Ohio based destination wedding photographer specializing in small intimate gatherings + elopements

ohio & DESTINATION WEDDINGS

the experience, process, FAQ, pricing, & more.

documentary Wedding photographer

honest & colorful

Cate Ronan is a wedding and elopement photographer specializing in intimate/micro weddings and elopements. I do take on a select number of large weddings of 100+ guests annually. Delivering a cocktail of candid and traditional portraits is what I believe makes a balance and artful story of my clients day.

What does it mean to be truly present?

Being present, it's easier said than done. You wish to be present in your everyday life but what about on the one day that it really matters? What pulls you from being present? Stress, thinking too much of the future, being rushed, and worry are just a couple factors that can pull your mind off your day and partner and into a whirlwind of thoughts.

The best way to be present on your wedding day? Help.

No, not from your family and friends. While it is an investment to hire help, you will heavily pay for it on your day if your family and friends are running, putting out fires, and asking questions while being removed from the now and being with you.

First, hire a wedding planner. Your venue may have a coordinator but they are there to babysit the venue and not help you and your loved ones when a problem may arise. A wedding planner is with you in the depths of planning, knowing all details & family dynamics, and your favorite cocktail to bring you right after I do. I have 8 of the best in the industry in my 80+ company vendor directory. I’ll send it your way after you book.

Second, hire a photographer that builds you a solid timeline, maps up family photos ahead of time, and gives you an incredible vendor list to choose from. Me. That's me.

How do I get true candid and emotional photos?

There are a lot of buzz words going around when you are wedding planning, "candid photos" are one. So what are candid images? Candid defined simply is a photograph of a person taken informally, especially without the subjects knowledge. While you do have knowledge I am there with my camera, events and moments that happen organically and without prompt or interference are what candid photos are in my brand.

Grandma coming up to my couple to congratulate them in the middle of me capturing a family portrait is NOT something I am going to stop. I can retake a traditional portrait. I can not recreate the smile and tears that come from this interaction.

Getting your dream candid photos in your gallery and keepsakes are made possible by being present, surrendering to a moment, and leaving time in your wedding day to be with your people.

honest
EMOTIVE 
GENUINE
poetic
ROMANTIC
MAGICAL
true
clean

DESTINATION & ohio

PRICING

My approach to a wedding day is where candids meet traditional portraits. Where full-of-life color meets emotive black and white photographs. I take on a select and limited amount of weddings per year for the best experience. Based in Ohio serving destination weddings around the world.

Wedding coverage begins at $5,200 for 8 hours. I have a two spots still available for 2024 and currently booking 2025.

inquire & chat

I believe in the magic of capturing moments as they are, not just as they should be. My style is a blend of traditional portraits and documentary. I thrive when given creative control and trust, allowing me to blend into your celebration, capturing the actual spontaneous and genuine moments.

documentary Wedding photographer 

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Frequently asked questions

Do you offer film?

Yes! I offer 35mm and instant film add on's. If you add on 35mm film, I come strapped with 2-3 film cameras on my harness as well as my digital cameras. If you add on instant film, I will keep the film safe, scan them at home, and send them in the mail back to you! Mention you want to add film in your inquiry!

How do we lock our date in?

After we talk through your coverage needs, I will send over an electronic contract & proposal. I ask that the contract be signed and a paid 25% retainer within 5 days to secure your date. The remaining will be divided into payments with the last due three weeks prior to your date.

How is travel calculated outside of ohio?

I have a flat travel fee of $1,500 in the US. This covers, flight if applicable, rental car, hotel/airbnb, and per diem. If outside of the US, I will create a custom travel proposal based on research. When I send you my destination pricing guide as well pricing proposal, all pricing will include travel.

What is your pricing?

I create a custom pricing proposal for each wedding and couple. Each and every wedding is it's own style and vision, which means the needs and wants differ as well. Coverage for wedding days begin at $5,000.

Why is the date retainer non-refundable?

I get multiple inquires for every wedding date, sometimes up to 15 for popular dates. The first payment is a non-refundable and non-transferable. At a minimum, the retainer fee fairly compensates for committing, reserving, turning down other potential projects/clients.

Do you offer Payment Plans?

Yes. My date retainer is a set 25% of the total package price. The remainder is split into three payments with the last payment due 3 weeks prior. 

What if we want to change our date?

