We only take so many weddings a year and you deserve to have the right photographers for your wedding. Making sure we’re a great fit is important to us as it plays a significant roll in the overall experience we want to provide.
First and foremost, CHEMISTRY. You have to trust that the photographers you invite into your space are going to have your best interest at heart. We talk about connection a lot because it’s that connection that allows us to be ourselves. When we can be ourselves, TRUST is established, and we can be more open to the experience. Trust gives us the space we need to create and it gives you the confidence in knowing that your vision for your wedding is in good hands.
Making our couples COMFORTABLE is a priority and because we are so family-oriented, we extend this same courtesy to your family and friends.
Considering us to photograph your wedding is a very personal decision; One we don’t take lightly. If the vibe is right, we’re fully vested in you.
Secondly, COMMUNICATION. With over ten years of capturing moments, the most (in)valuable asset we possess are the years of experience under our belt. We always tell our couples that when the big day comes, they have to surrender to the day; Focus on what the day is about and everything else becomes secondary. We’ve been blessed to have photographed a variety of weddings and have found that good communication is key to easing any anxiousness building up from all the wedding planning. We communicate honestly with our couples and educate them on what locations work best with lighting, how to be comfortable and natural in front of the camera, and help wherever we can. We’re flexible. We roll with the punches.
Making our couples comfortable is a priority
COLLABORATION is equally important, we don’t just show up and shoot. We want to ensure that we are constantly and collectively on the same page in regards to the vision of your wedding. Our goal is to work together with you in hopes of creating a legacy for future generations to look back on.
We can help you build your timeline so that you get the most out of your day, we scout locations before the day arrives and we’re totally open to consult with while you’re planning your big day.
We encourage the quirky, the chic, the bold, and the classic kind of weddings. But mostly, we encourage you to be you. Let your wedding be a reflection of who you two are and what you two enjoy and love. Let it speak your truth.
We got you.
our collections start with:
full coverage for up to tEN hours
Two photographers
10x10 flush mount fine art leather album
private online gallery
“I just wanted to say with my whole heart THANK YOU!!!!!!!!! It was such a joy to be with you both throughout our very special day. You put us at ease and made us laugh and we just can’t thank you enough. Everyone at the wedding also had such great things to say about you both. Ben and I are so honored to have had you photograph our wedding.”
“We cannot thank you enough!!! The photos brought us to tears. We absolutely love them - you guys did such a phenomenal job! Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
“A huge THANK YOU for everything you did on our wedding day. From the time you arrived, you helped keep the energy calm and cool, making sure we were taken care of at every step.”
“Thank YOU for being there with us on our wedding day! You guys fit right in, made us feel comfortable, and your expertise saved us from having to stress about so many details!.”
“We enjoyed every minute and owe you so many thanks for making us — and our friends and family — feel so comfortable and relaxed. Thank you so much for really going above and beyond!”
“Every moment captured let us relive our happiest day together with both of your help. We felt your love, compassion, and commitment with every moment of that day. Whether it was when Amari came to give me a shot while we were getting ready, or Madelynn being the holder of the gold grillz, or how you both felt like one of the family! You both made us look and feel beautiful in every shot! Thank you for loving us without even knowing us.”
“We both want to thank you for the amazing work, and more importantly for the way you blended beautifully into the event. We really felt you were more than photographers, but a part of the love and positivity that enveloped the day.”
“Each photo holds so many feelings. Absolutely beautiful. . . It's like you knew the soul of each person you captured. The two of you have such a gift connecting with people and seeing their truest self.
And re living our day is awesome!”
“The photos are more than I could have ever asked for and I definitely got a little misty watching. Thank you so much for being such calming forces on the day and for capturing everything with so much warmth and love. I want to frame every single photo. . .”
“If it were not for the encouragement we received, we would not have been able to fully soak in, embrace and be present on our wedding day. We could not stop talking about how memorable you both made our night and for that we are forever grateful.”
