Val Photo Co

Val Photo Co, About me image - Portland Oregon Wedding Photographer

Hi, I’m Val! I'm a destination wedding photographer, traveler at heart, and believer that the best wedding photographs happen when you're fully immersed in the people and moments that matter most.

Love is beautifully diverse, and every couple deserves to feel seen, celebrated, and completely at ease. Whether you're planning a traditional wedding, an intimate elopement, or creating a celebration that's entirely your own, my commitment is the same: to honor your story with authenticity, care, and wholehearted acceptance.

Val Photo Co is proudly inclusive and welcomes couples of all identities, orientations, cultures, and backgrounds. You belong here exactly as you are, and it would be an honor to preserve your story.

xoxo, Val

Wedding Photography Philosophy

Long before your wedding day arrives, I want you to feel like you've invited a trusted friend into the planning process. From timeline guidance and travel logistics to knowing exactly when to step in with gentle direction—or quietly step back—I believe my role extends beyond creating beautiful photos.

My goal is simple: to give you the freedom to be fully present. Because years from now, I don't want you to remember posing for photos. I want you to remember how it felt to laugh with your best friends, hug your grandparents a little tighter, dance barefoot under the stars, and soak in every fleeting moment while trusting that every meaningful detail was being preserved with care.

Photo shot on iPhone by a wedding guest while the bride and I shared a moment of gratitude after finishing family photos. Destination wedding in La Jolla, CA.

Destination Weddings

There's something incredibly special about celebrating love somewhere that feels intentional. Maybe it's the excitement of arriving somewhere new or with fond memories. The quiet mornings before the festivities begin. The local café you stumble into. The architecture, the fashion, the food, the landscapes—every destination has its own rhythm, and I love discovering what makes each one unforgettable.

Destination weddings aren't just about beautiful views. They're about creating an experience your loved ones will talk about for years to come. Being invited to document those stories is something I never take for granted.

Travel has shaped who I am for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was fortunate to explore new places from a young age, and that curiosity has never left me. Since then, I’ve lived all along the West Coast and Arizona while traveling the world—each place leaving its own mark on how I see people, culture, and connection.

Photo shot on iPhone of my husband and me waiting in line to tour the Parliament in Budapest, Hungary.

Love notes from Clients

  • Wesley + Keith

    Valerie is absolutely amazing. Obviously her work is so good, but she made the experience so much more! She was so incredibly easy to work with, so timely, couldn’t have been nicer, and overall an amazing photographer. I would choose her a million times over! My dad actually thought she was one of my friends from high school or college, because of how personable she was to all of our friends and family. She listened to everything we wanted and definitely delivered. We had a call a few weeks ago to discuss our timeline and she was so patient and helped us understand how the day would go / what we actually wanted. There were times when I was stressed and I can’t even tell you how calm she was and made us feel. My husband hates having his picture taking and didn’t expect to like the experience very much. He could not stop talking about how comfortable Valerie and her second shooter made him feel. We chose to do super 8 as well and I am so glad we did. I love that she has film option ad ons, as it definitely fit the vibe we were going for. Overall- Valerie is SO great to work with. She is so talented. I would absolutely recommend her- you won’t regret it!!!

  • Kendall and Matt

    Working with Valerie on our wedding day was the best.decision.ever.

    Valerie is a one in a million person, and and incredibly talented photographer. She was supportive, helpful, and communicative through every step of the process (which is admittedly overwhelming). She heard out our creative requests and worked with us to get exactly what we wanted captured on our big day!

    She made us both feel at ease and comfortable in front of the camera with her effortless warmth and genuine spirit. We still gush over our pictures and can't imagine anyone else doing as great of a job. Thank you, Val!

  • Katherine + Will

    Val was the best wedding photographer I could've asked for - I do not love being behind the camera and she made me feel so comfortable and I love all the photos she took for us. She did both digital and film photography for our wedding and an engagement shoot and having her do both was perfect so we could get to know her and get a posing advice at the engagement shoot. She is so organized and coordinated everyone for all the wedding pictures so smoothly and tailored the timeline to perfectly work with the wedding schedule. She is seriously the best I cannot recommend her more!

  • Dani + Mike

    Val is a true gem. She made us feel so special and comfortable (coming from people who have never taken professional photos before). She’s one of the loveliest people you’ll ever encounter, and I can’t recommend her enough! She’s communicative, thoughtful, professional, and overall just a beautiful soul.

    We did our engagement and wedding photos/video through her, and we’re in love with the outcome! I received so many compliments from family members and friends on the quality of her work, as well as compliments about her character.

    Do yourself the biggest favor and hire Val to be a part of your special event. You won’t regret letting this wonderful human into your life.

Traveling is second nature

After a lifetime of travel, I've learned that the best trips—and the best wedding weekends—come down to thoughtful preparation.

From tsa precheck and passport ready, to arriving early whenever I travel for weddings, I've built dependable systems that allow me to focus on what matters most: being fully present for my couples. Every trip is carefully researched and intentionally planned, with backup plans, business insurance, and timelines designed to help navigate the unexpected with confidence.

When you invite me to photograph your destination wedding, you're not just hiring someone willing to travel—you're choosing someone who genuinely loves the journey and has built a business around doing it well.

Photo shot on iPhone by a wedding guest at a destination wedding in North Conway, MA. The couple and I were heading off for sunset photos in their classic car.

Destination Weddings

There's something incredibly special about celebrating love somewhere that feels intentional. Maybe it's the excitement of arriving somewhere new or holding fond memories. The quiet mornings before the festivities begin. The local café you stumble into. The architecture, the fashion, the food, the landscapes—every destination has its own rhythm, and I love discovering what makes each one unforgettable.

Destination weddings aren't just about beautiful views. They're about creating an experience your loved ones will talk about for years to come. Being invited to document those stories is something I never take for granted.

Travel has shaped who I am for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was fortunate to explore new places from a young age, and that curiosity has never left me. Since then, I’ve lived all along the West Coast and Arizona while traveling the world—each place leaving its own mark on how I see people, culture, and connection.

INQUIRE

Human, Artist, Photographer

When you feel safe, accepted, and celebrated, you're free to be fully present with the person you love. That's the experience I hope to create for every couple who trusts me with their story.

It's witnessing the way your partner looks at you before the ceremony begins. The tears your parents try to hide. The hugs that linger a little longer because everyone knows this weekend will never happen again.

Those are the moments that become your legacy. I'd be honored to photograph the start of your forever.

INQUIRE