www.cassievalente.com
p o r t r a i t s + w e d d i n g s + e v e n t s
email [email protected] for pricing/bookings. CVP is based in both Atlanta, GA and the San Francisco Bay Area and specializes in portraits, weddings, and fine art events.
Operating as usual
Simple little portraits taken on our bed in the early morning light. Photographed on @kodak #portra400 on my #canon1v, a clutch camera re-purchase shortly before baby’s birth. It’s still hard for me to see shared features in baby’s face, but I have enjoyed watching a fun mix of both my and Michael’s hair colors and textures slowly emerge. All 35mm film scanned and processed by @photovisionprints. #365dayfilmchallenge (11/365)
Took nearly thirty one years but I’m finally at peace with my body. I’ve been jokingly referring to myself as a “house” for the past year and while it may not seem that way to everyone, I do so with affection and it’s strangely the kindest way I’ve ever spoken about my own body. I am a house, a home, a greenhouse of fears and endless dreams. Thank you @jenhuangbogan @chialimengartistry @clairdelune.sf for making this journey so memorable. Been wanting to share these images for a while now ♥️
In 2018, I wrote this in my journal for your father. Now this applies to you, too.
If I believed in auras, ours would be the same shimmering shade of my fourth grade mood ring. If I believed in crystals, you would be smooth like a river stone that skipped on and on forever – and I would be a streak of sunlight on it. If I believed in destiny (spoiler alert: I look at you, and sometimes I do), I would say in my last life, I loved you. In this life, I love you. And in every life yet to come, my fingers will find yours.
To the two we lost along the way: I love you and think about you both daily.
7.27.22. A part of my heart now exists forever on the outside.
One year anniversary of Nina and Felix’s color bonanza wedding weekend with @studiodbi @bewilderfloral @urbanbeautyloft.fiona @carnerosresort @eyeconik.media. I’ve spent the majority of my wedding season this year in wine country and I’m reminded all over again of what an incredible place we are privileged to exist in. Working on cultivating some of that similar appreciation for the land here at home as we enter this season of new growth 🌱 wishing you all a cool breeze and some deep breaths in the fresh air, wherever you are today.
unbeatable summer light in San Francisco with Victoria and Julian ☀️ can’t wait to celebrate these two with one of my absolute favorites @daldevents_camille.
gloria and billy, redux. we waited nearly two years to celebrate this moment and every microsecond of this day was so marvelously, intensely worth it. can we take a second to appreciate these seriously fun parents on the dance floor together?? all photographed at @gunbunwine on a blend of @kodak Portra 400 film on my #Contax645, processed by @photovisionprints, and digital on my @sony A7iii.
the total chaos mode of 2021 (88+ back to back to back sessions!) inspired me to make some drastic changes in my business, and i’m grateful to have taken a tiny step backwards - or is it actually forwards? - by selectively capping my 2022 season with no more than 15 weddings. i set this hard threshold at the beginning of the year and then immediately found myself photographing more experimentally, more creatively, and further enjoying all the small nuances of what i can and love to do. i feel as though i can both fill my own cup meaningfully and serve my clients in a way they absolutely deserve. i’m truly thankful beyond words for the couples that continue to allow me to bring my own storytelling spin to such incredible, once-in-a-lifetime events.
i blinked and somehow, we’re at my 12-year anniversary of photographing weddings, but each subsequent season continues to surprise me by feeling fuller and mightier than the one before. here’s to many more, just over the horizon! cheers!
planning by @weddengboss, floral design by @greenpetaldesigns, hair and makeup by @urbanbeautyloft.fiona, bridal dress by @lace_and_liberty, entertainment by @amswinecountry, paper goods by @paper_and_dust_co, desserts by @chefpetecoleman, rentals by @brighteventrentals, photo booth by @entourageeventssf, all the extra kisses to @honeyandlight.studio @sag_photos for having my back in that wine country heat on this one ☀️
new beginnings with Maggie and Dennis at San Francisco’s beloved city hall and @wayfaretavern. i was feeling a bit of anonymity with the images i pulled today, but that tidal feeling of love rushing over it all is still very much there. do i still cry at weddings? yes, yes, yes. and for good reason too. photographed on a blend of @kodak Portra 400 on my #Contax645 and digital on my @sony A7iii, all film processed by @photovisionprints.
