Captured By Celeste
Smoky Mountain Lifestyle Photographer

Captured By Celeste Smoky Mountain Lifestyle Photographer Captured By Celeste Smoky Mountain Lifestyle Photographer Captured By Celeste Smoky Mountain Lifestyle Photographer
Home
For Lovers
  • All-Inclusive Elopements
  • Wedding Officiant Service
  • Weddings
  • Proposals & Engagements
  • Adventure Sessions
Lifestyle
  • Lifestyle Newborn
  • Lifestyle Maternity
  • Lifestyle Family Sessions
  • What's a lifestyle photo?
Working with me
Vendors
Boudoir

Captured By Celeste
Smoky Mountain Lifestyle Photographer

Captured By Celeste Smoky Mountain Lifestyle Photographer Captured By Celeste Smoky Mountain Lifestyle Photographer Captured By Celeste Smoky Mountain Lifestyle Photographer
Home
For Lovers
  • All-Inclusive Elopements
  • Wedding Officiant Service
  • Weddings
  • Proposals & Engagements
  • Adventure Sessions
Lifestyle
  • Lifestyle Newborn
  • Lifestyle Maternity
  • Lifestyle Family Sessions
  • What's a lifestyle photo?
Working with me
Vendors
Boudoir
More
  • Home
  • For Lovers
    • All-Inclusive Elopements
    • Wedding Officiant Service
    • Weddings
    • Proposals & Engagements
    • Adventure Sessions
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle Newborn
    • Lifestyle Maternity
    • Lifestyle Family Sessions
    • What's a lifestyle photo?
  • Working with me
  • Vendors
  • Boudoir
  • Home
  • For Lovers
    • All-Inclusive Elopements
    • Wedding Officiant Service
    • Weddings
    • Proposals & Engagements
    • Adventure Sessions
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle Newborn
    • Lifestyle Maternity
    • Lifestyle Family Sessions
    • What's a lifestyle photo?
  • Working with me
  • Vendors
  • Boudoir

Working With Me

Photographer Celeste Martinez of Captured By Celeste is pictured wearing all black in a studio

What You Can Expect

I firmly believe you should really like your photographer. Not just their portfolio—the whole person. Because if we can laugh together, be silly, and genuinely enjoy the moment, you're going to love your photos. But if you feel awkward or disconnected, that’s what you’ll remember—and it shows in the pictures.



I want to connect with families and couples who enjoy working with me as much as they love their photos. This isn’t just about getting a pretty shot. It’s about creating a memory—an experience that sticks with you long after the session ends.


My sessions are relaxed, playful, and never overly posed. You’ll be moving, laughing, flirting, and connecting. I’ll guide you the whole way, and we’ll create images that actually feel like you. 


Even the most reluctant participants—yes, I’m looking at you, guys!—end up saying they had a blast. That means the world to me.


When you look back at your photos in 20 years, I want you to remember the experience. The way it felt. The laughs, the connection, the joy.

I’m the photographer who will lay on the ground, climb a mountain, wade through creeks, trek through mud—whatever it takes to get beautiful, meaningful photos. And we’ll laugh the whole way through.

What Is Lifestyle Photography Anyway?

 f I could sum it up simply, I’d say this:
Connection over perfection.
Because where there’s perfection, there’s no story to tell.

But if that doesn’t say enough—keep reading.

Lifestyle photography breaks a lot of traditional rules. Some of us are hardwired to stare at the camera and smile the second one is pointed in our face. But with me, that’s not what this is about.


Most of your session, I’ll be telling you not to look at me. I’ll ask you to look at each other, touch each other, laugh, play. I’ll guide you when needed—yes, I’ll position you at times and grab a few smiling-at-the-camera shots—but most of the magic happens when I give you prompts or tell you to whisper silly things in each other’s ear.


I’m going to make you laugh, even if you think you’re shy, awkward, or introverted. I’m going to get your partner to flirt with you. And I’m going to capture that.


This is about those lovey, squishy, kissy, affectionate photos that feel like you.
It’s about connection, not posing. Emotion, not perfection.

With families, we’re playing games to keep the kids involved. We’re moving quickly, switching gears, letting them run wild when they need to. I’m a mother of four—I know how kids work. I don’t expect perfection from them, either.



Here’s my approach in five simple goals:

  1. Capture real, genuine connection
     
  2. Facilitate a session that’s memorable and fun
     
  3. Deliver images your family will treasure for a lifetime
     
  4. Exceed your expectations at every step
     
  5. Build a lasting connection with your family
     

How do you want your photos to feel?