“Thank you so much for being so accommodating and just overall wonderful photographers for us!! The day wouldn't have went so smoothly without both of your planning and advice. We felt so taken care of in your hands :D”
“Thank you guys for being so awesome! Honestly, we can't thank you enough for making us feel so comfortable in front of the camera and for being so damn cool to hang out with on our big day. You guys worked your butts off and were smiling the whole time. So many friends and family came up to us and said how great you two are. We couldn't agree with them more and are so happy that you guys were capturing it all. “
“You guys did such an amazing job capturing the story and emotions of the day. . . The combination of your shooting style and eye for capturing subtle moments made the whole story incredibly natural and authentic.
We can't thank you both enough!”
“Madelynn and Amari were incredible to work with: super relaxed, fun, non-stressful to be around and yet both clearly take the photography itself very seriously. I feel like we totally lucked out finding them.”
“They come to you as if true family. As you work with them you come to learn who they are as not just a business, but as people. You invite them to capture an important moment in your life. I think they see this as significant, and create an atmosphere where you can be open by opening their lives to you.”
“Beyond the photos themselves – which are beautiful, cinematic, playful, and curated to our personalities – Foot Candles is a pleasure to work with (and just hang out with)! They immediately feel like old friends and make you feel at ease. That's not to say they aren't professional - they showed up to our wedding with several cameras, walkie-talkies, and even hydration pills!”
“What sets them apart from the other photographers is their willingness to be open and become part of our lives. It doesn't feel like a business transaction. We love our photos and we love working with them. They have become friends, most importantly.”
“We absolutely LOVE Madelyn & Amari. From the very first phone call to our 1st meeting we immediately felt like they were our friends. I knew from the beginning that they knew exactly what they were doing. The finished product for our engagement & wedding was absolutely PERFECT. Every moment was captured beautifully. Their careful attention to detail, their calming nature made everything feel so easy, I can't wait to hire them again!”
“Madelynn and Amari were the best photographers we could ask for. We loved their documentary style of photography and exquisite use of lighting. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a documentary / photojournalistic style for their wedding photos with dramatic lighting, and who want a fun couple to be included in their wedding celebrations.”
There are really no words to express our gratitude. We feel so happy with our wedding weekend and the images brought so much joy looking at your beautiful photographs. You captured the day authentically and beautifully. We loved having you there and will cherish these photos for life.
Frequently asked Questions
01. HOW LONG HAVE YOU TWO BEEN PHOTOGRAPHERS?
Mad since 1997 and Amari since 2007.
02. HOW DID YOU GET INTO PHOTOGRAPHY?
Mad: I used to be a huge football and 49ers fan and I wanted to shoot on the field but years ago, women weren’t allowed on the field unless you were part of the Administration, a cheerleader, or medical staff. So aside from Cellular-Molecular Biology, I studied Sports Medicine. Not too long after that, I met a few folks in the circuit and low and behold, I photographed games at Candlestick Park and the Raiders’s Oakland Coliseum.
Amari: Motion Pictures and Television with a emphasis in Cinematography is what I studied and majored in at Academy of Art University in San Francisco. I didn’t pick up a camera until then. Our instructors used to assign us projects where we would have to tell an entire story just by using stills. It’s funny looking back because the first two weddings we covered I did video, but I wasn’t really feeling it. I didn’t feel an instant connection with what I was doing until I started taking stills at one of our weddings. I can remember something telling me this was it, and I never looked back.
03. HOW OLD ARE YOUR KIDS?
The oldest are young adults and the younger two are in their teen years.
04. ARE YOUR KIDS INTO PHOTOGRAPHY TOO?
The oldest one is dabbling in it but the other kids are finding their own creative niches. One has been playing guitar since she was in third grade. Our second born is a naturally gifted illustrator. (Follow our second born, @skenolyart on Instagram to view her illustrations and animations!). Our one and only son is more of a coder, while our youngest daughter is finding her singing voice (she doesn’t get that from any of us, for sure).
