Located in Healdsburg, Northern Ca.
Documenting wedding days throughout wine country, the San Francisco Bay Area and worldwide.

Gretchen gause

PHOTOGRAPHY

Other than saying "I Do", choosing Gretchen to be our photographer was the best decision I made on our wedding day.

—  Kate, BRIDE

WHAT TO EXPECT

THE ART OF EASE

My hope is that you feel fully in your wedding day - present, comfortable, and cared for. I’ll guide you gently into beautiful light and soft connection, keep a watchful eye on important moments as they unfold and document the day with an artful, timeless sensibility.

Unhurried. Grounded. Fully present.

Less timeline stress, more celebration.

Gentle guidance, with an eye for light and flow.

Winecountry weekend

SONOMA & NAPA COUNTIES

Sonoma and Napa are home for me, and I still don’t get over the light here. Coastal air rolling through the vineyards, foggy mornings, warm summer nights, and dinner under bistro lights, it’s pure magic. If you’re traveling in, I’m happy to share thoughtful local recommendations, from venues like Montage Healdsburg and the Auberge Resorts Collection to the vendor team that fits your day.

Wherever You Gather

Destination & Domestic

When your wedding brings people together from all corners, you’ll feel supported, unrushed, and free to stay present, with coverage that captures the full rhythm of the celebration from the first gatherings to the final toast. I typically reserve travel dates for wedding weekend coverage, so the full celebration is thoughtfully documented.

We are absolutely over the moon in love with our images. We'll cherish them forever.

—  Brian, Groom

KIND WORDS

Thank you from the very bottom of our hearts, Gretchen. 

Your infectious joy and incredible care made the entire shoot such a wonderful experience. You made these moments happen in the best way possible, and we love you so much for it!  —Brian & Nick

01/05

"Not only are our photos absolute perfection- I truly cannot stop looking at them, but Gretchen is the most wonderful human."

My husband and I are forever grateful to have such special images to relive our day through.
 —Allison & Zander

02/05

Gretchen is a bright gem in the dizzying world of choosing wedding vendors.

We have nothing but accolades for this genius! She has a way of making you forget that you're being photographed and instead it feels like you're hanging out with a friend. —Christine & Emmett

03/05

We will cherish these precious photos forever.

To say that her talents blew us away is an understatement. She effortlessly captured the big moments, intimate ones with our friends and family, and all the fine, aesthetic details in-between.  —Ferdalyn & Bernard

04/05

Gretchen, we know you hear this quite often but what you shared with us was truly special.

You captured every emotion, each subtle pause of joy, and endless amounts of love; You made us look like mafia bosses in one picture and Romeo and Juliet in another! The world needs more Gretchen’s.
— Philippa & Matthew

05/05

A LOOK INSIDE 

what to expect

Wedding days have their own momentum. They can be slow & tender or thrilling and full. I've been part of enough of them to know what actually helps couples feel good in the middle of it all. Here's what you can expect from me on your day: how I'll show up, what I prioritize, and the ways I'll help keep you grounded and present.

1. Being A calm presence

One of the things couples mention most after their wedding is feeling calmer because I was there. Wedding days can easily tip into hurried or overwhelming, and I see part of my job as helping you stay grounded. I'll remind you to breathe, to release the tension in your shoulders, to take it in. If something needs handling behind the scenes, I'll take care of it quietly. I've stepped in when planners disappeared, tracked down florists, safety-pinned hems, whatever keeps things moving so you can stay in the moment. You won't see all of that happening, but you'll feel it. I'm on your team, and my priority is you feeling good throughout your day.

A lot of couples worry they're awkward in photos, but that's actually my job to handle, not yours. Getting your photo taken professionally is different than an iPhone snap - it requires someone who knows how to put you at ease; I do this all the time. I'll guide you gently, give you something to do with your hands, help you feel natural. What makes your photos feel like yours isn't being "good at posing" - it's the joy and intimacy that come through when you're relaxed and connected. That's what I'm here for.

2. Relax, you're doing it right

3. Living your wedding day

My real priority is you waking up the next morning feeling like you actually enjoyed your wedding. Photos are important, but they're the backup to the real thing. Being present in the moment, soaking it in with the people you love - that matters more than anything I'll capture. Yes, we'll do sunset portraits and family formals, but they're designed to feel like part of the joy, not something pulling you away from it. I want you to stay grounded in the experience, and I'll be a steady presence helping you do that. Your people matter, and I treat everyone - your family, your friends - like they're mine too.

Your photos shouldn't live only in a cloud. Digital galleries get buried, but prints stay present. An album you pull off the shelf on a quiet Sunday, a photo on your wall that stops you while you're making coffee. There's something about holding your wedding day in your hands that brings it all back. I create images meant to be seen, held, and returned to - not just scrolled past and you'll have the opportunity to create beautiful art with your images, right from within your gallery.

4. Images you'll want to hold

Frequently asked questions

1. BOUNDARIES & INCLUSIVITY

My commitment to championing inclusivity, respect, and equality is unwavering. I am dedicated to creating an environment that upholds these core values in my business and in the world. Therefore, I want to make explicitly clear that I do not work with organizations or individuals who are members of any hate group or whose values align with them.

2. Have you shot at my venue? Do you need to do a walkthrough with us?

Walkthroughs beforehand are usually unnecessary. If you have a particular set of circumstances that require beforehand knowledge and would like to book a walkthrough we can work together to do so. Walkthroughs begin at $500.

3. Do you have travel fees?

Travel fees depend on where I’m traveling to. Within the vicinity of Sonoma, Napa, Marin &, Alameda, San Francisco & South Mendocino Counties there are no travel fees. I'm happy to create a custom quote based on your travel request.

4. I know you focus on true moments but can you talk about formals?

I’m more than happy to follow a list of formals. I totally understand that having a deliberately shot photo of you and your grandmother matters. I ask that you create your shot list of family formals before the wedding so that you can let those folks know when to be where and I can cross those images off as we shoot them.