Introducing Milk & Thistle: Your Adventurous California Wedding and Elopement Photographer
Hello there, and welcome to Milk & Thistle! I'm Carlee, the photographer and founder of this business, and I'm thrilled to have you here. I'm an adventurous California wedding and elopement photographer, capturing the authentic moments of couples as they embark on a new chapter of their lives. With a focus on earth tones and the beauty of life's moments as they are, I aim to provide a unique and comfortable experience for my clients. My approach is less light and airy, and more centered around capturing the deep and romantic connection between two people. Based on the central coast of California, I'm always up for travel and look forward to exploring new and exciting locations for photo shoots.
Our Services: Wedding and Elopement Photography
At Milk & Thistle, we specialize in capturing the authentic moments of your wedding day. We understand that every couple is unique and that's why we approach each photo shoot differently. With a focus on candid photography, we aim to tell your story through still moments, capturing the real and unscripted emotions of the day. Our services include:
- Wedding Photography: We provide full-day wedding photography coverage, capturing every special moment from start to finish. From the excitement of getting ready, to the emotional ceremony, and the fun-filled reception, we'll be there to document it all.
- Elopement Photography: If you're planning a more intimate and adventurous wedding, we'd love to be a part of it. We'll work with you to create a custom photography package that fits your needs and captures the beauty of your special day.
Meet Carlee: Your Photographer
I'm Carlee, the lass behind the lens at Milk & Thistle. I was born and raised in Colorado, but now call the central coast of California home. I'm a houseplant lover, tea over coffee drinker, and sweets over savory eater. I'm also a big fan of the color yellow. Good communication is important to me, and I strive to create a comfortable and unique experience for each couple I work with. I understand that having your photo taken can be uncomfortable, and that's why I use unique methods to capture your personality in a comfortable way.
Featured Work: Stories Told Through Still Moments
We're proud of the work we do and are always excited to share it with others. Here are some of our featured weddings and elopements:
- Rava Winery Wedding: This classic and romantic wedding took place at Rava Winery in Paso Robles, California. With black tie attire and a beautiful outdoor setting, this wedding was full of timeless moments.
- Montana De Oro, CA ~ Engagement Session: This adventurous engagement session took place at Montana De Oro, CA. The couple embraced the natural beauty of the location, and the result was a stunning collection of candid moments.
- An Arboretum Elopement: An intimate and romantic elopement at an arboretum, this wedding was full of beautiful moments and a deep connection between the couple.
- Pepper Tree Ranch Wedding: This elegant and spooky Halloween wedding at Pepper Tree Ranch was full of unique moments and an unforgettable experience.
- A Coastal Dream Wedding: This moody and romantic wedding at Swallow Creek Ranch in Cayucos, California, was a dream come true. With a lace wedding dress and a stunning coastal setting, this wedding was one for the books.
If you're ready to book your photo shoot, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us today to learn more about our services and availability. Thank you for considering Milk & Thistle for your wedding photography needs.

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