To new friends, old friends & those just stopping by: Hi, I’m Cedar! Welcome to my little corner of the interweb where I share real & raw moments.
The Roots
Creating has always been a part of who I am. Drawing, painting, writing, you name it. When I was around eight years old, I found my mom’s old film camera & instinctively took it to the place that inspired me most: nature. I remember being completely captivated by the light filtering through boughs, the quiet movement of leaves & the feeling of being present in something bigger than myself.
As I grew older, I pursued photography more intentionally by taking lessons, entering competitions & eventually photographing senior portraits during my junior year of high school. What began as a creative outlet quickly became something more meaningful. During my senior year, I met a mentor who introduced me to the world of wedding photography. I spent six years working alongside him, learning not only how to document love stories but how to run a business with care, professionalism & purpose.
In 2021, I took the leap and began Cedar Kai Photography full-time.
Behind the Lens
My parents blessed me with a unique name: Cedar Kai. I’ve always been a barefoot, nature-loving soul & my work reflects that connection. I gain endless inspiration from the rhythm of the tides, windswept dunes, golden light, organic movement & unfiltered emotion.
Getting my hands in the earth with gardening & pottery is pure therapy for me. I have a small basement pottery studio where I can create with a more hands-on medium. I love turning to this art form to relax when I’m not shooting. Watering my plants in the morning light, matcha in hand, with my chickens scurrying about, is the ideal start to my day. It is so rewarding to get to pick fresh vegetables & flowers from my garden.
Capturing Your True Essence
That’s more than a tagline; it’s the foundation of everything I do.
To me, photography is about preserving feeling. Moments pass quickly, but photos allow us to return to them. To remember not just how things looked, but how they felt. Whether it’s the way your parents look at you after you say “I do,” the way your child’s face lights up, the embrace from your grandparents, or the essence of your favorite destination… I want to bottle up all of that emotion into a single frame.
My approach is natural & candid. I believe the most powerful images come from authenticity, not perfection. I don’t overly direct or interrupt moments as they unfold. Even when I guide or “pose,” I use prompts that allow you to stay present, connected & fully yourself. This creates space for real emotion, the kind you can feel when you look back years from now.
The Craft
I specialize in documentary weddings & lifestyle portraiture. I’m here to capture your story every step of the way: from the surprise proposal & engagement session to your wedding day, on through maternity & family portraits. My craft also expands to branding for businesses, wellness retreats & yoga studios.
No matter the setting, my purpose remains the same: to capture the true essence of each moment in an honest, meaningful way.
More Than Photos
Photos are one of the only things we carry with us through time. They hold our memories, our stories, our people. The laughter, the tears, the quiet in-between moments.
I want my clients to look at their photos, hanging on their walls or held in their hands & feel something. Joy, love, nostalgia, connection.
This work is about more than showing up with a camera. It’s about trust. It’s about being prepared, grounded & present no matter how chaotic or emotional the moment may be. It’s about noticing the subtle things, the glances, the gestures, the energy in a room, not just the obvious milestones.
We’re freezing real moments in time.
We’re giving people the chance to relive one of the most emotional days of their lives.
We’re telling stories, not just with images, but with feeling.
Above all, I’m here to celebrate you. Your authenticity, your story, your essence.
