x4 Award winner
Award winner thanks to recommendations from couples on WeddingWire.com.
- 2013
- 2012
- 2011
- 2010
Sweetbay Photography
Interested in this vendor?
1/131
"I couldn't have asked for a better photographer and or a better experience. Opal is an amazing..."
"Opal provides the best service. She’s engaging, delightful and her professionalism exceeds..."
What is the story behind Sweetbay Photography?
Hi, I’m Opal
I’m a 48 year old mom of a 20 year old son, based in Cotati. Dog lover, music lover, poet, and photographer. I've been photographing weddings since 2005.
I give good direction and make taking photos feel fun. Your gallery will be full of candid photos, beautiful details and portraits that feel effortless. My portraits are both posed and with movement to create some authentic vibes. I talk while I shoot and make it easy.
My ideal wedding couple is a big fan of candid photos. You want some beautifully posed photos too, but most importantly, you want to enjoy your wedding day, keeping it a celebration and not turning it into a photo shoot. You do want someone who can easily wrangle people around when needed. You need someone who stays calm and focused in the chaos of a wedding. You may be afraid you’ll feel awkward in photos and need someone with good direction who can make it all feel effortless and fun.
I believe the most meaningful photos aren’t staged, they are moments that happen naturally. My talent is anticipating those moments and capturing them for you. People love that I’m calm yet directive, professional, and organized, and delivering full wedding galleries very quickly. I’m always easy to talk to. I return emails and calls right away, you can text me anytime too.
Experience
-
20 years in business
-
We speak English
What is included in Sweetbay Photography's packages?
Which of the following are included in the starting price?
2nd Shooter
Hand-Coloring
High-Res Images
Multi. Locations
Toning
Digital Files
Which of the following are included in the price of your most popular wedding package?
2nd Shooter
Add'l Hours
Engagement Shoot
Hand-Coloring
High-Res Images
Multi. Locations
One Event / Day
Toning
Digital Files
What primary photographic style do you identify with?
Natural
Photojournalism
What photography services do you offer?
Additional Hours
Engagement Shoot
High-Res Images
Second Shooter
Video
Wedding Portraits
What photography items do you offer?
Albums
Canvas
Digital Files
Flush Mount
Matted Prints
Negatives
Prints
Proofs
Save the Date
Thank You Cards
Any other questions?
Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!What are real couples saying about their experience with Sweetbay Photography in reviews?
Krystal Sent on 10/23/2025
5 out of 5 rating
Absolutely Stunning
I couldn't have asked for a better photographer and or a better experience. Opal is an amazing person and her experience and love for her art can be seen through each photo. She was always available when we needed to meet and responded quickly to any questions we had. On the day of the wedding she made sure we followed our timeline and created a friendly space for everyone.
I was given advise once by a family member. "if you are going to spend all this money make sure you spend a good portion on your photos and video." I'm very happy to have listened.
I was given advise once by a family member. "if you are going to spend all this money make sure you spend a good portion on your photos and video." I'm very happy to have listened.
Jean Sent on 08/23/2023
5 out of 5 rating
Opal was great!
Paul and I recently enjoyed working with Opal of Sweetbay Photography for our August 5 wedding, and I am pleased with the outcome.
Opal's dedication, talent, and professionalism shone through, leaving us with priceless memories we will cherish as long as we live. Her ability to capture the essence of our wedding day was truly remarkable. She beautifully captured every emotion, detail, and fleeting moment, transforming them into timeless images. Opal's keen sense of timing and composition ensured that no precious memory was missed, whether it was the joyous laughter, heartfelt exchanges, or tender moments shared between loved ones. Her professionalism, attention to detail, and hard work were evident throughout the entire process. When we received our wedding photos, we were absolutely blown away! The quality of the images was exceptional, with vibrant colors and a perfect balance of light and shadow. Entrusting our wedding photography to Opal of Sweetbay Photography was one of our best decisions. I highly recommend considering her services!
Opal's dedication, talent, and professionalism shone through, leaving us with priceless memories we will cherish as long as we live. Her ability to capture the essence of our wedding day was truly remarkable. She beautifully captured every emotion, detail, and fleeting moment, transforming them into timeless images. Opal's keen sense of timing and composition ensured that no precious memory was missed, whether it was the joyous laughter, heartfelt exchanges, or tender moments shared between loved ones. Her professionalism, attention to detail, and hard work were evident throughout the entire process. When we received our wedding photos, we were absolutely blown away! The quality of the images was exceptional, with vibrant colors and a perfect balance of light and shadow. Entrusting our wedding photography to Opal of Sweetbay Photography was one of our best decisions. I highly recommend considering her services!
