Vivian Chen Photography
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Category: Photographer
Location: Richmond, CA
Style: documentary, inclusive, intentional, biophilic, supportive
Starting Price: $7000
ABOUT VENDOR
Meet Vivian (she/her)
I began my photography journey two decades ago, assisting high-end wedding photographers before branching out on my own. What started as a job became my purpose as I fell in love with storytelling through my art. I am incredibly lucky to spend my weekends surrounded by joy, having now captured over 500 weddings from lavish celebrations at luxury hotels to quiet, intimate elopements by the sea. Photography has been my passport to travel the world and connect with so many remarkable people while playing a part in sharing their stories.
How does Vivian approach weddings?
Growing up as a Taiwanese-American immigrant, I know firsthand how powerful it is to feel truly seen and represented. I am passionate about creating a space where my couples feel celebrated for who they authentically are, beyond the narrow lens the wedding industry often presents. As a quiet observer, I approach my photography from a place of empathy and openness, understanding that every couple deserves to have their love documented with care and intention. It is an honor to be entrusted with preserving these cherished moments.
What are some traits of your ideal clients?
My ideal clients are people who want to feel seen authentically, aren't looking for a huge production on their wedding day, may be a bit camera shy and just want to have a fun time with their friends and family. Bonus to couples who are nature lovers, immigrants, BIPOC, and/or don't fit into the usual wedding industry mold.
What are three of your favorite things?
I collect rocks from my travels and save trail maps in a binder that’s bursting at the seams. I’m a sucker for well-told stories, perfectly crafted jokes and good conversation. I prefer hiking with friends over coffee dates because I’m sensitive to caffeine. I’ve filled my home with too many houseplants and believe I was a tree in a past life. Cloudy skies are much more interesting to me than clear blue ones. Petrichor and komorebi are two of my favorite words. I call myself a “maximalist magpie” hoarding colors, shimmer and sparkle in the form of too many bottles of nail polish. I once chauffeured Too $hort in my '98 RAV4 for an interview when I worked at a Bay Area hip hop magazine. I draw inspiration from Wes Anderson’s charmingly playful compositions and Wong Kar Wai’s lush and cinematic lighting. Ramen of any kind, from cheap college packets to fancy restaurant bowls, is my favorite food. The week I spent backpacking in Yosemite’s High Sierra backcountry left me awe-inspired and humbled by the California wilderness.
TESTIMONIAL
“I’m a photographer myself and felt very invested in picking the right person. I was drawn to her documentary style and way of creating a sense of place and time that felt both authentic and magical. We didn't want photoshopped or airbrushed, we just wanted us, in love, having a great time.
I look at our photos all the time and they bring me right back to that weekend. She captured us as we were—the energy, the in-between moments, the overwhelming feelings of joy.
Vivian’s photos created the perfect memories to help us relive it all over and over. Our family portraits were so smooth and throughout the night we barely noticed she was there, yet she captured micro-moments we wouldn't have remembered otherwise.
Even my mother-in-law said they were some of the best wedding photos she’d ever seen.
If you want photos that capture you at your best, while also feeling very much like yourself, I couldn't recommend Vivian enough.”
—Becky + Sam
