Documentary-Style Photography for Couples Who Want to Feel the Day as It Unfolds
St. Augustine is the oldest city in the country, and it photographs like nowhere else in Florida — centuries-old Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, waterfront courtyards, and golden coastal light year-round. I've spent 15+ years photographing weddings through this historic district, from garden ceremonies at the Lightner Museum to receptions at The White Room and Treasury on the Plaza, so I know the light, the timing, and the logistics of these venues before we ever start planning your day.
My style is documentary-first: true-to-color, candid, and built around real moments rather than a staged photoshoot. You get to actually enjoy your wedding day — I'm just there capturing it as it happens.
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"From the words of encouragement days before my wedding to the tentativeness and kindness and professionalism the day. Phavy exceeded my expectations. I am very happy that I hired her and will definitely recommend her for everything to everyone I know. She captured our day perfectly. Thank you for capturing our special day."
"ABSOLUTELY AMAZING, EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT"
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Best St. Augustine Wedding photographer
Casa Marina (Jacksonville)
A favorite venue just outside St. Augustine, for couples who want that same historic waterfront feel. The Jacksonville Beach location means golden hour portraits with the water right behind you, and the building's old Florida charm gives every shot a sense of place. It's a great option for couples who love St. Augustine's aesthetic but want their wedding closer to the beach.
Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
A stunning setting for Catholic ceremonies — grand columns, stained glass, and the kind of solemn, historic beauty that makes for timeless portraits. As the oldest Catholic parish in the country, it carries a weight and reverence that comes through in every photo, and I've learned exactly where to be and when to move so I never disrupt the Mass. If you're planning a Catholic wedding here, having a photographer who already understands the flow of the liturgy makes a real difference.
Fountain of Youth
A more intimate, storybook setting for couples who want their ceremony surrounded by lush gardens and St. Augustine's oldest history. The palm-lined pathways and string lights create a naturally romantic backdrop without much need for additional décor, and the grounds give us plenty of room to spread out for portraits before the light fades. It's an especially good fit for couples planning an outdoor, garden-style celebration.
Treasury on the Plaza
Historic bones with a timeless feel, right in the heart of downtown St. Augustine. Between the grand ballroom, the upstairs windows with that beautiful arched ironwork, and the courtyard just outside, there's no shortage of backdrops in a single building. I've photographed everything from intimate first looks by that upstairs window to full ballroom receptions here, and it photographs beautifully in every kind of light.
The White Room
Elegant, editorial, and endlessly photogenic — I love how the light moves through the space from ceremony to reception. The tall windows and neutral palette mean the room adapts beautifully to whatever your color scheme is, and the flow between spaces makes for a seamless day logistically, too. It's consistently one of my most-requested venues for couples going for a timeless, black-tie feel.
The Lightner Museum
A St. Augustine classic for a reason — soaring arches, courtyard gardens, and some of the most striking architectural backdrops in the city. The mix of historic stonework and open-air courtyard gives us so much to work with, from dramatic wide shots under the arches to intimate portraits tucked into the gardens. It's one of my favorite venues for couples who want that old-world, editorial feel without leaving Florida.
You don't need to worry about whether I know your venue — chances are I've already shot there. A few favorites:
Every venue in this city has its own light, its own rhythm, and its own quirks — and after 15+ years photographing weddings here, I've learned most of them well. Here are a few of my favorites, and what makes each one worth considering.
Sign the contract + pay the retainer. You’re officially booked.
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We’ll go over options via text or email—quick and easy.
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Fill out the inquiry form below with your vision and a few key details. I’ll get back to you quickly with availability and next steps.
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inquire below ⤵
What I offer:
Pricing starts at $2,800 for wedding photography. Clients typically spend an average of $4,000 for 8 hours of coverage. Please inquire and we'll set up a consultation based on your needs.
Things to Know
📍 I’m based in St. Augustine, Florida, and regularly photograph weddings and proposals in Jacksonville, Savannah, and New England.
🌍 I’m always open to travel—if you’re planning something magical anywhere else, let’s talk!
💬 You can also reach me directly at contact@phavyphotos.com
Phavy was amazing from start to finish! She wasn’t just incredible with us—she made our entire wedding party and guests feel comfortable and included. Her friendly, calming energy made everyone love having her around, and the photos turned out beyond stunning. She captured the smiles, tears, and laughs so naturally. Truly the best choice we could’ve made!