It strikes me often that if not for photographing, I wouldn’t go on half the adventures I currently enjoy. I’ve caught more sunsets (and sunrises!), read more historical landmark placards, and hiked dusty trails for far longer than my camera-less self would have ever normally done. I’ve also learned to take in the world with a bit of a conservationist attitude. I automatically find myself measuring light in new spaces and wondering, “How can I capture what’s passing through here?”. Meeting and working with others through the lens of my camera is the same. I want to know, “How do I convey the unique beauty of this couple, these individuals, in a way that’s both exciting and new, but also invites nostalgia, recognition, and compassion with those familiar with them as friends?” It is a constant, ongoing study in listening and learning. There is seemingly no end to this road of adventure, and for as long as my feet and camera continue to step along, I think chasing this kind of beautiful storytelling is a journey that I am 100% happy to take. Here’s ten from Rebeka and Nick’s engagement session at and all around the historic grounds of @_filoli, hope you all enjoy as much as I did photographing them ♥️
In topsy-turvy order, one of the most joyful, emotional, starry-eyed weddings I’ve had the pleasure of photographing. A select ten images from Lucy and Matt’s wedding weekend that I think speak more on the universe that surrounds these two than my words ever could (side note, but can you spot tiny 🐝 in image number two? mother nature was all abound!!). Much, much more on the blog to check out. Huge thanks to @hudsonjamesevents @encoreeventsrentals @brighteventrentals @floralluxe @pascaline.patisserie @bakerandcooksonoma @theluxproductions @eyeconik.media @minted @thegoldencoastallstars @jinwangbride @skylaarts @photovisionprints @dannygreenmedia @andrewbrown.photo for making it all happen.
Another game of “is it digital or is it film?” on my stories today and trust me, after the long, crunchy hours of editing in this busy summer season, I can’t be reliably depended on to guess either. But! The joy of continuing to photograph on this very physical medium is all the reason I need to keep shooting it. Still my favorite way of embracing the high contrast situations of San Francisco’s coastline sunsets and preserving these ephemeral, emotional moments. From Therese and Melanie’s beautiful travel engagement session. Photographed on a mix of @kodak Portra 400 film on my #Contax645 and digital on my @sony A7iii, all film processed by @photovisionprints.
Tiny slideshow of Tomoko and Daniel’s pre-wedding portraits at my beloved city hall, continuing proof that every day spent here is another San Francisco appreciation day. Photographed on a blend of digital with @sony A7iii and @kodak Portra 400 film on my #Contax645 and processed by @photovisionprints.
Have suddenly gone down a rabbit hole of – or is it a more accurate metaphor to say I’m excitedly chipping away at – my gargantuan backlog of client work and slowly bringing it to the light of day. Or at least, sharing more images on my website and Pinterest (!!) and here. Always trying to find the balance of handling an ideal “volume” of shoots for myself and my business, but more often than not, trying to nail things down perfectly is a rather elusive goal 😬 it’s also difficult for me to follow regular work patterns without lots of accountability from others, so special thanks to all those in my corner who help me on the near-daily channel my aimless energy into something, well, productive. Hope you all enjoy this current series of throwback shares!! From Taylor and Connor’s light-drenched minimony at @piedmontcommunityhall with @coastsideweddingsandevents, hair and makeup by @rachel.luskhmua, floral design by @revelfloral, videography by @hitmakerfilms (still so sorry I knocked over one of your rigs 🫣), plus special thanks to @maishouakim for literally running around like a crazy person to help an even crazier person (me). Truly takes a village. More photos on the blog ♥️♥️
The wildflowers at Land’s End are in bloom. That sentence alone keeps me and my heart solidly in San Francisco!! Photographed on @kodak Portra 400 on my #Contax645 and processed by @photovisionprints.
