AAPI/Taiwanese American, Immigrant Owned
AAPI/Taiwanese American, Immigrant Owned
Vivian Chen Photography
Inclusive and intentional documentary wedding photography for biophiliacs.
Hi, I’m Vivian! I am a nature lover and visual storyteller who focuses on organic moments while highlighting a sense of space and showcasing your beloved communities authentically. I began my photography journey two decades ago, assisting high-end wedding photographers before branching out on my own. What started as a job became my purpose as I fell in love with storytelling through my art. I am incredibly lucky to spend my weekends surrounded by joy, having now captured over 500 weddings from lavish celebrations at luxury hotels to quiet, intimate elopements by the sea. Photography has been my passport to travel the world, connect with so many remarkable people, and play a part in sharing their stories.
For the introverted camera shy, your comfort is my priority before I even start shooting. I photograph discreetly with an emphasis on candids so from the moment you first see each other to that last sweaty song on the dancefloor, you’ll be relaxed and focused on one another and won’t even notice I’m there.
I always:
– anticipate when to step in and when to hang back and let the instance unfold naturally
– help figure out a stress-free timeline to keep the day flowing including formal group portraits that are often hard to wrangle on the spot
– love using natural light and wide open spaces to compose captivating scenes
– listen with intention and offer supportive suggestions
Most importantly, I’ll remind you to slow down, breathe and take it all in.
I’m based in the San Francisco Bay Area and I’m always up for an adventure so I will happily travel wherever love takes me.
Based in
Richmond, California
Works with couples
Worldwide
80+ guest wedding
from $7000-12,000
Elopements & Intimate weddings
price on request
Growing up as a Taiwanese-American immigrant, I know firsthand how powerful it is to feel truly seen and represented. I am passionate about creating a space where my couples feel celebrated for who they authentically are, beyond the narrow lens the wedding industry often presents. As a quiet observer, I approach my photography from a place of empathy and openness, understanding that every couple deserves to have their love documented with care and intention. It is an honor to be entrusted with preserving these cherished moments.
Based in
Richmond, California
Works with couples
Worldwide
80+ guest wedding
from $8000
Elopements & Intimate weddings
price on request
Growing up as a Taiwanese-American immigrant, I know firsthand how powerful it is to feel truly seen and represented. I am passionate about creating a space where my couples feel celebrated for who they authentically are, beyond the narrow lens the wedding industry often presents. As a quiet observer, I approach my photography from a place of empathy and openness, understanding that every couple deserves to have their love documented with care and intention. It is an honor to be entrusted with preserving these cherished moments.
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve eaten?
I have an adventurous palate and am always open to trying new things. The most unusual thing I’ve had was snake soup at a night market in Taipei, Taiwan.
How do you help calm down nervous lovers?
I am great at reading body language and understanding family dynamics. Before the wedding day, I make sure to communicate extensively with my couples to get a sense of how they’re feeling about the day overall. My couple’s comfort is my priority so if I sense a bit of stress, I’ll step in and help. Whether it’s reminding them to slow down, breathe and ground themselves or giving them a moment alone to gather their thoughts, making sure my couples feel supported is how I capture the most genuine moments with my camera.
Do you have a hobby that surprises people?
Nail polish! I call myself a maximalist magpie and love collecting color and sparkle so that means I have a VERY big nail polish collection (over 300 bottles). Doing my own manicures is part of my self-care routine, and I often like to have a fresh set for wedding weekends. (I might even try to match my nails to your wedding colors!)
