Saint Louis & Destination Documentary
Wedding Photographer and Videographer

james tananan
photo & film

Specializing in refined, timeless, documentary-style wedding photography & videography

Engaged couple enjoying a lifestyle-inspired photoshoot in a cozy Saint Louis studio, captured by James Tananan Photo & Film.
Luxurious black-tie wedding celebration with bride and groom enjoying cocktails and sharing a kiss at World's Fair Pavilion, Forest Park, Saint Louis, captured by James Tananan Photo & Film
Modern wedding ceremony at the Saint Louis Contemporary Art Museum, captured by James Tananan Photo & Film, showcasing intimate moments in a contemporary setting.
Vibrant South Asian wedding celebration in Pittsburgh, PA, with colorful traditional dresses and joyous moments, captured by James Tananan Photo & Film.

curated with intention,
crafted with care

Every detail is thoughtfully considered. From the gentle touch of natural light to the intentional composition, each photograph and film is more than just a moment captured—it’s a timeless story, preserved with authenticity and artistry. My documentary-style wedding photography and videography focus on real emotions, meaningful details, and unscripted moments, creating a visual narrative that feels honest, heartfelt, and uniquely yours.

James Tananan portrait, showcasing his professional image as a trusted wedding photographer and videographer in Saint Louis.

MEET JAMES

your story, artfully told

Every love story is unique, and I believe your wedding photos and films deserve to be captured with care, artistry, and authenticity. My approach is rooted in documentary-style wedding photography and videography, blending timeless elegance with a natural, storytelling approach. I focus on genuine emotions, meaningful connections, and the in-between moments—keeping the first thing first.

From the moment we connect, my goal is to create an experience that feels effortless and fully guided. Whether you’re planning a luxury wedding in Saint Louis, an intimate micro wedding, or a romantic destination elopement, I’ll walk you through every step of the process. This way, you can feel calm, confident, and fully present on your wedding day while I document your story exactly as it unfolds—candidly, beautifully, and honestly.

Bride looking back at the camera during her wedding day, captured by James Tananan, a professional wedding photographer and videographer in Saint Louis
Bride walking away, showcasing the back of her elegant wedding dress, captured by James Tananan, a professional wedding photographer and videographer in Saint Louis.
the
philosophy

I believe wedding galleries should stand the test of time, capturing moments that endure beyond trends. Keeping the first thing first, I strive to create a calm, authentic, and trusting environment where clients feel at ease and confident.

kind words
Paige P.
Having James as our wedding photographer & videographer was easily one of the best decisions we made for our big day! From the very beginning, his professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine passion for making our vision come to life was so appreciated. He truly went above and beyond to ensure every special moment was captured beautifully. We cannot recommend James enough! Thank you so much again for everything!
Ian V.
Easily the best experience with a photographer to date! James is super personable and very talented at his craft. He made sure everyone was comfortable and enjoying the experience. Our photo gallery was easy to access and share with our friends and family. We plan to use him for all our future photography needs. Thanks again James!
Kylie R.
James was such a joy to have at our wedding! We have only received the sneak peek at this point, but we are OBSESSED with how the pictures turned out. He did such an amazing job capturing the pure joy of our day, was super flexible with all of our requests, and did everything in his power to ensure that we got everything exactly as we wanted.
let's create the
unforgetable

Your wedding day is just the beginning, but these photos and films will keep the feeling alive for a lifetime. Years from now, they’ll bring you right back—to the love, the joy, and the people who made it all so special. Let your wedding photos and films be be a treasure you return to, time and time again.