Our story
we're Photographers & videographers... we tell love stories visually.
Bella Lumiere Photography is a woman-owned business founded in 2012 by me, Riley-Payton—but the heart of it all started long before that, with a camera in one hand and my daughter by my side.
On December 20, 2016, in a quiet ceremony nestled in the breathtaking North Carolina mountains, Matthew and I blended our two families into one. It was small, intimate, and deeply meaningful—exactly the kind of wedding we love capturing for others today.
With four kids between us—Vicky (28), Dallen (27), Tanis (21), and Reese (19)—we knew the early days of our marriage would be all about creating connection. So, we made a big decision: we closed our side businesses and poured our energy into helping our children adjust, bond, and thrive in our new life together.
How It All Began
A Mother-Daughter Bond That Sparked a Dream
When my daughter was younger, our favorite thing to do together was something we lovingly called “Snap-and-Chat.” Armed with our professional-grade cameras, we would spend our weekends photographing everything from everyday moments to creative challenges. Some weekends we’d dive into a new technique, study it, and head out to practice. Other days, we simply chased beautiful light and belly laughs.
That time was so special—it gave us a way to learn, grow, and become the best of friends through a shared love of storytelling.
From Passion Project to Profession
I smile every time I think back to how this all began. Honestly, Bella Lumiere Photography wasn’t born from a business plan—it blossomed from joy. Sharing our photos with friends and family became second nature, and before long, their encouragement poured in: “You should really do this professionally!”
And so, we did. What started as a creative outlet between mother and daughter turned into a heartfelt business built on connection, artistry, and the belief that love deserves to be remembered beautifully.
A Love Story Rooted in Family
The Family That Photographs Together...
Blending a family with a wide age range can be a challenge. Finding something everyone could genuinely enjoy together felt almost impossible—until we brought back the magic of “Snap-and-Chat.”
One by one, we handed each of our kids their own DSLR camera and invited them into our world of storytelling through photography. To our delight, they jumped in with both feet!
Vicky and Tanis fell in love with landscapes. Reese and Matthew became obsessed with macro photography. Dallen discovered a gift for video. And me? I’ve always been passionate about photographing people—especially couples in love.
From Pause to Purpose
Although I had temporarily stepped away from the business, my passion for photography never left. If anything, it grew stronger—and began to inspire Matthew, too.
In July of 2019, with Matthew’s full support and encouragement, I officially reopened Bella Lumiere Photography. It wasn’t just a return to work—it was a return to my heart.
This business is my dream. It’s my joy. I’m always studying, learning, and growing—because telling your story with depth and beauty is what fuels me every single day.
Our Approach: Seamless, Sincere, and In Sync
Today, Bella Lumiere Photography is a husband and wife team with a shared vision: to preserve memories and tell honest, emotional love stories through timeless wedding photography and film.
Because we’re married, we share a unique rhythm and understanding when working together. We move in sync, anticipate each other’s angles, and never block each other’s shots—because we’ve done life together, not just weddings. This intuitive partnership allows us to: capture more meaningful moments without missing a beat, deliver a smoother, more relaxed client experience, provide more finished, heirloom-quality images, and tell your story from two heartfelt perspectives.
Welcome, Friend — We're So Glad You're Here
We’re Matthew and Riley-Payton, the husband and wife team behind Bella Lumiere Photography. We believe wedding photography should be more than just beautiful images—it should be a deeply personal, joy-filled experience that leaves you feeling seen, celebrated, and completely cared for.
Here, your love story is our inspiration. From the way your fiancé looks at you during golden hour to the quiet tears during your first dance, we’re there to preserve it all—honestly, artfully, and with hearts fully invested.
We know how much this day means to you, because we've lived it ourselves. We’ve blended a family, built a life full of intention, and poured our love into a business rooted in storytelling, connection, and heart.
Now, we’d love to tell your story.
When you hire us, you're not just getting two photographers—you’re getting a team with a deep bond, shared vision, and a genuine love for what we do.
“WE believe you should look as beautiful in your pictures as you felt on your wedding day..”
When I planned my own wedding at 20, I made a mistake I’ll never forget: I let someone gift us wedding photography. I was so grateful at the time… until the photos came back.
She missed almost every moment that mattered. The few images we received were blurry, distant, and emotionless. I cried. For weeks. Then months.
While my friends flipped through albums reliving their day, I had nothing to hold in my hands—nothing to hang on my walls or show my future children. My memories faded faster than I imagined. And with them, so did the joy of that day.
That experience changed me. It’s the reason I became a wedding photographer.
“cherish the moments - tomorrow they will be memories.”
Our why
At Bella Lumiere, we don’t just take pictures—we preserve legacies. We tell full wedding stories with heart and intention, so you’ll never have to wonder, “What if we missed it?”
You’ve worked so hard to plan a beautiful day. You deserve a photographer who will honor it completely. I promise, we always will.
