because even though the day goes by fast, I get to find and capture those small moments, so they can be relived over and over in photographs. That's also why photography is the most important investment of your wedding day. The cake will be eaten and your dress preserved- but photographs freeze moments in time, and that's not to be taken lightly.
The one phrase I hear the most from my couples to describe me is "easy going". And that's pretty accurate, I think! Weddings are stressful enough without your photographer making it harder. I have 8 years of wedding experience under my belt, so unless you have something super crazy going on, trust me that I've got it. Although to be fair, I've seen my fair share of crazy too- like brides riding in on camels. I am so in my element wandering around as a fly on the wall, capturing details, emotions, candid photos, and trying to make my couple feel comfortable. My style is to put you in lovely places, and let your natural love shine through. We will do a few posed photos, of course (mainly family), but what I love most about weddings is witnessing the natural flow of the day.
As far as my editing style goes, I think the best descriptions are timeless, and true to life color. There is a lot of trendy photography out there, and while I think it can be beautiful, I also think there's going to come a time when it looks dated. I want my images to be timeless in their color and style, so that even while hanging on your walls for decades, there won't come a time when they make you cringe. Just look at trendy wedding photos from 2000 if you need an example.
Photo By Mindy Rainey
I'm 30, and a born and raised Southern California girl. My husband and I are high school sweethearts, and we got married at the ripe old age of 21. We have two boys, three cats, and a ton of houseplants that I may or may not neglect. I love Jesus, support LGBT rights and marriage, and watch The Office a lot.
"I just want to be friends. Plus a little extra. Also I love you." -Dwight Schrute
I’ve been a photographer for most of my life, starting with those disposable Kodak cameras when I was a kid. I was taking selfies on my first digital camera (the very high-tech Sony Cybershot if you remember those) before the term was coined. I remember calling them “self- shots”. I never dreamed of being a wedding photographer, it would be a lie to say I did. This path fell into my lap and clicked for me, and I now can’t imagine doing anything else. I'm constantly planning my dream wedding even though I'm already married, and I cry at all the weddings I photograph-mostly during the mother/ son dance, but also during vows and other sweet moments. Basically, please don't be weirded out, I'm just really happy for you!
1 / 5
"We loved Holly's colorful work, and we were so pleased that she was able to travel to Paso Robles from Ventura County. Aside from our BEAUTIFUL photos that we received from our day, Holly was very punctual, professional, and so easygoing to work with on such a busy day."
1 / 5
2 / 5
"You should definitely book Holly for your wedding! Holly and her assistant were so chill, fun, and patient! They were efficient, so we didn't feel like we were missing too much of our wedding for photos, and were able to capture every moment without us even noticing! Highly recommend :)"
2 / 5
3 / 5
"I can’t recommend Holly enough! Not only does she take gorgeous, honest, and vibrant pictures that capture all the emotion of the day- she is also so supportive, kind, patient, and makes you feel beautiful and comfortable in front of the camera. We took both engagement and wedding photos with Holly and I can honestly say that I love every one!"
3 / 5
4 / 5
"HOLLY IS AMAZING! If you are looking for someone who will deliver professionally and personally, you have found your perfect photographer! Holly made capturing our special day look and feel effortless, and we could not be happier with our photos! We love Holly Castillo Photography!"
4 / 5
5 / 5
"We worked with Holly during 2020 in the height of the pandemic, and changing our date due to concerns. She was wonderful in communicating with us throughout the process and day of! We love our photos and will cherish our experience and photos forever!"
5 / 5