Dreamy & Nostalgic Wedding Photography for Couples Who Value Connection
For the easygoing couples who value unforced moments and timeless legacy, captured with intimacy and heart.
Based in Santa Cruz CA, capturing love stories worldwide.
The Art of Honest Storytelling
My approach is grounded in being present observing moments as they naturally unfold. Instead of directing every detail, I focus on the real emotions, candid interactions between family and friends, and the unforced details that tell the true story of your celebration. With gentle guidance and light prompts, I help you feel confident and at ease in front of the camera. The experience is relaxed yet intentional, blending direction with authenticity so your genuine connection shines through. The result is a collection of photographs that feel alive like the wind on your skin as you drive away in your Corvette, timeless heirlooms you’ll cherish for generations.
Behind the Lens
Hi, I’m Marcus Trawick — a wedding photographer born and raised in Santa Cruz, California. Growing up surfing the waves and exploring the coast shaped how I see beauty and connection. Those roots taught me to notice fleeting moments, the kind you can’t recreate but want to hold onto forever—and that’s exactly what I capture for my couples. My photography blends editorial direction with a documentary approach, capturing both the natural ease and honest emotion of the day. I shoot both digital and film to tell your story with nostalgic tones and timeless detail, creating imagery that feels dreamy, intimate, and real.
Before I ever pick up my camera, I focus on connection—getting to know you and your story so the experience feels comfortable and genuine. Whether we’re chasing golden light through the redwoods or documenting a wild dance floor, my goal is to create space for real emotion to unfold naturally. You get to be fully present; I’ll make sure your memories live on. For me, photography is more than images—it’s about preserving legacy. The laughter, the tears, the chaos, the quiet—it all matters, and it all deserves to be remembered in a way that feels timeless and true.
Stories best told by the people who’ve lived them.
“I inquired with Marcus for a small intimate wedding at SF City Hall last December. He was quick to respond; the next day, we started discussing my inquiry. Marcus is very easy to talk to and he will spend time getting to know you. It almost feel like meeting a new friend and just telling them who you are, it almost didn't feel like a business inquiry. I believe we talked for hours or even more, as I tell him my now-husband and I’s story (and he listened and was engaging throughout.) He is very genuine, skillful, humble, and a hard-working person, but he will not shy away if there’s a pose/shot that you want to take. He is assertive when he has to be, but respectful. You can just tell his passion for photography from his photos. His compositions are clean, unique, and have emotions. I remember the first time he sent our wedding photos, my husband and I viewed them with our family, and everyone was in tears. I will never forget that moment. Thank you again Marcus for capturing the best day ever, and for capturing it so well. We will always be grateful. - Stella and Adrian Marcus, we will definitely text you again for our first family photoshoot in the future. “
- Stella + Adrian
I capture weddings with a calm, grounded presence blending film and digital to create timeless heirlooms that feel as real as the day itself.
Picture this: you live fully in the moment, and I capture it as it truly unfolds honest, timeless, and unforced.
Honest Storytelling
I’m inspired by the art of storytelling through real, unposed moments—photos that feel effortless yet intentional. My goal is to create imagery that feels genuine and alive, documenting the unscripted memories that reflect your unique story. This is the heart of my craft, and the reason my couples trust me to capture their day.
I shoot both film and digital, giving you the best of both worlds: the nostalgic tones of film paired with the versatility of digital. My editing style is rooted in keeping things natural and true-to-life—preserving the colors, light, and emotions exactly as you felt them, while enhancing their beauty in a timeless way. These are photos that won’t feel trendy or dated, but classic and meaningful for decades to come.
Timeless & True-to-Life
Relaxed, Genuine, and Present
Your wedding day is full of fleeting moments—the laugh with a friend, the squeeze of your grandma’s hand, the way you look at each other when no one’s watching. My approach is laid-back and fun, mixing humor and ease with a calm presence so you never feel stiff or rushed. I’ll blend in when I need to and bring the laughs when it helps, capturing the day as it really feels. You get to stay present and enjoy it all—I’ll make sure you have the photos to remember it forever.
I’m keeping my calendar intentionally limited this year so every couple gets a personal, meaningful experience. If you value real moments, and storytelling that feels effortless and true, fill out the form below to reserve your date.