A black and white photo of a couple sharing a kiss at their wedding reception at Cedar Knoll.

Candid Wedding Photography for Couples Who Love all the Moments

Based in Northern Virginia. Capturing weddings with heart since 2017.

meet your photographer

 

Hi, I’m Jonlaya — Your Storyteller, Memory Keeper, and Quiet Observer

 

Color portrait of the photographer for LUEM Photography
Black and white photo showing behind the scenes of LUEM Photography at a wedding
I believe the real magic of a wedding day lives in the in-between moments: the quiet glances, the bursts of laughter, the soft squeeze of a hand, the messy cake crumbs on the table.

I’m here to help you remember it all.

Since 2017, I’ve been capturing weddings across Northern Virginia with an honest, documentary approach—nothing too posed, nothing too perfect. Just you, your people, and the love you share. My goal? To create images that feel like you, so when you look back years from now, you don’t just see what happened… you feel it.
Learn more

 

Selected works

-A handful of my favorites-

 

Colored photo of a fun wedding couple wearing heart-shaped sun glasses.
Colored photo of a wedding couple running through a boxwood garden maze at Airlie.
Black and white photo of a couple cutting into their wedding cake at their reception.
Colored photo of a couple standing together looking at the camera at Cedar Knoll.
Colored photo of a couple crossing the street together in Alexandria, Virginia.
Black and white photo of couple admiring each other at Great Marsh.
Colored portrait of a bride looking over her shoulder at the guests at Great Marsh Estate.
Colored photo of a couple dancing at their reception at The Winery at Bull Run.
Black and white photo of a couple enjoying each other, while the brides veil blows softly at The Winery at Bull Run.
Colored double exposure photo of a couple kissing each other.
Colored photo of a couple enjoying their reception toasts at Bluemont Vineyard in Bluemont, Virginia.
Black and white photo of a couple sharing a kiss during their reception at Cedar Knoll.
Colored photo of a couple with double exposure at Airlie.
Colored photo of a bride playing with her hands waiting for a first look.
Black and white photo of a bride smiling at the camera wearing her form-fitting wedding dress.
Colored bridal portrait of a bride near staircase outside.
Colored photo of a couple at their indoor church wedding ceremony.
Black and white photo of a couple looking out into the sunset at Great Marsh Estate.
Colored photo of a couple kissing under the brides veil at Cedar Knoll.
Colored photo of a bridal portrait at Great Marsh Estate in Bealeton, Virginia.
Colored photo of a father walking his daughter down the aisle at the Vandiver Inn.
Black and white photo of the bride stepping out of the house in preparation for her wedding ceremony.
Black and white photo of couples recessional at the Vandiver Inn at Havre De Grace.
Colored portrait of a bride and groom dancing at a Cacapon State Park Wedding.
colored portrait of the bride and groom sharing a moment in a beautiful field at Great Marsh Estate
View Journal

 

 

"Jonlaya was such a pleasure to work with due to her professionalism, talent, and kindness. "

 

 

Testimonials

"We hired Jonlaya because we wanted emotion-forward pictures. Pictures that captured the light, love, and joy of our day. And, boy, did Jonlaya deliver. Looking back at the photos feels like being transported back to our wedding day. She curated the perfect balance of formal, beautiful portraits with candid, lively photos that let the energy of the day shine through.


Not only is Jonlaya incredibly talented in the art of capturing joy, but she herself is a joy."

Ben + Logan

"Our photos turned out beautiful! Our photographer captured every step of the wedding day process and the memories that came with it.

I would recommend LUEM to anyone looking for professional and friendly photo service."


David + caroline

"Jonlaya (LUEM Photography) was amazing to work with. She captured our wedding in it's realest form! Even 4 months after our wedding day, my husband caught me smiling while I flipped through the photos because she captured all of the joy from the day in still imagery.


We were so blessed to have her be our photographer and highly recommend her to anyone looking for a wedding photographer!"

s + K

Colored dual exposure portrait of the bride and groom.

 

Let’s Connect

 

I look forward to hearing from you and helping you create memories that will last a lifetime.

 

Get in touch