"Phavy is the BEST wedding photographer ever!"
"Phavy did an amazing job catching the special moments on our wedding day. When I went through the gallery, I was stunned to see she caught so many unforgettable moments. She really is the best wedding photographer!"
"Professional and amazing photographer"
I strive to be the best wedding photographer for my clients. I love my clients and I get along with pretty much everyone. For the most part, I am laid back. However, I make sure I do what I can to get the job done without being disruptive on the wedding day. Rather than having a "photoshoot" on your wedding day, I make the day about you but capturing more candids than posed photos -- documentary style.
St. Augustine draws couples who want their wedding to feel like a destination without leaving Florida. Whether you're planning an intimate elopement at the Fountain of Youth or a full celebration at Treasury on the Plaza, I'd love to be part of your day.
Most definitely! Most packages actually includes a second photographer to ensure extra coverage of your wedding day! My second photographers are all professionals and normally weddings on their own. I make sure to bring only the best!
Yes, my experience includes Catholic weddings (I am Catholic myself), Indian weddings, and Khmer weddings. I understand how important it is to hire someone who already understands the traditions well and I would love to be your photographer!
During busy season, you can expect to receive your edited wedding photos within 6-8 weeks after your wedding, but typically it takes 4-6 weeks ro receive your photos.
After each wedding, the gallery is entered into a queue for editing. I edit each gallery in the order of when the wedding took place.
To make my editing process quicker, I try to shoot as perfectly as I could from the camera. With post processing I do minor retouching, such as color correcting, cropping, and minor blemish removal. If you have any special retouching requests, we can discuss them, though extensive retouching may come with an additional fee.
Each wedding gallery will typically take 4-6 to be delivered, for busier seasons it will take 6-8 weeks. I understand you are excited to receive your wedding photos and I work diligently through each gallery. If you would like your wedding gallery much sooner, I do provide rush delivery for a fee.
SO MANY THINGS!! All the little and big details. Getting ready for bride with bridesmaids as well as groom and groomsmen, detail shots (which includes everything you provide me such as shoes, perfume, rings, veil, dress, and more) bridal/groom formals before the wedding, the first look if you decide to have one, private vows, the cermeony, details of the ceremony and reception (room setup and decor), formal portraits of the wedding party, the family, and bride and groom together, wedding entrance, first dance, father-daughter dance, mother-son dance, cake cutting, whatever traditions you may have, the exit, and so much more!
Once your wedding photos are done, it will be uploaded onto an online gallery. You will receive a link to the online gallery via e-mail. I will also send you a text just to make sure you get it!
Wherever the heart desires! I love traveling. And I love taking photos in different places. I love photographing in St. Augustine and Jacksonville, however it's great to break away to a new destination! I've been from coast to coast - from California to Massachusetts! I would love you to take me wherever your wedding destination will be :).
A signed contract and a 30% non-refundable retainer fee. The remainder of the balance is due 30 days before your wedding date.
When searching for photographers, brides should looking for a style that appeals to them.
Phavy Photography is not light-and-airy. Nor is my style moody. My style is true-to-color with emotions.
I also do not overly pose you. I want your photos to feel very candid and natural, so I will direct you in such a way that looks it.
In my opinion, St. Augustine has many great venues. The best wedding venues in St. Augustine are: The Lightner Museum, The White Room, and Treasury on the Plaza.
If you're looking for the best venue in Jacksonville, I love Casa Marina.
Yes! While St. Augustine is home base, I regularly photograph weddings throughout Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, Orange Park, and Savannah, plus seasonally in New England. If your venue is somewhere else entirely, I love destination weddings too — just ask.
St. Augustine draws couples who want their wedding to feel like a destination without leaving Florida. As the oldest city in the U.S., it offers a backdrop no other Florida city can match — historic churches, waterfront courtyards, and landmark venues within walking distance of each other. Whether you're planning an intimate elopement at the Fountain of Youth, a Catholic Mass at the Cathedral Basilica, or a full celebration at Treasury on the Plaza, having a photographer who knows the light, the timing, and the logistics of these specific venues makes a real difference on the day. If you're ready to start planning, I'd love to hear about your vision and talk through which venue might be the right fit for you.
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