A couple embracing and kissing inside a dimly lit restaurant with large windows.
A woman in a white wedding dress leaning her head on the shoulder of a man in a black wedding suit outside by a brick building with grass and trees in the background.

Natural, Emotional & Timeless Wedding Photography

Serving The DMV & Beyond

TIMELESS IMAGERY WITH A DOCUMENTARY-STYLE APPROACH

Elegant white wedding dress with lace and floral embellishments hanging from a clear hanger in a room with wood flooring and large windows.

Based in Annapolis, Maryland, I specialize in documentary-style photography, that allows each wedding day to unfold naturally. With a quiet presence and intuitive eye, I blend seamlessly into the background so couples can be fully present- without the interruptions of stiff poses or overly orchestrated moments.

Rather than chasing perfection, I embrace the beauty in the real, the raw, and sometimes the messy. A bit of dirt on the dress or a breeze-blown strand of hair isn’t a flaw-it’s part of the story. It’s that grounded, honest approach that helps couples feel at ease and lets their connection shine through in every frame. The result? A timeless collection of images that feel as genuine as the moments themselves.

A couple shares an intimate moment, standing close with their foreheads touching and eyes closed, inside a restaurant or cafe.
A bride and groom exchanging vows in a wedding ceremony, with the groom gently wiping a tear from the bride's eye.
A bride and groom smiling and hugging outdoors in a wooded setting, dressed in wedding attire.
A couple in formal wedding attire sharing a kiss in front of a wooden wall with cut logs.
A wedding ceremony taking place outdoors under a white fabric canopy with purple accents, with the bride and groom standing before a officiant, surrounded by friends and family.
A man and woman dressed in formal attire holding hands and facing each other in front of a historic monument with sculptures, flowers, and a building in the background.
A couple dressed in wedding attire sharing a kiss outdoors.
A bride and groom kiss during their outdoor wedding ceremony under a decorated arbor with purple drapery and floral arrangements, surrounded by green trees and sunlight.
A man and woman in formal attire holding hands and gazing at each other in front of a historical monument with statues and a brick building in the background.
A newlywed couple dancing and celebrating inside a church. The bride is holding a bouquet of white flowers, wearing a white wedding dress, and smiling. The groom is in a black suit with a white shirt and tie, also smiling. Guests are seated in the background, and there are candles and flower decorations in the church.

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Man standing against a white building wall with four windows, wearing a brown coat, blue shirt, and brown pants, with one leg raised and foot against the wall.

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A woman with braided hair and big white earrings laughing while shucking oysters at an outdoor event near the water, with other people working at a table and a DJ setup in the background.

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Focused on the quiet moments, the big emotions, and everything in between

What They’re Saying

  • "I contacted Manuel inquiring about an engagement photoshoot with my new fiance, and received a quick reply to arrange my appointment! Manuel was extremely helpful and flexible when it came to deciding on the date and location for the photoshoot, and he drove 45 minutes to the location with no hesitation. We had a great time with Manuel during our engagement shoot, and were pleasantly surprised by his quick thinking when it came to choosing poses and backdrops. Manuel is an absolute gem and an impressively skilled photographer. Our photos turned out better than either of us could have ever imagined. We had such an awesome and unforgettable experience and we hope to work with him again soon!"

    Liam Dietle

  • “EXCELLENT photos and really appreciate Manuel’s ability to shoot from all angles! He single-handedly worked a huge event at Constitution Hall and I’m amazed at his ability to be everywhere all at once. How Sweet The Sound (HSTS) will definitely be using him for all of our DC events in the future. Thank you for your responsiveness and flexibility regarding schedules.”

    Katrina Brown

  • “Manny was awesome to work with. He arrived before my wife and I to get pictures of the space and decorations, as well as guests. He was always on top of what was happening and positioned himself to get great photos without being "in the way". Very approachable and easy to work with. Many compliments from the guests who saw the photos afterward!”

    Andrew Bates

  • "Thank you so much Manuel, you are now my go to photographer. If you are hesitant about booking his service please rest assure you won’t be disappointed. Very prompt, professional, and detailed originated."

    Lisa McDowell-White

  • "Manuel was excellent to work with. A total pro and great pictures taken for my daughters grad party"

    Mesfin Gebeyehou

Close-up of a person's face partially submerged in water, with only one eye and part of the eyebrow visible through rippling water.

BEHIND THE LENS

Manuel Carranza

For the past few years, I’ve been documenting people and events with a focus on honest connection, natural emotion, and the subtle, in-between moments that often go unnoticed. What started as a creative outlet has grown into a deeper passion for telling real stories through photography—capturing life as it unfolds, rather than staging it. Lately, I’ve been more intentional about sharing my work and connecting with couples who value presence over perfection and want their day remembered exactly as it felt.

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Close-up of a couple embracing, showing a woman's hand wearing an engagement ring on a man's chest