Notice I didn’t say “look.”
We’re surrounded by things to look at. But feeling something? That’s what lasts.

Family, Newvorn & Extended Family Sessions

Whether you're planning a traditional family session or gathering the whole crew for an extended family reunion, I’m all in. I genuinely love working with big groups. While some photographers shy away from the chaos, I embrace it. Give me all the cousins, grandkids, and generations—I know how to organize it without making it feel stiff or overwhelming.

If you’re in Gatlinburg, Asheville, or anywhere in between, I can travel to your cabin or suggest a beautiful location that’s easy to access, away from crowds, and perfect for photos. I’ve built relationships with trusted vendors across the region and know all the scenic, tucked-away spots that make for stunning backdrops.

My family sessions are relaxed, playful, and focused on connection over perfection. We’ll get those classic smiling-at-the-camera shots, but we’ll also play games, make the kids laugh, and capture the moments that feel like your family—not just what you look like standing still.

I want you to walk away with photos that make you smile now and mean even more twenty years from now.


 A quick note:
I don’t offer styled or themed mini sessions. If that’s what you’re looking for, I’d be happy to refer you to some wonderful photographers who specialize in that style. I also don’t book traditional “mini sessions” (back-to-back short appointments), because they don’t allow me to connect with you in the way I believe you deserve. Every session I book is personal and intentional. 



 

Lifestyle Newborn Sessions

I believe babies are perfect just as they are—and that what you’ll want to remember most when this fleeting season is gone isn’t how perfectly they were posed, but how it felt to hold them in your arms.

You’ll want to remember how small their head felt cradled in your hands… the way their fingers wrapped tightly around yours. That’s why I don’t center my newborn photography around props, baskets, or complicated poses. There are many talented photographers who do that beautifully—and if that’s what you’re looking for, I fully encourage you to find someone whose work speaks to you.

But if you want to remember the feeling of this season… I’m your girl.




Here’s what you can expect when you book a newborn session with me:

  • Most sessions take an hour or 2 —no need to block out half your day.
     
  • I won’t ask you to leave your baby alone or do anything that makes you uncomfortable.
     
  • I’ll wear a mask if you want me to.
     
  • Sessions can happen in your home (all we need is a room with good light and a window), or I can rent a venue if needed.
     
  • You do not need to clean your house. We'll work around any clutter and focus entirely on your connection, not your background.
     
  • Sessions are baby-led: If baby is hungry, baby eats. If you're nursing and comfortable with me photographing that moment, I’ll keep shooting. If not, I’ll step aside and give you space.
     

This time passes so quickly—and I want to help you remember what it felt like to be part of it.


Surprise Proposals and Elopements

 

Surprise Proposals & Elopements in TN & NC

If you need an engagement or surprise proposal photographer in Gatlinburg, Asheville, Knoxville, Greeneville, or anywhere in between—you’ve come to the right place!

Some of my absolute favorite sessions have been surprise proposals. I LOVE every second of the process—from planning the big moment to capturing the reactions and all the joy that follows. My goal? To help you knock it out of the park.

I do so much more than just take pictures. I’ll help you pick the perfect location, guide you through the entire experience, and make sure it feels as magical as it looks. Most proposal sessions include a FREE highlight video that you can share on Instagram—but that’s just the beginning. I’m not giving away all my secrets here, so you’ll have to reach out if you want the full experience. 😉

If you’re eloping to Gatlinburg or the Asheville area, I’d be honored to help you document every moment. I have a soft spot for intimate weddings, and I truly believe my pricing is hard to beat when it comes to the level of service and quality I offer.

Your search for a Tennessee or North Carolina elopement photographer ends here—just shoot me a text and let’s start planning something unforgettable.

Traditional Weddings & Micro-weddings

 

Whether you’re planning an intimate micro wedding or a 200-guest, all-day celebration—I’m here for it. I approach every wedding with the same care, creativity, and excitement, no matter the size.

Tell me everything you're dreaming up, and let’s plan something beautiful together.

Client Experience Is EVERYTHING

 

It’s incredibly important to me that you have a great experience from start to finish. You can expect clear communication, quick responses, and consistent service every step of the way.

I’m not just here to deliver beautiful photos—I’m here to build trust and connection. I want you to enjoy the entire process just as much as you love the images we create together.

Still have questions?

FAQContact Info

Copyright © 2024 Captured By Celeste - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by

  • FAQ

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

Accept