05. WHAT DO YOU TWO DO ON YOUR SPARE TIME?
Amari runs Spartan Races and has completed two Trifectas. When he isn’t training, or spending time with family, he’s searching for new recipes to try out. Mad loves her sleep (so never try to wake her up or she will fight you).
06. DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH ANYTHING ELSE BESIDES WEDDINGS?
We only do family portraits for past clients. Several times a year we do volunteer our time for a non-profit organization called the Know Your Rights Camp that teaches youth, not only about their rights, but provides them information about education, financial literacy, holistic health, and technology, to name a few. We’re very intentional with how we spend our time and talent and are at that point in our lives that impact and give back versus monetary gain is more valuable to us.
07. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK?
Amari: Atomic Habits (As a kid though: How To Eat Fried Worms)
Mad: Where The Sidewalk Ends
08. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE FOODS?
Amari: Can’t beat a good bowl of Phở (Vietnamese) or Indian food.
Mad: I can never say no to sushi or amazing Ethiopian food.
09. DOG PERSON OR CAT PERSON?
Amari: Cat person (although, I’ve learned to love our dog).
Mad: Definitely a dog person (although, I like cats).
01. How far in advance do we need to book with you?
We recommend anywhere between 9-12 months prior to your wedding. The sooner the better to lock in your date.
02. How many weddings do you take a year?
We understand the importance of a work-life balance therefore we limit our weddings to 20 a year.
03. Do you charge a travel fee?
Travel is included within the San Francisco Bay Area. For events beyond a 75 mile radius, or an event spanning more than one day, we request adequate lodging for two persons to arrive at least a day prior to the event and returning the morning after the event.
04. My wedding is not in Northern California; Do you charge a travel fee?
We have photographed events from Jamaica, to Sweden, to Maui, to Iceland, and the Philippines to name a few. If we are flying to your event, we require round trip airfare and adequate lodging for two persons to arrive at least a day prior to the event and returning the morning after the event.
05. We really need four hours of coverage; Do you provide that amount of coverage?
Our mission is to capture your complete story. An average wedding normally lasts 8-12 hours long. Our Coverage Only rates can cover up to 8 hours.
06. How much of a deposit do you need to hold our date?
We require only a $500 non-refundable retainer to hold your date.
07. When is the balance due?
The balance is due two weeks prior to your wedding date.
08. What form of payment do you accept?
Cash, check, or credit cards as well as PayPal, Ca$hApp or Venmo
09. Do you carry liability insurance?
We carry a $2M general liability insurance policy. Certificate of Insurance can be furnished upon request.
10. Can I customize my package?
Let’s Talk
11. Can I split coverage hours into multi-days?
Each Collection is specific to one calendar date. Any pre-wedding events are treated as separate booking dates and respective coverage rates are provided for those.
01. WHO PHOTOGRAPHS MY WEDDING?
Amari and, or, Madelynn will be photographing your wedding. Associate photographers and assistants may also accompany us depending on the size and circumstances of your wedding.
02. WHEN DO YOU START PHOTOGRAPHING THE DAY OF THE WEDDING AND FOR HOW LONG?
We typically like to start photographing as the bride starts to get her hair, and, or make up ready. We usually stop photographing as the party starts to die down, basically within a twelve hour block.
03. SHOULD I HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER?
We always recommend hiring, at minimum, a same-day coordinator for not only keeping your sanity, but to have the opportunity and freedom to actually enjoy your wedding day. However, in the event you opt out of getting one, please be sure to plan accordingly to include all transitions from one moment to another. We suggest padding your schedule to allow you to relax in your wedding attire at least an hour before the ceremony. (Don’t to allocate time for bathroom breaks!) There’s nothing worse than seeing a rushed and flustered bride & groom on their wedding day.
04. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE ABOUT GETTING READY THE DAY OF?