If you need to change your wedding date AFTER you've signed a contract and paid your non-refundable retainer, you will need to pay a new retainer and sign a new contract for a new date.

Can we pay our retainer/balance with check or cash?

At this time, I only offer secure methods of payment through my CRM by either a debit/credit card or bank transfer.

Can I put a date on hold?

You can reach out to me to check with your date but I can not hold dates. Dates are first come first serve. A signed contract and paid date retainer is what will secure your date.

How are our photos delivered?

All wedding and session galleries are delivered via an online private gallery. Your link will be emailed to you. You can upgrade and purchase a USB, prints, and/or an heirloom album before or after your wedding or session.

Do you back up our images?

After your wedding or session, I back up your images onto two external hard drives. I then take your memory cards with the original images on them, label them, and then store them in a locked fire proof security box. After delivering your gallery, your final gallery will stay online and active for 1 year. 

Have you ever NOT shown up to a wedding/event?

Yes and no; let me explain. After over 130 weddings I have only had to associate out one wedding and that was due to COVID. I hired an associate photographer to cover, had multiple meetings with them, and edited as if I did the wedding myself. I also have this outlined in my contract to make sure you are taken care of. 

WHAT IS THE WAIT TIME FOR OUR PHOTOS?

Cate Ronan wedding galleries are commonly delivered within 8 weeks; portraits are returned at 4 weeks. Good things take time. But don't worry, I always send gallery sneak peeks your way to hold ya over.

If someone else is paying, can they sign inside of us?

No. They can pay for your retainer and/or balances but can not sign. The contract is to be signed by both partners and myself; my clients. The contract is in place to serve and protect us three.

Will you photoshop me or anyone else?

No. The only things I will adjust in post is small blemishes. My rule is, if it won't be there in 2 weeks, I will do my best to edit out.
(Examples: pimples, zits, small discolorations)

Do you offer videography?

I don't offer videography at this time, but have awesome recommendations of videography companies in my Cate Ronan welcome guide! 

How would you describe your photography style?

A candid approach with guided portraits. I value traditional portraits as heirlooms but take documenting the day as it was with as much importance.

How would you describe your editing style?

My editing style is natural with rich color. Over the last eight years, I have tweaked and fine tuned my editing style to be neither "dark and moody" or "bright and airy". I am right in between.

Do you still photograph big weddings too?

I do. I take on about 30% of my yearly calendar of weddings of 150+, I can't ever stop photographing the party and dancing at large receptions. Someone has to destroy the dance floor to Beyonce and Doja Cat. Me. I'm talking about me.

How many weddings do you do a year?

I so wish I had the lifestyle and time to do my 35-40 a year pre-pandemic. I now only take on 20-25 weddings and elopements a year with a handful of sessions a month. I don't want to be stretched thin and my booked clients experience to suffer. Inquire here and let's see if we are the perfect fit!

Why are albums and prints such an important part of cate ronan?

The day my six year daughter found a photo album from a few years prior and cried saying "time moves so fast, I'm so happy I have these photos to look at", I knew everyone needed physical photos in their home. Printed photos are so damn important to your marriage and legacy. Swiping through photos on your phone is something anyone can do, but to have those printed on thick photo light-fast paper to touch, feel, and enjoy? There is nothing like it.

SONDER:
Everyone has a story.

n. the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own—populated with their own ambitions, friends, routines, worries and inherited craziness—an epic story.

KIND WORDS

“MY PARTNER AND I DECIDED TO CHANGE OUR WEDDING DATE TO BOOK HER.”

Sarah and Kyle hired me for both their private elopement and wedding day. We planned a full day elopement in the mountains of Colorado and one month later an epic celebration with their family and friends in Ohio.

— SARAH & KYLE

"She truly played such a big part in making our wedding day a fairy tale ”

Jess + Nathan had an enchanting ceremony in the woods and later had an evening reception with their loved ones. Nathan's family came all the way from Europe.

— Jessica & Nathan 

engagement & couples

Portraits

Dating, engaged, or married, couples portraits are a must showing the legacy of your love story. Whether at a local park or across the country on trip, setting aside a hour or two to love, laugh, and play will never go to waste. Couples sessions begin at $650. Destination couple sessions begin at $2k.

