Business Details
Capturing Timeless Wedding Memories in Raleigh, NC
We are Elyssa and John Kivus, passionate wedding photographers based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Our journey began with a shared love for storytelling through images, which led us to transition from legal careers to capturing the magic of weddings full-time. With over a decade of combined experience in photography and journalism, we specialize in creating bold, colorful, and emotionally resonant images that preserve genuine moments and artistic portraits. Our approach prioritizes client comfort, ensuring every couple feels at ease in front of the camera while we document their unique love story.We serve couples across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and beyond, celebrating diverse relationships and embracing creative, unrepeatable wedding elements. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our organized process, transparent communication, and dedication to delivering timeless memories that families will cherish for generations.
Services
Wedding Photography
Engagement Sessions
Boudoir Photography
Albums & Prints
Two Photographers
Highlights and features
- We offer over a decade of combined wedding photography experience with journalistic storytelling expertise
- Our personalized approach ensures every couple feels comfortable and confident in front of the camera
- We specialize in vibrant, artistic compositions that balance candid moments with creative portraits
- We celebrate LGBTQ+ weddings and embrace unique, unrepeatable wedding elements
- We maintain professional backup systems for equipment and data security
What people say
Stunning photos
Amazing team
Perfectly captured
Artistic portraits
Stress-free experience
Services
Wedding Photography
We document weddings with a blend of photojournalism and artistic direction. Our approach captures candid moments while creating intentional portraits that reflect each couple's unique story. With technical expertise and creative vision, we ensure comprehensive coverage from preparation to reception, delivering images that balance authenticity with artistic composition.
Engagement Sessions
These sessions help couples build comfort in front of the camera while creating beautiful imagery for save-the-date materials or personal keepsakes. We focus on natural interactions and environmental storytelling, using light and composition to create images that showcase each couple's personality and relationship dynamics.
Boudoir Photography
Our boudoir sessions offer an alternative to traditional bridal portraits, emphasizing confidence and personal expression. We create a comfortable, professional environment for intimate portraits that celebrate individuality while maintaining artistic elegance and tasteful composition.
Albums & Prints
We provide high-quality printed materials including custom wedding albums and individual prints. Our print shop offers professional-grade products designed to preserve wedding memories with archival materials and expert curation for lasting display.
Two Photographers
Our team approach ensures comprehensive documentation of wedding events. With two photographers working simultaneously, we capture multiple perspectives throughout the day, ensuring no important moments are missed while maintaining cohesive artistic direction.
People
Elyssa Kivus
Lead Photographer
Former divorce attorney turned award-winning wedding photographer with over a decade of experience. Specializes in creating comfortable environments for portraits, combining photojournalism background with artistic vision to capture authentic moments.
John Kivus
Second Photographer
Software attorney and photography hobbyist who complements Elyssa's work with technical expertise. Handles secondary coverage while providing behind-the-scenes support, bringing organizational skills from legal and programming backgrounds to ensure seamless service delivery.
Questions
Do you photograph LGBTQ+ weddings?
Yes, we celebrate all love stories equally. Our inclusive approach ensures every couple receives the same exceptional service regardless of background or identity.
What is your pricing structure?
Single-day wedding collections range from $4,000 to $7,000. Custom packages are available to match specific needs, with detailed pricing discussed during initial consultations.
Do you offer travel services?
We photograph weddings within 100 miles of Raleigh without additional fees. For destinations beyond this radius, travel expenses are calculated based on required transportation and accommodations.
What print products do you offer?
We provide professional-grade albums and prints through our online gallery. Our print shop features archival-quality materials designed to preserve wedding memories for generations.
How do you handle group photos?
We collaborate with couples to create customized shot lists for family and wedding party portraits. Our process includes pre-wedding planning to ensure efficient execution while maintaining creative composition.
How do we book your services?
Contact us through our website to discuss availability. We'll schedule a consultation to confirm compatibility, then send a booking link for contract signing and retainer payment.
