An experience rooted in presence, human connection, and intention.
Destination wedding and elopement photography.Based in Buffalo, New York — documenting weddings worldwide.
You want photographs that feel refined without ever feeling stiff.
An experience that allows you to be fully present in your day, while everything meaningful is being documented with intention and care.
Someone who makes the experience feel easy, natural, and genuinely enjoyable—never something you have to perform for.
You’re not just looking for someone to show up and take photos.
You want someone who understands how your day should feel—who knows when to guide, when to step back, and how to hold space for what matters most.
I’m guessing you’re here because…
Let’s create an experience you’ll return to.
Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or celebrating with a full guest list, you’re here because you want more than just beautiful photos—you want an experience that feels considered, seamless, and genuinely enjoyable.
When you book The Richardson Collective, you’re getting someone who knows when to guide and when to step back. Someone who will help you feel grounded in the moment while making sure nothing meaningful is missed.
This isn’t about performing for the camera or following a rigid timeline. It’s about creating space for you to experience your day fully—while it’s all being documented with intention and care.
If you’re drawn to something a little more personal, a little less traditional, and want your day to feel like you from beginning to end, you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
Your vision, brought to life in a way that feels natural, elevated, and entirely your own
Thoughtful guidance and direction—so you always know what to do without ever feeling posed
A calm, steady presence that allows you to stay grounded and fully in your day
Space to reconnect with each other, throughout the entire experience
The confidence that every meaningful moment is being captured with intention and care
An experience that feels effortless, personal, and actually enjoyable from beginning to end
Someone in your corner — for this day and everything that follows
How it feels to work together...
After you inquire, we’ll start with a discovery call to walk through what it actually looks like to work together. This is where we make sure we’re the right fit — not just logistically, but in how I'll actually fit into your day. You’ll have space to ask questions, talk through your vision, and leave with a clear understanding of what to expect moving forward.
If you choose to include an engagement session, we’ll use it as an opportunity to get comfortable working together before your wedding day. It’s a chance to ease into being in front of the camera, understand my approach, and create space for the two of you to simply be yourselves — while documenting this season in a way that already feels natural and true to you.
At the beginning of your wedding year, we’ll reconnect for what I call your wedding year meeting. We’ll walk through everything you’ve planned so far, talk through any questions or pressure points, and make sure nothing feels overwhelming or unclear. More often than not, these conversations turn into something more relaxed —because by this point, we’ve built a relationship that goes beyond just planning.
About 30–60 days before your wedding, we’ll meet again for your timeline creation and family photo list curation meeting. Together, we’ll build a timeline based on how you want your day to feel. We’ll also create a thoughtful, organized family photo list so everything runs smoothly. The more intentional we are here, the more freedom you’ll have to actually experience the day as it unfolds.
When your wedding day arrives, my role is to step in with calm confidence and take care of what we’ve planned together. I’ll guide when needed, step back when it matters, and make sure everything meaningful is documented without ever pulling you out of the moment. By this point, nothing feels unfamiliar — you can simply be present, knowing everything is fully taken care of.
How the experience unfolds:
“She stepped up to the plate when some last-minute changes (including the weather) came up at the time of our engagement photos. She had plenty of ideas and a backup plan to her backup plan to make sure we had the most gorgeous photos. When it came time for our wedding, Michaella went above and beyond. She worked with us to create a timeline and to coordinate the day to go smoothly. Along the way, she certainly had my back as the bride when it came to things being exactly what I wanted. Our entire family and bridal party were so impressed by how helpful, friendly, professional, and downright fun she was. Our photos turned out perfectly. Michaella truly saw my vision and helped me document it so I can save it forever. 10 out of 10, 5 stars, however, you rate her, she is 110% the best. She is definitely my forever photographer.”
Danielle + Mitchell
“To say I was blown away by her work and her commitment to making my vision come to life would be an understatement.”
“I couldn’t possibly dream up a better photographer to have for a wedding. “Photographer” isn’t even the right word. More like wedding planner, side kick, nerve calmer, bouquet holder, dress bustler, you name it! She’s this little built in *sober* best friend for your wedding day, seeing as though your real best friends aren’t usually sober. Michaella constantly has your best interest at heart. She’s never pushing her own ideas or her own timeline on you. It’s like she’s trying to get inside your brain, see your wedding day exactly how YOU see it, and then somehow makes it happen!... I look at my wedding photos every single day because they are BEAUTIFUL and they captured the day to a T!... I can’t possibly talk more highly of The Richardson Collective. If you’re on the fence about who to choose, definitely reach out to Michaella. After one phone call you’ll know who to choose."
Cathryn + James
“I’ve been looking forward to writing a review on Michaella since the first phone call we had with her!"
"I cannot recommend Michaella enough!! She is so professional and helped our wedding day go smoothly. She is fun, easy to work with, and made us feel so comfortable. She is personable and my entire family and bridal party absolutely fell in LOVE with her! On top of all of that, the photos of our day were STUNNING. She is incredibly talented and truly has a gift for what she does!"
Lauren + Jared
“If she’s available on your date - BOOK HER!!"
“Michaella has shot our proposal, engagement session, and will be shooting our wedding and any other major life milestone or any possible occasion we may need a photographer (if she will have us!!). She is one of the kindest, most talented, and hilarious humans we have ever met. She made us feel SO comfortable and SO loved throughout our sessions and I will be forever grateful for the amount of respect and professionalism she showed us. Her quality of work and ability to get the perfect shot no matter what she has to do to get it are truly unmatched. The sneak peeks you will receive that will make your heart race are ABSOLUTELY a foreshadowing of some of the best dang photos of yourself you will ever receive!! You will have our business and our recommendation for LIFE!!”
Sara + Bryan
“The best dang photos of yourself you will ever receive!!”
"Throughout the whole process of wedding planning, Michaella was a support for me when I had questions, needed advice, or just wanted to talk about life. By the time our wedding came around, we had gotten together in person enough times that I felt like we really knew each other and she knew the ways she could support me throughout the wedding day. She is beyond talented and we're so excited for her to be our forever photographer!"
Sally + Dave
“Michaella was 100% the wedding photographer we didn’t know we needed! ”
"I cannot say enough amazing things about Michaella. She was not only a joy to work with prior to our wedding, but was ABOVE AND BEYOND helpful for my wedding day. She not only made me feel comfortable and calm all day/night but was so quick on her feet to pivot for last minute decisions and ideas. She even sent us a few preview photos literally the night of our wedding. I cannot wait to see our photo gallery! I hope to work with her for all of our other milestones in life!"
Shelby + Sean
“I hope to work with her for all of our other milestones in life!”
"Working with The Richardson Collective for my wedding in Buffalo, NY was a DREAM! Michaella provided us with an incredibly professional but fun experience. She made sure we were prepared, comfortable, and delivered photos beyond our expectations - not to mention they were sent in a very timely manner. Can't thank her enough for all of the guidance she provided during each of our shoots and for bringing our vision to life."
Ali + Jake
“If you want to capture the most stunning, timeless, and elegant photos book TRC!”