Pretend like these photos are scratch ‘n sniff, but instead of smelling anything, you just hear the absolutely wild, no holds barred, straight from the gut-style laughter surrounding Emily and David throughout their entire wedding weekend. Actually, I’m 99% certain this is their entire lives together. It’s a joy to photograph and know couples like this. Biggest thank you to the team @megmessina @sag_photos for the support on this one, love you both beyond words can say!! Photographed on a blend of @kodak Portra 400 on my #Contax645 and digital on my @sony A7iii.
There is a line in Little Weirds by Jenny Slate that has stuck with me like glue ever since I stumbled across it nearly three years ago. It reads, “As the image of myself becomes sharper in my brain and more precious, I feel less afraid that someone else will erase me by denying me love.” The author goes on to talk about how she gets here by learning how to give herself little pep talks, by waking up with her dog’s paw in her hand, and letting herself know that all these encouraging signs point towards a good day ahead. May we all find this kind of grounding power in ourselves today, whether it comes from familiar birdsong, the smell of a favorite warm breakfast, or a beloved furry paw in your hand (or face) every morning. Photo from Jessica and Zoheb’s recent engagement session in San Francisco, the kind of experience that feels blissfully everyday, yet simultaneously, like so much more. Photographed on my #Contax645 with @kodak Portra 400 and processed by @photovisionprints.
In the first year of my freelance career, I happened to meet a florist, who kindly introduced me to a young couple. I ended up photographing that couple’s portraits just a week before their wedding, and they in turn introduced me to Erin and Kevin, who I got to meet for the first time early last year on a day where the California sun showed up in full, blazing glory. Through these two, I’ve gone on to meet and photograph even more connections at all milestone life points – elopements, family additions, and my favorite, portraits just because. I can’t imagine a better way to come back full circle than to celebrate Erin and Kevin at their @ciagreystone wedding with both my past and future couples, alongside one of my favorite planner friends, @hitchedbyhaley. Such a good reminder that there are a myriad of ways for my couples and I to find each other. It’s an ever-evolving, ever-growing circle of community and I treasure this deeply. Here are ten images from Erin and Kevin’s wedding day. Special thanks to my team @dgm.wedding @dannygreenmedia @atelierniola for feeding me cookies and keeping the magic strong 💫
Tiny woodland wedding in the middle of the big city. Omar and Emily exchanged their vows inside San Francisco’s beautiful botanical garden, where Omar volunteers as a walking tour docent. During their ceremony, the couple invited each of their guests to participate in a unity jar celebration, where natural elements representing different parts of their lives were intermixed to symbolize this new, complete beginning together. Loved being a part of this gathering and how special it was to see these two wed in a space we all love and care for so deeply. Special thanks to the vendors I’m so grateful to call friends as well – hair and makeup by @urbanbeautyloft.fiona, videography by @dreambookjosh.
a little series from a recent engagement session with Amy and Keenon that i am completely and totally in love with. can’t wait for their wedding this summer ☀️ photographed on a mix of @kodak portra 400 on my #contax645 and digital on my @sony A7iii, all film processed by @photovisionprints.