Choose the best space possible that allows for the most natural light when you are getting ready. Avoid bathrooms or tight spaces that are more prone to artificial or insufficient lighting. Large open windows are best so be open to getting ready in a living room or great room with lots of space, preferably devoid of clutter, for us to move freely around you. Most professional make-up artists and hairstylists also appreciate applying their art under abundant natural light conditions as long as they have space for their tools and equipment. Picking the right location to get ready in will be a win-win for everyone.
We also recommend having the bride and groom get ready within close proximity to each other. Not only is it peace of mind to have each other close, it also helps logistically when photographing the both of you getting ready. We also highly recommend limiting the number of people who are getting ready with you, as it can get a bit chaotic, especially when getting ready in a really tight space.
05. DO YOU RECOMMEND DOING A FIRST LOOK?
Whether you are planning to do a “first look” or “reveal” with each other before the ceremony, or are saving this moment to see each other for the first time at the ceremony, plan on spending an hour with us for your couple portrait session. One of the biggest regrets I hear brides and grooms talk about is not making enough time for themselves for a session during their wedding day. Not only is it a perfect opportunity to capture great images of you two but it is also a moment to enjoy a little alone time with each other during your wedding day. Images at sunset are always a bonus. If possible, plan a little time with us at sunset, at least 15-30 minutes, to make this happen. Seize the moment (and the light in this matter)! We promise to get you back to the party without your guests knowing you were missing.
06. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE ABOUT GETTING THE BEST CEREMONY IMAGES?
Whether you are planning a traditional indoor church ceremony or an outdoor garden ceremony, lighting is extremely crucial when deciding on what time to begin and end your ceremony. The time of sunset ceremonies can vary based on the season so be weary of where the sun will be at the time of your planned event. The most ideal scenario for an outdoor ceremony is for the bride and the groom to be in full shade. If unavailable, the next best scenario would be to have the sun in front lighting you both or directly behind you guys (and possibly diffused by something like a tree or canopy). If you have questions or need suggestions about this, please feel free to ask us.
07. HOW DO YOU HANDLE FAMILY GROUP PHOTOS?
Groups of 15 or less are always best when photographing a group. We advise you to limit the group portraits for immediate and selected extended family groups. We request that a family member from both sides assist you/us organize these groupings to help manage this time more efficiently.
08. CAN ONE OF MY RELATIVES TAKE PHOTOS DURING THE WEDDING TOO?
We get it. It’s a big day and everyone wants to Instagram and go hash and geo tag crazy with you in their timeline. No problem, as long as it does not interfere with our schedule or hinder us from getting important moments. Most guests are weary of this. However, there is always the “Uncle Bob” of the group that ends up in the middle of aisle ways, behind the couple, or even in front of us with his own camera which, at times, have ruined a key shot that we were trying to take. We suggest making an announcement to your guests ahead of time to have them stay seated during the ceremony and “enjoy” being in the moment with you.
01. DO WE GET TO KEEP THE DIGITAL FILES?
All of our packages generally include 500-700 print-ready high resolution digital negatives with print release for personal use.
02. WHEN ARE OUR IMAGES READY FOR VIEWING?
It takes a considerable amount of time to ensure that all images are of high standard and Amari has applied, what he calls, his “special sauce” on it. In short, our turn around time is 8-12 weeks.
03. HOW LONG AFTER THE ALBUM IS APPROVED DO WE EXPECT IT TO BE DELIVERED?
Once you approve your album it will take approximately 6-8 weeks for delivery.
04. CAN WE PURCHASE AN ALBUM LATER?
Absolutely.
More Services
COVERAGE ONLY
- Two Photographers
- Up to Eight Hours
- Private Online Gallery
Engagements
- Two hour Session
- Private Online Gallery
(Elopements do not apply)
to us, your experience is
more than just a pretty picture
it’s about being present
for all the moments from beginning to end