A man and woman holding dogs on a beach during sunset, smiling and enjoying their time together. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, and Half Moon Bay. 
meet your photographer

MARIA ANGELOPOULOU

Decorative wooden frame with floral arrangements and pampas grass outdoors under a tree. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, and Half Moon Bay.
Wedding invitation, pearl jewelry, white high-heeled shoes with pearl ankle straps, on a rustic wooden table. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, and Half Moon Bay.

I’m Maria, a wedding photographer based in Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur and the Bay Area. I focus on timeless, romantic images for couples who care about intimacy, elegance and elevated experience. I photograph weddings and engagements in a natural, candid way, with just enough guidance when needed, so the real emotions and moments come through.

A person helping a bride with her wedding dress, adjusting the back of the dress which is embellished with numerous small beads and a large bow. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur.
Wedding invitation, white pleated bow shoes, gold jewelry with pearl, green velvet ring box with rings, orange flowers, and a peach-colored sash on a wooden table. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel. 
My story

I was born and raised in Greece, where I also completed my photography studies, before moving to the United States. I’m now based in Santa Cruz and Carmel, and I love photographing in nature, from redwood forests to coastal cliffs, as well as working at the charming venues throughout the area.

Having been in the wedding industry for over a decade, that experience shows in how I work. I bring a calm, steady presence to wedding days and know when to guide couples and when to step back, allowing moments to unfold naturally. When I’m not photographing weddings, I’m usually spending time with my husband and our pups, exploring Santa Cruz and Carmel.

Bride with three bridesmaids holding bouquets, smiling and talking in a room with large windows and natural light. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, and Half Moon Bay. 
My approach

My approach is calm, intentional, and connection-driven. I blend gentle posing with natural direction so you feel present, not awkwardly posed. I focus on the energy between you: the way your hands meet, the quiet glances, the full-body laughter. My goal is to create an experience that feels effortless and images that feel timeless, true to the moment, true to you.

A person is placing a wedding ring on a woman's finger during a wedding ceremony, with a bouquet of flowers in the background.Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, and Half Moon Bay. 
My style

My style is romantic, warm, natural, and effortlessly elegant, with a focus on natural light and honest emotion. I aim for imagery that feels timeless yet modern, balancing candid moments with gentle direction. Earthy tones, refined compositions, and an artful touch are what bring each gallery to life.

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what i'm KNOWN FOR

Romance and Effortless Elegance

ALWAYS SIPPING

Cinnamon Chai Tea 

FAVORITE TIME

GOLDEN HOUR

LOVER FOR

EXOTIC TRIPS

Can’t live without

PUPPY BEACH WALKS

featured stories

RECENT MOMENTS THAT took our breath away

A romantic couple on the beach at sunset, with the man whispering into the woman's ear and her smiling softly. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, and Half Moon Bay. 
Golden Hour Elegance

Carmel is made for effortless sophistication. Every detail here whispers luxury, making it the perfect setting for elevated love stories.

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A couple in wedding attire dancing on a beach at sunset, with cliffs and ocean in the background. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, and Half Moon Bay. 
Sunset by the Sea

Laid-back and full of life, Santa Cruz offers a mix of playful charm and stunning coastal backdrops.

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A couple in wedding attire sharing a kiss inside a vintage convertible car with a sunset or sunrise background. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, and Half Moon Bay. 
Coastal Escape

Windswept cliffs, cinematic light, and untamed beauty—This is where nature and romance collide in the most breathtaking way.

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There is no other photographer like her!

Her artistic vision is flawless and she really brings out true emotion in every click of her camera. She is full of love, confidence and energy she made our shoot fun and relaxed.

Angelina & Drake

“

A wedding ceremony taking place outdoors on a wooden platform, with a bride and groom standing together at the front, surrounded by bridesmaids and family members. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel.

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Wedding invitation, shells, pearl necklace, green ring box, stamps, and a rolled scroll on a stone surface. Wedding, elopement, engagement, and family photographer serving Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, and Half Moon Bay.

I am here to help you preserve all your most raw, beautiful memories, emotions. Let’s capture heartfelt moments together.

WORK WITH ME