Brianna Sent on 12/07/2022
5 out of 5 rating
Phenomenal - Will Use Again!!!
Opal is amazing! She photographed my husband and I’s wedding back in August and did a fantastic job. As soon as we met her we loved her energy and obvious experience. She also photographed our engagement photos which were beautiful even though the weather wasn’t very cooperative. Her experience and knowledge made us have one less thing to worry about because we knew she would get everything done. Opal was also great handling our large families and guest count. Our pictures are fantastic and I am forever grateful for her amazing work and passion for what she does. We will definitely be hiring her again for future photo ops. Thank you Opal!!!
Christos Sent on 05/25/2022
5 out of 5 rating
Opal and Genna are fantastic!
We coordinated with Opal through our wedding venue (Fairview Sonoma), it was a great experience. She hurt her back the week before our wedding and wasn't able to take photos for us, but her lead photographer Genna took over, and we were in great hands. You'll be lucky with whoever you get, the photos turned out amazing, and everyone made us feel so comfortable and taken care of!
Kimberly Sent on 06/29/2021
5 out of 5 rating
Absolutely amazing
Opal was so amazing, she had a plan for the pictures from the very beginning. The pictures came out so beautiful! I absolutely will recommend her to everyone!
Sarah Sent on 09/18/2020
5 out of 5 rating
Amazing Photos!
Opal was amazing to work with! She photographed our "mini" ceremony as we had to change our big celebration to next year. She was great at communicating and was very easy to work with. She was calm and laid back, but very good at giving everyone direction and getting the job done. Our photos are incredible! Our friends and family that couldn't join have raved about them. She got all the photos done we had talked about and then some. The lighting was excellent and not over exposed in the photos. She is great to work with and we would definitely recommend her!
Jeff Sent on 09/08/2020
5 out of 5 rating
Proposal Shoot
Opal was incredible. I live in NYC and traveled to Napa Valley to propose. Opal was super responsive, worked with the winery to understand the lay out and delivered amazing pictures. All while enjoying our moment together. I would recommend Opal for any photography needs!
Bryan Sent on 09/30/2019
5 out of 5 rating
I can't recommend Opal from Sweetbay Photography Enough
Opal was professional and she captured our day perfectly. I was blown away by her photography and she is so pleasant to work with.
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
What awards has Sweetbay Photography won?
You've seen what other couples are saying
Share what you're looking for and see if it's the right fit for you.Who is the team behind Sweetbay Photography?
Opal
Your Lifelong Photographer
Wing
Photo/Video
Edwin
The Photobooth Guy
Kien
Video
Vinh
Photographer
Richie
Photographer
Brittany
Photographer
Jordan
Photographer
Molly, Sami and Moose
Overseers of the office
Do wedding professionals recommend Sweetbay Photography? Which ones?
Opal is an Amazing photographer. Simply the Best!
Where is Sweetbay Photography based?
Location
Travel range
This vendor will travel up to within 100 miles
Why use Weddingwire to message vendors?
- Messaging our verified vendors on WeddingWire is complimentary, safe, and secure.
- Effortlessly manage vendor communications and planning details in one centralized location.
- Our mobile apps ensure you can stay connected with vendors anytime, anywhere.
- For customized pricing and package information, messaging the vendor directly is the quickest way to get the details you need.
Sweetbay Photography frequently asked questions
Sweetbay Photography includes the following photography services in the starting price:
- 2nd Shooter
- Hand-Coloring
- High-Res Images
- Multi. Locations
- Toning
- Digital Files
Sweetbay Photography includes the following photography services in their most popular wedding package:
- 2nd Shooter
- Add'l Hours
- Engagement Shoot
- Hand-Coloring
- High-Res Images
- Multi. Locations
- One Event / Day
- Toning
- Digital Files
Sweetbay Photography offers the following photography styles:
- Natural
- Photojournalism
Sweetbay Photography offers the following photography services for weddings:
- Additional Hours
- Engagement Shoot
- High-Res Images
- Second Shooter
- Video
- Wedding Portraits
Sweetbay Photography offers the following photography materials for weddings:
- Albums
- Canvas
- Digital Files
- Flush Mount
- Matted Prints
- Negatives
- Prints
- Proofs
- Save the Date
- Thank You Cards
Sweetbay Photography is recommended by 100% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 5.0, with the same score awarded for quality of service, flexibility, value, professionalism and average response time.
Sweetbay Photography currently offers 1 gift promotion for wedding services.