Minnesota Wedding Photographer
Nuku Vang
"I never imagined our love could be captured in real time. Such raw and intense moments of love and looks of passion.”
Hi, I’m Nuku
Your Minnesota wedding photographer and planning guide.
I never imagined I’d become an elopement photographer…until my husband and I eloped.
Our first wedding was a traditional Hmong celebration filled with love, family, and cultural tradition. But it was also packed, fast-paced, and overwhelming. The pressure to meet expectations and stick to a schedule left us with very few moments to actually be together. I remember longing to slow down, and to take it all in but it felt impossible in the rush.
As we began planning our American wedding, that same pressure crept in again. The anxiety, the expectations, the performative checklists. That’s when we asked ourselves: What really matters to us? And the answer was simple: Connection, presence, and flexibility. So we eloped.
And that decision didn’t just change our wedding day, it changed my entire path.
I’m going to be honest with you. I planned my elopement myself and had no idea what I was doing. I had nothing to go off of other than my own definition: “running away to get married.” I found the cheapest elopement package on Facebook which included: a ceremony spot on the beach with a decorated floral arch, a photographer, and a bottle of champagne. I literally thought it was going to be everything I dreamed of…it wasn’t. Had I known all the possibilities of what an elopement could truly be, I’d do it all over again and it’d be sooo different.
I realized then what I want for every couple I work with.
I want you to feel truly seen, supported, and cared for. Not just as clients, but as two people writing a once-in-a-lifetime chapter. I want you to feel confident and informed about all the possibilities your elopement day holds, and to trust that you’re in good hands with me. I don’t take shortcuts when it comes to love. Every detail, every moment matters. I approach each wedding day with intention, creativity, and heart. I’m always striving to give the best possible outcome because I want you to have a better experience than I did. Yes, I love the photos we received from our day, but I don’t love the memories.
Why I Do This Work
As your wedding photographer, I’m not just showing up to take pictures. I’m here to plan and help guide you through a day that’s meaningful and easy from start to finish.
To help you slow down and soak it all in.
To document the fleeting, intimate moments that often go unseen: The squeeze of a hand, the quiet tears, the wind in your hair, the joy in your laugh.
At the heart of everything I do is this:
To be a positive, grounding presence in people’s lives—someone who uplifts, encourages, and helps others see the beauty in themselves and the present moment.
Because when you feel seen, safe, and supported, you naturally start to feel more connected, more grateful, and more inspired to live fully.
Photography is simply how I bring that to life.
Your wedding photos matter, but so does how you experience your day. That’s why I do this work. I want to help couples feel cared for, to provide endless possibilities for what their wedding day could be, and to remind them of what matters most on one of the most meaningful days of their lives—each other.
My Approach
When I first started photographing weddings, I thought couples wanted everything to be picture-perfect; posed, polished, Pinterest-worthy. But I quickly realized that what people really wanted wasn’t just beautiful photos, they wanted to feel something.
That’s why I’ve reimagined how I photograph and plan with couples. I’m not about rigid schedules or forced poses. I’m about crafting space—physically and emotionally—for you to just be. Whether you’re still dreaming up your day or you’ve already found your dream spot, I’ll meet you where you are and help guide you through the experience.
We’ll build a flexible, meaningful day that works around your energy, your connection, and your joy.
What You Can Expect From Me
- Support & Guidance
A calming, supportive presence from the moment you inquire to the moment you receive your gallery.
- Thoughtfulness & Creativity
Thoughtful planning support to help you feel prepared and present (including questionnaires, vendor recs, location ideas & more).
- Respect & Kindness
A deep respect for your story, your pace, and your values. You come first.
Who I Am Beyond The Camera
I’m quiet by nature but deeply connected to the people I care about. I love slow mornings, and being in places that make me feel small in the best way like mountains, lakes, and open skies. Actually, I’m 5-feet tall so basically, I’m small everywhere.
I’m a mom, which is the most grounding and joy-filled part of my life. My family means everything to me and I cherish the little moments with them just as much as the big ones. They are what drives me everyday.
I enjoy reading, especially books recommended by #booktok. My most recent read is The Five-Star Weekend, a Novel by Elin Hilderbrand. Surprisingly, it wasn’t a #booktok recommendation but rather a book I picked up at the airport when I forgot to bring one from home.
I’m a wanderer at heart. Traveling fuels my creativity, refreshes my soul, and constantly reminds me how much beauty there is in the world especially in the unexpected corners.
I’m a sucker for rom-coms.
Give me a cozy night in and a predictable-but-perfect love story, and I’m set. I’ll happily rewatch my favorites a hundred times and still swoon at the “grand gesture” scene like it’s the first time. (How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
– Ben chases Andie on the highway)
View The Portfolio
I truly do not have the words to describe just how incredible Nuku is. From our first meeting I knew she had to photograph our wedding.
Nuku was extremely patient with ALL of our family and had such a calming presence during such a hectic weekend. The photos are incredible and perfectly capture our love and the love that surrounded us on our big day. I would absolutely use her ten million times over and hope to be able to snag her for our future family portraits because I cannot imagine anyone being able to capture us so flawlessly again.
- Francesca
We thought we were awkward in front of the camera, but she knew how to engage with us and create natural moments and smiles.
- Izzy
Working with Nuku Vang Photography made me feel very comfortable and fun to be around.
- Quala
Let’s start dreaming up a day that flows with you.
No rigid schedules, no rushing. Just a flexible, relaxing day that gives you space to breathe, explore, and be present with each other.
Reserve your date so we can start planning something beautiful together.
I can’t wait to hear from you!