I’m grateful to have recently photographed one of the first ever weddings at the new @chase_center in San Francisco, and boy was it a treat for the heart and senses. The couple’s understated, yet effortlessly elegant style came through in every element of the day. The bride’s sister designed all the ikebana-inspired centerpieces and ceremony florals. Friends and family helped officiate and share passages at the wedding as the sun set over the Sky Bar and the bay. Dining together is a huge staple in this couple’s relationship – as evidenced by the restaurant-themed table assignments – and @tasteofchasecenter truly went above and beyond in creating the most beautiful dinner course, complete with custom desserts crafted to resemble ripe apples and lemons, plus surprise cakes for all the guests celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. I’m having the worst time trying to tag additional vendors (for some reason IG automatically takes down my posts when I do), but know that behind every one of these events is an absolutely insane vendor team. Couldn’t do it without them – planning and design by Wilder Events Co, hair and makeup by Sacha Badame, bouquet design by Revel, rentals by Bright Event Rentals, music and entertainment by Jackie Sugarlumps, special shout-out to my own team members Nahla and Anna for carrying me through 💫
from Rachel and Austin’s timeless wedding at @resortatsquawcreek. hearts soaring from sunrise to sundown and then some!
planning + design by @audereevents, floral artistry by @stemsbydiana, hair and makeup by @lunabellebeautyco, bridal attire by @reemacrawedding @warrenbarronbridal @theblacktux, entertainment by @mercyandtheheartbeats @hipentertainment, photographed with my #Contax645 and @sony A7iii, all film processed by @indiefilmlab. special thanks to my overnight team @inezjphoto and @sag_photos on this one 💫
happy (almost) lunar new year! 🧧 it was a huge x1000000 honor to recently shoot for @eastmeetsdress, who I’ve been following and admiring for years. we shot this latest studio collection with the dream team @eastmeetsdress @designherimagemakeup @isabelle.du @dennishour including special cameos by @oliveandcaper. special thanks to @dannygreenmedia for being my strongman on this 💪🏻 i’m really looking forward to all that this Tiger year brings, especially in light of how difficult the past two years have been. my mother is the most courageous, ferocious Tiger sign I personally know, and if I manage to live even a small portion of this year in her example, it’ll have been a good year spent. 笑口常开, 心想事成, may your year be filled with smiles and laughter, and may all your wishes come true!
Hiya friends. Another year, another hundred thousand (conservative estimate) photos to reflect on. Somehow, this past year has felt like a decade compressed into the span of 365 days. I simultaneously pushed my body further and became one with my sofa more, all in the same time frame – strange. While the pre-pandemic color has finally faded from my hair, there is definitely a new line on my forehead that didn’t exist before. And more so than any other previous year, I learned to photograph a wider, wilder array of people and their loves. I revisited subjects twice, three times, sometimes more as families expanded and celebrations continued.
This carousel compilation is a tiny glimpse of the 88+ sessions I photographed in 2021, a feat I will never in good conscience attempt to tackle again. There were a lot of unhealthy habits created in the tornado of trying to keep things afloat last year, and I’ll be the first to admit that I let personal pride get in the way of caring for both my art and health. But what is self-employment if not constantly learning firsthand from your own experiences? For the first time perhaps ever, I feel safe in the knowledge that I am more than the number of blocked dates on my calendar, that things I’m passionate about don’t go away if I take a few steps back (conversely, as my indoor plants teach me, they tend to thrive), that I can be quieter (or entirely silent) online and still exist fully and wholly.
After all that, the irony of writing yet another small essay here is not lost on me. My biggest 2021 takeaways are to remember the “why” of whatever it is I do and to invest in insoles for all my shoes (I’ve received the bill in my 30s for all the hazards endured in my 20s). Good friends continue to tell me, “you are right where you need to be.” Making a continued effort this year to not let this advice go in one ear and out the other. As always but especially now, I greatly appreciate the opportunity given to me to continue expressing my voice in ways beyond words. I look forward to this season’s new stories and loves.
San Francisco, CA
94110
| Monday | 8am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 8am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 8am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 8am - 5pm |
| Friday | 8am - 5pm |
| Saturday | 8am - 5pm |
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Cassie Valente Photography posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to Cassie Valente Photography:
We Work It Entertainment Group, Inc.
110 % Work It st
We Work It Entertainment Group, Inc.
110 % Work It st
CookWithJames - Private Dinners - Catering -
Ashbury Heights/Cole Valley