Scorpio ☀ Cancer ☾ Aquarius ↑
Enneagram 3w4
Human Design: Projector 
Myers-Briggs: INFP
Hopeless Romantic


an artist.
a writer.
a creator.




hi, i'm cate

what to expect

Wedding PROCESS

01

let's talk details

Once you submit your inquiry, you'll hear back from me within 48 hours with a link to book a discovery call.  Here we will talk about your vision and make sure we are feeling each others energy and excitement. We both need to vibe for the best experience. 

02

booking

After you sign your dates agreement and pay the non-refundable date retainer, I'll send over my Cate Ronan welcome guide. Filled with additional FAQ's, vendor referrals, timeline advice and examples and more. It'll be sent as a private webpage so you can access anywhere, and I can update as many times as I need for the most up to date information.

03

Timeline Help

We will plan and build a solid timeline and share any and all details together. Timelines are crucial for booking other vendors like hair & makeup, catering, and entertainment.

04

Engagement  SESSION

If you booked an engagement session, here is where we get a bonus collaboration together. We will plan locations and outfits for a session that is 110% you both.

05

YOUR WEDDING

The day we have both been giddy about is finally here.If your wedding is outside of Ohio, i will travel to your destination two days before your wedding date. Here is where you sit back and enjoy the day fully. Book a solid vendor team and you won't have a single worry other than, which sneak peek photo will I post first?! 

06

Photo Delivery

After your wedding, I send sneak peeks to your phone or DM within 48 hours. Eight weeks later you'll get your full wedding gallery via email all in a gorgeous private online gallery. You can buy additional prints and wall art from your attached gallery store and share with family and friends!

INQUIRE about your date

what to expect

Elopement PROCESS

01

Let's Chat & Talk details

Whether you are the type that likes to chat all details through writing or one who lays it all out on a call, I've got you taken care of. Here we will talk about your needs and wishes and make sure we are feeling each others energy and excitement. We both need to vibe for the best experience. 

02

booking

After you book, I'll send over my Cate Ronan welcome guide. Filled with additional FAQ's, timeline advice, travel advice, scouting help, and more. It'll be sent as a private webpage so you can access anywhere, and I can update as many times as I need for the most up to date information!

03

Planning 
& timeline prep

We will begin to plan the day and build a solid timeline. Though I am not a planning service I am here to help with choosing a location, time of day, timeline, and scouting. If you want a planner to help book lodging, flights, rentals, etc., I can give you recommendations! 

04

Halfway to "i do"  call

For elopements, there are a lot of moving parts. There may be permits deadlines to meet, so I love to do a quick check in and see where I can help and smooth out any uncertainties. 

05

Arriving &
YOUR Elopement 

IT'S HERE. You are getting married in a gorgeous location to explore. We will go crazy with photos and have the day of your dreams. If out of state/country, I like to arrive at least two days prior to check out our location if possible and acclimate to the environment and time zone.

06

Photo Delivery

After your elopement, I send sneak peeks to your phone or DM within 48 hours. Six weeks later you'll get your full elopement gallery via email all in a gorgeous private online gallery. You can buy additional prints and wall art from your attached gallery store and share with family and friends!

INQUIRE with cate

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what to expect

Portrait PROCESS

01

Let's Chat +
Talk Details

Whether you are the type that likes to chat all details through writing or one who lays it all out on a call, I've got you taken care of. Here we will talk about your needs and wishes and make sure we are feeling each others energy and excitement. We both need to vibe for the best experience. 

02

When & Where?

Once you've said HECK YES, I'll send you a link to choose your date, time, and location. At the same time, you'll sign and pay your contract and you are locked in and your session is booked. YAY!

03

After you book

After you book, I'll send over my Cate Ronan portrait guide. Filled with additional FAQ's, what to wear guides, HAMU recommendations, location help, and more. It'll be sent as a private webpage so you can access anywhere, and I can update as many times as I need for the most up to date information!

04

Location & Vibe

Here is where we will fine tune the locations, outfits, and vision for your session. I don't want you to have a cookie cuter session. I want your session to have elements of your personalities sprinkled throughout. I want you to look at your final gallery thinking, HOLY SHIT THAT IS US!

05

The day of your session

Depending on your session booked, we will photograph for 1-2 hours. I will guide you through your session with prompts, light posing, and direction; I won't leave you hanging. 

06

Photo Delivery

After your session, I send sneak peeks to your phone or DM within 48 hours. Four weeks later you'll get your full session gallery via email all in a gorgeous private online gallery. You can buy additional prints and wall art from your attached gallery store and share with family and friends!

INQUIRE with cate

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