photos
That look
how your day felt
photos
that look
how your day felt
documenting authentic weddings & portraits
In DENVER, COLORADO
You deserve to be photographed in a way that captures your true personality.
The little looks- the silent tears - your bridesmaid spilling her drink on the dancefloor.
I will photograph you and your loved ones in a way that transports you back to all your moments, big and small.
Senior sessions are fun and freeze this important time in your life. Families are stress-free and easy going, while showcasing the personalities of every individual member of your family. And engagement sessions will highlight the beautiful uniqueness of you and your partner.
weddings, seniors, families & engagements
capturing your story- authentically
Hi there! I'm so glad you're here!
A little about me: my last name's pronounced (GATE-zell), it's a tricky one, I know. I graduated from the University of Texas in Austin (hook 'em) with a History and French degree, but deep down I've always known that my true passion was photography.
The first photo I ever took was in 2008 on my dad's point and shoot. It was of a temple in Greece reflected in a muddy puddle. I was truly convinced that I was a photographer protégé so the day after I got home I purchased my first camera (a nikon d3000) and I haven't been able to put down a camera since.
I love spending time in my garden, making bread and playing pickleball with my husband.
I can't wait to learn more about you and take some gorgeous pictures!
meet leah
Did you know...?
A portion of all proceeds goes to providing healthcare, clean drinking water and education to villages in Northern Sudan? Giving back is a huge priority for me, that's why I've been working with the Mother Maryam Foundation for over 15 years.
If you'd like to learn more about the Mother Maryam Foundation and all the incredible work they do– take a look at their website here!
my loves
bread
travel
This guy
(also a bread lover)
my promise to you
I promise to treat your wedding day with the utmost care and attention it deserves. I promise to help you along the way– whether that's with location guides, timeline help– whatever you need. I promise to be your cheerleader, your biggest advocate and your support system. I promise to photograph the big and small moments of your day and ensure that you feel more in love than ever when you look back at your images.
My thoughts on weddings
I absolutely love weddings– the cake, the dancing, all of your favorite people in one place. I am so unbelievably lucky that I get to photograph couples having the time of their lives every weekend.
My wedding was truly the best day of my life (Want to see a wedding photographer's wedding? Take a peek here!) I have never felt so connected to my partner, so beautiful and celebrated. I want all my couples to feel loved and stress free on their wedding day. So while capturing beautiful wedding photos is why you've hired me, ensuring that your day feels exactly like you is my top priority.
I want you to enjoy your day. I want you to hug all your people, have lots of quality time with your partner, actually eat your dinner. This day is about you, your partner and your people. So while gorgeous photos will be taken, the experience is everything.
FIRST: I want you to feel like a rockstar in front of the camera, I want you to feel confident, beautiful and at ease– no matter how awkward you might think you are. I will always support your vision. Before being in front of my camera I will know your needs and preferences so I can tailor things just for you.
SECOND: I operate on a 60% candid, 40% posed formula. So I'm all for a little direction– I'll find the best light, highlight your perfect angles, tell you what to do with your hands! But I'm not about those stiff, robotic poses. I love movement and genuine interactions.
THIRD: I want my edits to be timeless. I want your skin tones to be true to life and greens to look lush. In 20 years I want your images to still be hanging proudly on your walls or in albums on your coffee table.
My approach
sounds great!
your experience matters
I want you to have gorgeous photos of your wedding.
But what might surprise you, is the most important thing to me is making sure you enjoy your day.
Your wedding day isn't a photoshoot. It's not a time for me to build my portfolio.
It's about you and your partner and celebrating with your closest people.
To me, the experience is everything.
experience
the leah goetzel photography
You will never feel like you booked me and then I vanished. Making sure I'm present and available for any questions or help you need along the way is huge in the experience I provide.
consult calls
It is super important that I get to know all my couples, so I send out a questionnaire after booking and 3 months before wedding day. These help me tailor your day specifically to you and your needs.
questionnaires
All wedding couples receive a complimentary engagement session. These sessions are one of the best ways for us to get to know each other before the wedding day.
free session
Immediately after booking you'll receive an in-depth wedding or elopement guide. This has tons of information from location ideas to sample timelines.
wedding guide
Heard of the horror stories of couples not seeing a single wedding photo for months? Don't worry about that with me! All couples receive a sneak peek in 24 hours and a full 80 image highlight gallery in just 1 week!
highlight gallery
i want this!
my people
(HOPE TO SEE YOU HERE SOON!)
All are welcome here
I celebrate all humans and their form of love! You will be welcomed with open arms regardless of body image, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation. This is an inclusive and safe space. If that makes you uncomfortable we are probably not a good fit. But if you're still rockin' with me, I can't wait to be a part of your day!
