Rikki Ward Photography • Oakland • CA 94619
Rikki Ward Photography
Wedding Photography
We'd love it if you would mention that you found Rikki Ward Photography on the Here Comes The Guide website.
Service Area
Greater Bay Area and also available for travel worldwide.
Special Offer
Clients who book through Here Comes The Guide will receive a complimentary print package valued at $200.
Services Offered
Read More Show LessRikki's couples tell us that of all their wedding photos, none of the images felt "posed" or "contrived." Rikki Ward knows how to capture the essence of the moment and the spirit of each couple she works with. She does an amazing job photographing weddings from not only a wide view, but also down to the tiniest detail.
Prices and/or Package Info
Documentary Style Wedding Photography Packages start at $3000.
A la carte options available, including additional hours and press-printed albums.
Reviews
Read More Show Less"I chose Rikki because the pictures on her website were candid and conveyed the crisp, raw, and real emotions of excitement and happiness. I did not want too many posed portraits—I wanted to be able to look back at the pictures and see family and friends laughing, dancing, etc. Her pictures are truly 'worth a thousand words' for this reason."
"Her pictures transport me back to getting ready, walking down the aisle, the first dance, etc."
"I truly must say that our photos are absolutely gorgeous. She captured some extravagant moments."
"Her presence was incredibly warm and calming and her love for wedding photography truly showed throughout the entire process."
"She is a delightful person to be around, and her work truly speaks for itself."
Did you know?
Here Comes The Guide contacted this vendor's brides and grooms directly for reviews -- so we know they're the real deal. #controlfreaks
We only list vendors that we'd recommend to our own sisters and best friends.
Real Weddings
Questions and Answers
Read More Show LessWhat 3 words best describe your work?
Fun, spontaneous, natural.
Why should someone hire you?
I really really love weddings. From the pretty stuff to the raw emotional stuff to the cake(!) – a wedding day is a smorgasbord of so much goodness. I hope my photos reflect the pure joy I feel. Every, Dang. Time.
What drew you to this field/how did you get started?
I studied photojournalism in college. A colleague I had worked on a book with asked me if I would like to try shooting weddings. I was young and in search of steady employment so I said yes. One wedding, and I was hooked!
What are some sources of inspiration or influences on your work?
The older photojournalists and documentarians – Mary Ellen Mark, Nan Goldin, William Eggleston. Some current commercial photographers I love are Cass Bird and Pari Dukovic. There are also loads of documentary-style wedding photographers whose work I admire and am inspired by all the time.
Tell us about a favorite, unusual or very interesting moment at a wedding:
Not long ago I shot a 50th anniversary party that turned out to also be a surprise wedding for the older couple's daughter. It was pretty adorable.
What makes a wedding memorable for you?
When people are truly in the moment and truly enjoying themselves. That kind of energy stays with you and keeps you smiling for days.
What have weddings taught you?
That human connections are still the most important thing there is.
What is the best advice you give a couple when planning their wedding?
Don't stress over the tiny details too much. If you're having fun, everyone else will have fun. And, you deserve to have fun on your wedding day, dangit!
If you could have any superpower on the job, what would it be?
The ability to stay calm and keep everyone else calm and laughing.
What are 3 words that describe your personality?
Responsive, flexible, grounded/fun.
What's your favorite book/movie/work of art?
I'm currently inching my way through Anthony's Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential. Stand By Me is a lifelong favorite movie and I enjoy the illustrations of Aubrey Beardsley.
What's your favorite quote?
"It's better to be cussed, than never discussed." —my grandfather
What's your favorite marriage advice?
Second to becoming a parent, marriage might be the hardest, but most rewarding thing a person can do.
Extracurricular activities:
Cooking, hiking, going to the beach, hanging out with my hilarious/brilliant young daughters and husband.
If you weren't in your current profession, what would you do instead?
Chef / hotel owner/ therapist / independently wealthy world traveler.
What’s your favorite way to wind down after a hard day?
Bad TV and good snacks.
Tell us about your pets, if you have any.
None yet, but our girls will never forgive us if we don't get a dog before they're in school.
What are some of your favorite places to eat—either everyday spots or special occasion splurges?
Mostly eating at home these days, but I love a real-deal taqueria or lively pub for something casual. For a fancy dinner I like to go old school –places like Tadich Grill or Le Central in SF.
Rikki Ward Photography Covers These Areas:
-
Northern California
- East Bay
- Lake Tahoe / Northern Sierras
- Monterey and Carmel
- Napa and Sonoma Wine Country
- North Bay / Marin
- North Coast / Mendocino
- Sacramento / Gold Country
- San Francisco
- SF Peninsula / Half Moon Bay
- San Jose / South Bay
- Santa Cruz
- Solano County
- Tri-Valley and Livermore Wine Country
- Yosemite / Mammoth / Forests
- And other areas by special arrangement.
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