I’m so excited to introduce you to Kiarra! She got her start in high school, splitting the cost of a camera with her brother so he could document his semester abroad, with the deal that she’d keep it when he got back. That camera turned into a full-blown career: she’s since photographed nearly 100 weddings of every kind, from big celebrations to tiny elopements. She’s also endlessly organized and thoughtful, the kind of person who’s always ready to jump in wherever she’s needed, whether that’s capturing a quiet in-between moment or helping keep the whole day running smoothly. Keep reading to get to know Kiarra, from that first camera deal with her brother to her go-to advice for staying calm when a wedding day doesn’t go exactly as planned. And when you’re done, you can see her full associate portfolio here.

Tell us about your journey in photography so far! How long have you been a photographer? How many weddings have you shot? What have you learned along the way?

I got my first camera in 2016 during my sophomore year of high school. My brother was heading to Europe for a semester abroad and wanted a camera to document his trip. I paid for half of it, and the deal was that I’d get to keep it when he came back. Around that same time, my cousin had a photography business. She heard about our camera deal and invited me to assist her at shoots. Soon after, she began mentoring me and eventually brought me on as her second shooter. She retired from the wedding industry, so I decided to start my own photography business in 2023 to continue shooting weddings. What began as a side job and hobby quickly turned into my full-time career in 2025. 

I’ve lost track of exactly how many weddings I’ve been part of, but I know it’s somewhere between 70 and 80. Along the way, I’ve learned how important it is to network and to never stop learning. There is always new gear to try out, new shooting and editing styles to explore, and new business advice to implement. I’ll never reach a point where I know it all, and I love that!

What’s your favorite part of being an associate for Celisia Stanton Photography?

I love getting to broaden my reach! Celisia is based in the Twin Cities while I’m based in St. Cloud, so I have opportunities to shoot at new venues and meet clients I might not have otherwise. I also love that I just get to show up for the fun part, taking photos, and don’t need to worry about all the other logistics of a shoot. Not to mention, Celisia’s team is so incredibly kind!

Tell us about the couples you love working with most.

I love working with couples who are just genuinely in love! The ones who naturally hold hands, laugh together, steal little kisses, and don’t have to force anything. These candid moments are always my favorite to capture!

What’s your favorite part of a wedding day to capture?

Details and sunset portraits! Details help tell the full story and are always some of my favorite shots, but sunset portraits are where the magic happens. Couples are usually so relaxed and giggly by that point, so the photos end up being some of their favorites.

What’s your go-to wedding day advice for soon-to-be married couples?

It’s okay (and normal!) to stress about logistics during wedding planning, but don’t stress on the day-of! Almost every wedding gets off track at some point, whether it’s hair and makeup running behind or needing to work around scattered showers. But every single time, the day still turns out perfectly in the end. It’s your special day, and your guests and vendors will happily adjust.

What are some of your favorite venues you’ve worked at?

The Hutton House, Edward Anne Estate, Catalyst at Nature Link, Ivory North, and Willow Brooke Farm!

(Celisia here! Love Hutton House? Take a peek at a wedding I photographed there.)

What would you say to a couple who is nervous about having their picture taken?

Don’t be! Almost everyone feels nervous at first, but it ends up turning into such a fun experience. I always try to prompt rather than pose, so you’re never standing there stiffly. Instead, you’ll be giggling and loving on your partner while barely noticing the camera is there!