Charlotte Wedding Photographer
Elegant & Artful Photography
for those drawn to quiet romance and timeless beauty
You value photography that feels effortless and refined—images that reflect who you are with honesty, elegance, and depth, captured through a thoughtful wedding and portrait photography experience.
Your wedding day holds fleeting beauty: the anticipation as you step into your gown, the emotion in his eyes at the altar, and the joy that lingers long after the final toast.
Each moment is approached with thoughtfulness and time, allowing space for meaningful portraits and unhurried connection, so your memories live on with timeless grace.
... & beyond
Moments unfold naturally. You feel at ease. The result is timeless imagery filled with meaning and quiet beauty.
A calm presence.
An artful eye.
A heartfelt approach.
I'm Karen Lee Mayes, a wedding and portrait photographer.
With a thoughtful, intuitive style, I document not just how your day looks - but how it feels.
The Artist Behind the Lens.
Hello!
Get to know Karen
- McKenna & Dan
"I cannot recommend Hidden Pearl Photography enough! If I could give more than 5 starts I would. My family has worked with Karen for years from family photos, senior pictures, and all of our family weddings.
Most recently, Karen shot my outdoor wedding. Despite the rainy weather, Karen produced photos that are absolutely magical and made us feel excited & comfortable even with the challenges the weather posed. She was able to change her photo schedule for the day to fit in everything we wanted between rain showers so seamlessly, she saved the day! Karen is incredibly talented, you will not find a better photographer!"
- Stephanie & Leland
"Karen is THE BEST!!! I am still obsessed with the pictures!! She is so fun and easy to work with. She brought so much peace and calm to the day. Her organization and communication are top notch. I would hire her again in a heartbeat!"
- Campbell & Caleb
"Karen was truly a blessing on our wedding day! As a bride she was so encouraging and loving!! We loved working with her and made our special day AMAZING!!!!!!! Her work is also unbelievable! She is a gem!"
Wedding Gallery
Engagements Gallery
Featured Portraits
- Hannah & Nathan
"Karen did an amazing job shooting both our engagement and wedding photos. She is communicative, kind, and pays attention to every small detail. The scenery and locations she was able to pull out of our venue were absolutely amazing. We were so impressed and pleased with the results! She was the best choice in wedding photography, and we are confident recommending her to anyone else!"
- Stephanie & Leland
"Karen is THE BEST!!! I am still obsessed with the pictures!! She is so fun and easy to work with. She brought so much peace and calm to the day. Her organization and communication are top notch. I would hire her again in a heartbeat!"
- Erica & Brent
"Thank you so much! Not only for doing an incredible job on the photos, but just how amazingly supportive and wonderful you were to us every step of the way! Looking at the photos brings back all the memories of the day and, on top of everything else, all you did for us… You were the best choice I ever could’ve made!"
- Campbell & Caleb
"Karen was truly a blessing on our wedding day! As a bride she was so encouraging and loving!! We loved working with her and made our special day AMAZING!!!!!!! Her work is also unbelievable! She is a gem!"
More Details
Using both documentary style and guided poses throughout your day, I craft your photo experience. I know when to step back to let your story naturally unfold, and when to step in to help you with classic, timeless portraits.
The perfect balance of
classic beauty &
fleeting, quiet moments
From the moment you contact me about your special story, I am ready and eager to serve.
The
Hidden Pearl
Experience
IV. Branding sessions
III. Graduate Photo sessions
II. Family Photo sessions
I. wedding collections {begin at $4,000}
- Maggie & Henry
"I truly cannot recommend Karen enough! She took our proposal, engagement, and wedding photos. Everyone who saw our photos commented how well our photographer did. We could not be happier with how everything turned out. Karen has years of experience and makes sure your wedding day goes smoothly. I have no idea what we would have done without her. All this to say, if you are looking for an amazing wedding photographer, your search ends here!"
