WEDDING & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER BASED IN SACRAMENTO, CA

Hi, I'm Nicola! Pronounced 'Nic-uh-la'.

I was born in South Africa, grew up in England, and am now based in Sacramento! (Unfortunately, there's no accent to be found unless I am on the phone with my parents or the drinks have been flowwwin') 

I love music that makes me feel things… Bon Iver, Angus & Julia Stone, The XX, just to name a few. I can also be found editing to some cheesy country songs and can rap along to almost any Biggie Smalls song. Humans are complex and amazing and I don’t think we can ever restrict ourselves to being one type of thing, certainly not one type of music genre. If I like a song I listen to it over and over and over again until I can’t stand it. Super cool habit.

I love the elements that make up a wedding; from the nervous jitters of getting ready, dreams becoming reality when you finally see your love at the altar, to breaking it down on the dance-floor to your favorite song, surrounded by the people you love the most.

I’m very sneaky in the way that I work. I will give direction when needed, but I mostly like to step back and let the moments unfold. I'll be with you every step of the way and when you get your photos back you'll be like what? how? when? ;)

READ MORE ABOUT ME HERE

LATEST FEATURED POSTS:

Blog
Sweet Pleasanton Family Session
Sweet Pleasanton Family Session

There’s something so magical about morning light, and this Pleasanton park family session made the most of it. With two adorable sisters in matching denim, we captured sweet cuddles, giggles, and lots of playful moments in the soft sunshine.

Morning sessions are perfect for families with young kids—calm parks, dreamy light, and happy little ones ready to explore. These two had the best time running around and snuggling up with mom and dad.

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Romantic Casa Real Wedding Pleasanton
Romantic Casa Real Wedding Pleasanton

Kat and Arnold’s spring wedding at Casa Real in Pleasanton was a beautiful and FUN celebration from start to finish. She shared heartfelt first looks with her bridal party, her dad, and then a private vow exchange with Arnold. We captured all their portraits before the ceremony, giving them time to enjoy every second of cocktail hour. Their ceremony featured lush white and green florals and a petal-lined aisle that felt straight out of a dream.

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Outdoor Wedding Under the Palms
Outdoor Wedding Under the Palms

From a sweet first touch to an emotional walk down the aisle, Jessica and Duke’s wedding at Secret Garden in Tempe was packed with unforgettable moments. Picture golden hour portraits with a Rolls Royce, a beer burro stealing the show at cocktail hour, and a surprise live painting during the reception. This day was pure joy, start to finish!!

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Mama & Me Folsom Mini Shoot
Mama & Me Folsom Mini Shoot

I’ve been capturing this mama daughter duo since the moment she was born. And now this little lady is almost three and full of spark and sass in the best way. It’s that magical age where they're curious about everything, want to do everything themselves, but still need their mama close by for snuggles. This is the age I call “toddler-led sessions” where they basically do the opposite of everything we ask, so instead of asking we just let them take control and explore.

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Elegant Palm Event Center Wedding
Elegant Palm Event Center Wedding

Sabrina and Cole met during the 2019 Stagecoach Music Festival, where they bonded over music, laughs, and shared memories with friends. Their connection was immediate, and it didn’t take long for them to start talking every day after the festival. Now fast forward to their wedding day, where they celebrated their love surrounded by family and friends at the beautiful Palm Event Center in Pleasanton.

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Sacramento City Engagement Session
Sacramento City Engagement Session

Katherine and Arnold’s love story is the perfect example of how sometimes the best things happen when you least expect it. They met on a dating app in the middle of the pandemic, during a time when everything felt uncertain. For their first date, it was actually Arnold’s first time leaving the house since the shutdown! Four years later, here they are, stronger than ever and getting ready to tie the knot.

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Instagram @nicolaleighphoto:

An intimate, family-only affair in the magical Tahoe mountains 🌲 The perfect destination wedding for these two. - @nicolaleigh.photo @tahoeblueestate @chefyummyfixins @tahoebridalbeauty @twinefloralco
There’s something extra emotional about these sneak peeks 🥹 Seeing my wedding couples become parents is the sweetest full-circle moment. I’m always so honored to be asked back to document these early days. After having my own son, I un
Love under the palm trees ❤️‍🔥 - Photography: @nicolaleighphoto HMU: @makeupbymirav Floral: @delfordwestflowers Dress: @jaimebridal Venue: @palmeventcenter Video: @azfilmcompany #palmeventcenter #californiaweddingphotographer #sacramentow
Jazz + her girls 🖤 Now booking 2026. - Photography: @nicolaleighphoto HMU: @rebecca.murphy.beauty Floral: Friend Dress: @flaresbridal Venue: @pageofarms DJ: @amospro Planner: @mywildflowerevents #tahoewedding #laketahoe #laketahoewedding #t
The details 🤌🏽✨ - Photography: @nicolaleighphoto HMU: @statussalonagency Floral: @thebloombarco Venue: @casarealevents Dj: @robbierich
From a recent mini session 🤩 My family sessions are guided but mostly focused on the real, unposed moments! In a few years I want you to be able to look back on this season of life and remember not just how it looked, but how it felt 🤍
Italian summer vibes, right here in Napa. Last photo perfectly captures the magic of an outdoor summer evening 🤩 Photography: @nicolaleighphoto Makeup: @facesbyemily Floral: @garaventasflorist Dress: @elegantlacebridal_sanjose Venue: @vsattui Pl
Reminder: the energy of the morning can set the tone of your whole day! Prioritize peace and stillness before all the excitement begins. I love capturing the little details and the people who ground you. Currently reliving Megan’s magical morn
Mom + Dad 🫶🏽
Duke’s reaction to his bride walking down the aisle gets me every time 🥹 Whether or not to do a first look is always a big decision, but my couples will tell you it doesn’t take away one bit from that once-in-a-lifetime feeling when you
Dreamy details from C & R’s beautiful summer day 💫 If 2026 is your year then let’s chat!! Once you’ve secured your date, please reach out through my website to get the ball rolling. - Photography: @nicolaleighphoto HMU: @bea