I truly believe that the most important part of your wedding day is that you end up married, because all the details and events fly by. As a wedding photographer in Southern California, I've photographed well over 150 weddings and elopements, and every single one goes by so quickly. I love my job because even though the day passes in a flash, I get to capture those teeny tiny moments so they can be relived over and over in photographs. Some of my photos are 1/1000 of a second, meaning you can fit 1000 photos into one second of your day, which is crazy and amazing. That's why wedding photography is the most important investment of your wedding day. The cake will be eaten, and your dress will likely be put away somewhere, but photographs freeze moments in time, and that's not to be taken lightly.
My clients often describe me as "easy-going," and I think that's pretty accurate! Weddings are stressful enough without your photographer making it harder. With 9 years of wedding photography experience in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Paso Robles, Ventura County, and beyond- I've got it covered. I've seen my fair share of unique weddings, like brides riding in on camels. I am in my element as a documentary photographer- wandering around as a fly on the wall, capturing details, emotions, and candid photos, as well as helping my couples feel comfortable and enjoy their day!
Since I lean towards documentary and candid photography, I am not your girl for an entire Vogue-styled photoshoot. I keep my clients comfortable and true to themselves while stepping in to assist when needed. You'll find me wandering around your wedding reception eating cake and clicking away, guaranteed. My style is to place you in beautiful settings and let your natural love and feelings shine through. We will do a few posed photos (mainly family, which is always a circus) but what I love most about weddings is capturing the natural flow and actual events of the day, rather than crafting an image or overly editing.
On the note of editing, I prefer natural and warm colors that still reflect real life. There is a lot of trendy photography out there, and while it can be interesting, it may start to look dated over time. I want my images to be timeless in their color and style, while still evoking warm, fuzzy, and nostalgic memories from your event. I do not offer extensive body Photoshopping or unrealistic editing, such as changing dress colors or pasting a false smile on an unhappy kiddo.
Southern California Wedding Photographer Holly Castillo
I'm 31, and a born and raised Ventura County girl. My husband and I are high school sweethearts from Simi Valley, and we got married at the ripe old age of 21. We have two boys, four cats, and a ton of houseplants that I may or may not neglect. I really like trying new restaurants to eat at, and watching The Office and Bob's Burgers.
"I just want to be friends. Plus a little extra. Also I love you." -Dwight Schrute
I’ve been a photographer for most of my life, borrowing my parents point and shoot to waste all their precious 35mm film on taking 24 pictures of our cats. I was taking selfies on my first digital camera (the very high-tech Sony Cybershot if you remember those) before the term was coined. I remember calling them “self- shots”. I never dreamed of being a wedding photographer, it would be a lie to say I did. This path fell into my lap and clicked for me, and I now can’t imagine doing anything else. I'm constantly planning my dream wedding even though I'm already married, and I cry at all the weddings I photograph-mostly during the mother/ son dance (because I'm a boy Mom), but also during vows and other sweet moments. Basically, please don't be weirded out, I'm just really happy for you!
Cat Mom Forever
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"We loved Holly's colorful work, and we were so pleased that she was able to travel to Paso Robles from Ventura County. Aside from our BEAUTIFUL photos that we received from our day, Holly was very punctual, professional, and so easygoing to work with on such a busy day."
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"You should definitely book Holly for your wedding! Holly and her second photographer were so chill, fun, and patient! They were efficient, so we didn't feel like we were missing too much of our wedding for photos, and were able to capture every moment without us even noticing! Highly recommend :)"
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"I can’t recommend Holly enough! Not only does she take gorgeous, honest, and vibrant pictures that capture all the emotion of the day- she is also so supportive, kind, patient, and makes you feel beautiful and comfortable in front of the camera. We took both engagement and wedding photos with Holly and I can honestly say that I love every one!"
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"HOLLY IS AMAZING! If you are looking for someone who will deliver professionally and personally, you have found your perfect photographer! Holly made capturing our special day look and feel effortless, and we could not be happier with our photos!"
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"We worked with Holly during 2020 in the height of the pandemic, and changing our date due to concerns. She was wonderful in communicating with us throughout the process and day of! We love our photos and will cherish our experience and photos forever!"
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