Close-up of two hands clasped together, one wearing an engagement ring and the other with a decorative band. The image is in black and white.
A couple sitting on a wooden bench outside. The man, wearing a white long-sleeve shirt, is hugging the woman from behind. The woman, in a sleeveless beige top and jeans, looks up, smiling slightly. The background shows a path surrounded by grass and trees.
Couple sitting close on bench, woman in white dress, man in suit, touching noses, smiling.

Wedding and Elopement Photographer based in Williamsburg, Virginia

For clients who want to quiet the noise and say yes to what matters most. Your love. Your way.

Two headshots of Caroline Donovan, both feature her and a film camera
Couple embracing on the beach for and engagement session
Woman in white dress throwing graduation cap in front of a building.

Hi, I’m Caroline

I am a photographer, but I am also an anthropologist. What does it mean to be an anthropologist? To be an anthropologist is to consider the world otherwise. To be an anthropologist is to make the world safe for human difference. To be an anthropologist is to grapple with what makes us human. And, I have chosen photography as my medium of discovery. We will create together and document the human connection and human joy that we all so secretly and so desperately want to understand.

My story…

Since I was a child, I have wanted to live outside of the box. I wanted to chase adventure and create an extraordinary, unexpected life. I wanted to break free from tradition. But, when I opened my business as a wedding and elopement photographer in June of 2024 in the midst of balancing a full time job in higher education, the whisperings of conformity, trends, and expectations tugged at my heels. I fell into comparison traps. I lost myself in social media instead of in my art. I burned myself out within months. My internal dialogue suffered, and I felt lost in my business as I chased everyone else’s dreams instead of chasing my own. I tried to be like every other photographer and business owner instead of creating my own authentic approach. After attending multiple weddings, assisting other photographers, and photographing some of my first proposals and elopements, I realized just how many of us feel confined by tradition and external pressures. So, I decided to take a new approach. I want to help my clients break free from the noise, shed the pressure of tradition, and craft weddings and elopements that reflect their unique love story. Too often, the planning process becomes clouded with stress and pressure. So, instead of chasing trends, losing yourself in perfectionism, and succumbing to the pressure of outside perspectives, I want to be more than your photographer. I want to help you slow down, focus on what truly matters, and create an intentional day that’s all about you and your love.

Your love. Your vision. Your way. Let’s make your dream moment authentically you.

Woman with striped shirt sitting with her head resting on her hand, looking at the camera.
Woman wearing striped shirt and pants, posing with one arm raised, neutral background.
A couple sitting on a rustic wooden bench in a forest during fall, surrounded by bare trees and dry leaves. The woman is wearing a tan coat and white pants, while the man is dressed in dark clothing. They are smiling at each other.
A couple standing on opposite sides of a lamppost, facing each other and holding hands, with a wooden fence and trees in the background.
A couple embracing near the shoreline, with a man lifting a woman. The woman is in a white top and jeans, and the man is in a black shirt and shorts. They are smiling at each other.
Couple holding hands and running in a field, with a cornfield in the background.
Couple sitting on curb under autumn tree with colorful leaves, next to a park bench and near a historic building.
Man in suit carrying woman in dress with a bow on her shoe, surrounded by leafy plants, in a black and white photo.
Man kneeling and proposing to a woman on a bridge in a park with trees and buildings in the background.
A woman in a black dress is standing near a bench, holding a coat, with a large ship in the background. The image is in black and white.
Group of young women in white dresses walking arm-in-arm on a brick path in front of a historic brick building.
Overhead view of a couple drinking coffee at an outdoor table.
Family playing on sandy beach with ocean waves, woman lifting baby, man standing nearby.
Young woman in white outfit leaning against a white railing near a brick wall and window, with trees in the background.
A black and white photo of a couple holding hands and running on a tree-lined street, with houses in the background.
Couple walking on sandy beach under pier, holding hands, woman holding ultrasound photo.
Person in white dress tossing a graduation cap in front of a historic brick building with many windows and a white door.
Woman in white robe sitting by a window, adjusting an accessory on her wrist; background features wooden paneling and patterned curtains.

  • "Caroline will never be able to get rid of us!!!! Not only does she take the time to get to know couples, but she is willing to go above and beyond (maybe even get in some crazy positions) to get the perfect shot!! Everytime my husband and I do pictures, it ends up being one of our favorite day dates and it’s literally all thanks to Caroline"

    Casey & Hunter

  • “Caroline has photographed so many life changing events for us. She is amazing behind the camera and a true professional, capturing moments in such a fun and comfortable way. I don’t love to have my photos taken but Caroline’s photography style and joyful attitude made us feel at ease in front of the camera. She was able to give us easy directions to get the best shots. She photographed our engagement, pregnancy announcement, maternity photos, and most recently family photos. Photographing a 6-month-old isn’t easy when you’re working to beat the nap clock! But she worked quickly and was able to capture so many beautiful moments. We will cherish these photographs forever. Caroline came prepared with ideas, listened to our ideas, and was very organized! We highly recommend Caroline for whatever big moment you’re looking to capture.”

    The Mathews Family

  • “Caroline is such a professional, thoughtful, and engaging photographer. She did an incredible job with our engagement photos, so much so that we knew Caroline had to be the one to capture our wedding too!"

    Emily & Sean

  • "Working with Caroline was a more than enjoyable experience! She was so professional and helped direct me on how to pose. I’m sometimes awkward when being photographed, but she made me feel so comfortable throughout the entire experience. She allowed me the flexibility of choosing different locations and made sure my vision was captured. The photos came out amazing, her work was excellent. I will be using her again!"

    Abby M

  • "We couldn’t be happier with our fall photos! From the very beginning, Caroline was an absolute pleasure to work with—patient, attentive, and wonderfully creative. She took the time to understand what we wanted and guided us with gentle direction, making the experience feel natural and relaxed. The photos perfectly captured the warmth and beauty of the season, with stunning colors and incredible attention to detail. We’re so grateful for Caroline’s talent in capturing these memories, and we look forward to working with her again in the future! Highly recommended for anyone looking for timeless and breathtaking photos."

    Logan & Meg

  • "Caroline is a professional who clearly loves what she does. Her energy is contagious and her work is breathtaking! My boyfriend and I cherish the pictures she took of us because of all of the memories and emotions Caroline was able to capture in just an hour. We have recommended her numerous times and will continue to do so!"

    Caitlin W