San Diego Wedding and Family Photographer

San Diego Wedding and Family Photographer

Capturing the Moments You'll Never want to Forget

Our time together is designed to feel effortless — no forced smiles, just authentic connection and moments you’ll actually want to remember.

My shooting style is all about connection — I’ll give you light direction so you never feel awkward, but I also step back to capture the natural in-between moments that make your family or relationship unique. The goal is for you to feel comfortable, enjoy your time together, and walk away with images that are genuine, timeless, and true to you.

Capturing Authentic love Elopements, Weddings, + Families Timeless and authentic Photography  

photographer alaina yard of alaina yard photography holds camera and smiles

Let's work Together

From weddings to couples to families, I approach every session like a story unfolding. My work leans on movement and natural interaction so your images feel alive — full of laughter, quiet moments, and the little details you’ll want to hold onto. Whether it’s the energy of your wedding day or the everyday love between you and your people, I’m there to document it in a way that feels honest and true to you.

kind words

Alaina was my wedding photographer last year, I LOVED working with her!

Alaina was my wedding photographer last year, I LOVED working with her and highly recommend her. She will be doing my maternity shoot this year as well! She made both me and my husband feel very comfortable posing, really listened to the vision I had for the photos, was great with communication and delivered beautiful photos! She sent us a preview right after our wedding so we got a nice peak a few months before the whole gallery was finalized. I would hire her again in a heartbeat!

– Chris + Mariana

She has a wonderful way of making you feel relaxed and enjoy the process. We couldn't be happier with the results.

We had an amazing experience with Alaina for our engagement photos. She has a wonderful way of making you feel relaxed and enjoy the process. The photos she captured are stunning, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. Alaina is professional, easy to work with, and incredibly talented. Highly recommend her!

-Andrea + Julia

the pictures turned out the nicest, most authentic family photos we've ever had done!

Oh my goodness! Alaina was a JOY to work with. Anyone with littles knows how unpredictable photo sessions can go, and she was ready for anything! My girls loved her and the pictures turned out the nicest, most authentic family photos we’ve ever had done!

-Lisa Hinz

The Portfolio

authentically capturing your most important moments

Photographer Alaina Yard of Alaina Yard photography smiles at the camera while sitting on the floor of a studio with various props behind her
Photographer Alaina Yard of Alaina Yard photography smiles at the camera while holding wedding bouquet and camera in a winery

get to know me

San Diego Wedding Photographer

I got my start in photography over 13 years ago when I began traveling internationally with a non-profit. That first camera traveled to over 20 countries with me and captured thousands of photos. I fell in love with the photojournalistic style of photography — capturing genuine moments without forcing them to unfold. Shortly after, I transitioned to working in the graphic and web design industry both as a freelancer and serving on staff as a Creative Director. I quickly learned that if I wanted great photos for a project I was working on, I was going to have to go take them. That is where my love for branding was born! Even though I don’t take on many branding/design projects anymore, I don’t think I’ll ever stop having a passion for helping small-businesses represent themselves better online. Now, the majority of my focus goes to what I truly love, documenting authentic moments for families and couples. This is near and dear to my heart because I truly believe the only way to really bottle all the joy and love in those moments is to hit the shutter button.

Begin your Wedding Experience

engaged couple dances on the beach in a wide photo during their playful cinematic engagement session at sunset
Bride and groom kiss under veil during golden hour wedding portraits

timeless imagery that artfully captures tomorrow’s nostalgia

From engagement to ‘I do,’ I make the process simple and stress-free. Expect thoughtful direction, genuine candids, and heirloom images you’ll love for a lifetime.