MOTHERHOOD, HOME + HEALING
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Hey, I'm Katie! I fell in love with photography shortly after delivering my son, Caswell, over ten years ago.

Since then, I’ve collected more than a few tricks to create natural moments between even those who feel like the most “awkward” couple in front of the camera. If this is you, welcome to the no-judgment zone.

If you love the great outdoors, hiking, and truly hope for a stress-free wedding experience – I’m your girl! I’ll help you every step of the way from planning, to location + vendor recommendations, and more.

It’s my goal to provide you with not only an amazing experience, but images that will remind you of the feelings you have towards each other for the rest of your lives.

Aside from photography, I’m a total metaphysical book nerd (I even take notes in the margins). At home, I can be found practicing yoga, cuddling with my family or enjoying the view from our home on the hills.

I'M A MOMMY, PHOTOGRAPHER OF OVER 10 YEARS + YOGA TEACHER

Catherine Julia photography {virginia beach chesapeake Norfolk Hampton Roads lifestyle child couples military homecoming photographer holistic healer transformational mentor}

Shine your Light - for simply by being in your presence, others will be illuminated as well.

Calling all boho, down-to-earth couples that just want to celebrate YOU and have a great time doing it.

It's my promise to you that I'll capture your day in a way that will leave you in awe of your beauty and the love you share.

I want your photos to remind you that life is magical, and that love surrounds you - always.

pregnant woman standing in fort story ocean wearing Free People dress maternity {virginia beach chesapeake lifestyle child couples family military homecoming photographer holistic healer transformational mentor} Catherine Julia newborn photography session bohemian bedroom Nikki Meer photography {Virginia San Diego California lifestyle child couples military homecoming elopements photographer holistic healer transformational mentor} Catherine Julia San Diego holistic healer using Love Powered Co child positive affirmation cards mindfulness tips for kids {Southern California yoga teacher mindfulness manifestation}

My Reason Why

As a child, I never felt like I belonged anywhere, and it took years as an adult to train myself to let the real me shine through. This is what I hope to remind you of while we’re together.
Be weird. Be awkward. But above all, just be YOU.

If you’re thinking OMG that’s a lot of pressure… I promise I’ll help you. After having my son at only 19, depressed and with very little self-love, I made it my goal to do things a new way and to bring as much Light as possible into the worlds of the people I come in contact with.

More than 10 years later I’m still doing just that. During our short time together, I hope to create an experience you’ll hold onto. And on top of that, when you look back at the images we create, I want you to remember the FEELINGS surrounding them and let them serve as a reminder: Life can be hard, but it can be useful to look at things through another lens.

"THE PICTURES I RECEIVED FROM HER BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES. HER AND HER WORK ARE INCREDIBLE!!" - HEIDI M.

Catherine Julia cuddling family on couch bohemian newborn photography session Nikki Meer {Virginia San Diego California lifestyle child couples military homecoming elopements photographer holistic healer transformational mentor}

My sessions are not focused around perfect smiles or posed, traditional portraits.
I help bring out my subject's TRUE personality, and let it shine.

WHAT IT'S LIKE TO WORK WITH ME

San Diego outdoor elopement photography florals {Catherine Julia lifestyle photographer]

Sarah with Rust Events

GOLDEN HOUR STYLED ELOPEMENT

“If you are looking for a photographer to bring your elopement dreams to life Katie is THE one! I am a florist based in Virginia Beach and always look forward to working with Katie. Her talent is truly incomparable! I am extremely grateful to be apart of some of her art. She’s is so incredibly kind and fun to work with. Not only will you be getting a photographer but also the most perfect hype woman you need to have a successful shoot! Don’t wait, Book now!”

fiancé's snuggling in mens plaid jacket the narrows surprise proposal engagement photography {Virginia San Diego California lifestyle child couples military homecoming elopement photographer holistic healer transformational mentor}

Chelsea H.

SURPRISE PROPOSAL ENGAGEMENT SESSION

“Katie was super sweet and helpful during our surprise engagement. My fiance and I have always thought of ourselves as too weird/awkward for pictures, but you somehow pulled out the best candids of us we’ve ever seen! Thanks for helping us with breaking out of our shell and for creating beautiful pictures of a night we’ll always remember.”

Pleasure House Point Elopement + Maternity Photoshoot

Blair T.

LAKESIDE MATERNITY SESSION

“Such an amazing experience! I just want to start off by saying how amazing Katie is. From the beginning she was accommodating and very understanding. She offered advice on clothing styles/colors and even offered to let me use one of her dresses if I needed to. She provided a mood board from Pinterest to help me prepare for the photo shoot.

The photos turned out absolutely beautiful. I’ve always been my biggest critic and I was shocked when I loved every single photo she sent back with the gallery. Every single photo she took tells a story and you can tell the genuine passion she has for photography.  And not to mention the amount of fun we had during the session. We laughed and we cried. We had such a great experience and I will forever and always cherish the moments she captured for my husband and I.”

couples photography session hiking San Diego

Sam D.

COUPLES SESSION HIKE

“She is simply the BEST!! Katie helps you feel super comfortable in your own skin, even when you may be feeling super awkward. She captures the perfect pictures when you least expect it! Loved every part of her process and of course, the beautiful pictures.”

sunset cliffs engagement photography session Catherine Julia Southern California photographer

Lexy D.

SUNSET CLIFFS ENGAGAMENT PHOTOGRAPHY

“Katie took our couples photos at Sunset Cliffs and I can genuinely say that they are some of THE BEST photos we have ever had done! Not only is her work absolutely stunning, she has the most amazing personality and made our photoshoot so much fun! We laughed, joked around, and smiled the entire time!! Katie is very talented at what she does and she is SUPER helpful in posing you and making you feel 100% comfortable in your own skin. I will definitely use her services again in the future and I highly recommend you do the same!”

Mariah with Here & Now Bridal

GOLDEN HOUR BEACH ELOPEMENT

“We collaborated with Katie on a styled shoot, and she is an absolute gem! She is so down to earth and fun to work with and really goes above and beyond to make her couples feel comfortable! We are totally in love with ALL of the photos and couldn’t possibly pick a favorite because each one turned out amazing. Thank you so much, Katie!!!”

ELOPING IN SAN DIEGO AND LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT LOCATION? I've got you covered! This guide is free for anyone and everyone planning on eloping in Southern California. I go in detail about all of the best spots and the vibes of each. Whether you're searching for a mountain escape, sunset on the beach, or even a snowy landscape, I promise San Diego has the elopement location of your dreams.

A photo by Catherine Julia Art + Wellness photographer during a styled shoot for a coffeeshop elopement. {San Diego destination wedding photographer} Adventurous bride walking barefoot in the sand during a San Diego vow renewal. {Catherine Julia Seelie traveling elopement photographer}

STYLED SHOOT PLANNING + PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

IF YOU'RE A BRIDAL SHOP, LOCAL WEDDING VENDOR, OR PHOTOGRAPHER IN NEED OF PROFESSIONAL MARKETING IMAGES - I'M YOUR GIRL.

Another passion of mine is hosting styled shoots and workshops for other photographers and wedding vendors! I host, plan, style, and shoot – so the stress is completely out of your hands. If you’re interested in having your dresses, florals, decor, etc in one of my upcoming workshops or styled shoots, please reach out! And if you’re an elopement or wedding photographer in need of professional images for your portfolio, join my newsletter to stay up to date on any upcoming workshops I will be hosting.