WELCOME
"Authentic, Heartfelt Portrait Photography for Families Who Cherish Real Moments"
with Authentic Heartfelt Photography
Celebrating Every Moment...
As Wilmington, NC portrait photographers, we specialize in capturing elegant, timeless, and fun-filled photography for families across Southeastern North Carolina and beyond. From stunning coastal settings to elegant estate homes, we create beautifully preserved memories that last a lifetime. We ensure every family—whether it’s your first time or a beautiful second chapter—feels confident and radiant in front of the camera.
Our philosophy is simple. We create beautiful images for you to relive life's most precious memories through today, tomorrow, and forever. These are the moments in time that you'll want to cherish forever... the ones that you'll frame in your home for years to come.
Timeless Portrait Photography for Every Chapter of Life
There are many, many reasons why people have their photo taken. For some, it’s a family tradition or a way to document a fleeting moment in time. For others, it’s about gifting a meaningful keepsake or decorating their home with images of the people they love most.
No matter your reason, one thing remains true—every household should invest in portrait photography.
Life moves fast, and moments that seem small today will become some of your most treasured memories in the years to come. Whether it’s the laughter shared between siblings, the way your little one’s hand fits perfectly in yours, or the confidence and excitement that shines through in a high school senior session, portraits allow us to freeze these moments in time.
If you’re unsure about whether to book a session, we invite you to explore the different types of portrait photography we offer. Click on the photos below to learn more, and we guarantee you'll find your reason why!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How far in advance should I book my session?
We recommend booking at least 4-6 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons like spring, summer, and fall. Weekend dates fill up quickly with weddings, so the sooner you reach out, the better!
Where do sessions take place?
We offer on-location outdoor sessions, in-home lifestyle portraits, and sessions on the beach by your vacation rental. If you need recommendations, we’ll help you choose the perfect setting to complement your style.
What should we wear for our session?
We suggest bright pastel tones and coordinating colors rather than matching outfits. Neutrals or denim jeans are also great! Flowy fabrics, light layers, and classic styles tend to photograph beautifully in natural light. Upon booking, you’ll receive a wardrobe guide with helpful tips!
Can I include pets in my session?
Absolutely! Pets are family too, and we love including them in portraits. Just let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.
How long does it take to receive our photos?
Your full gallery will be ready within 2-4 weeks during peak season, quicker during less busy times.
What if it rains on the day of our session?
For outdoor sessions, we’ll keep an eye on the forecast. If the weather isn’t ideal, we’ll either reschedule or move to an alternate indoor location.
How do we book a session?
It’s easy! Click the 'BOOK NOW' button below or visit our Contact Page to get started. We’ll respond as soon as possible to confirm availability and plan your perfect session!
Let’s Capture Your Story!
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, updating family photos, or just want to capture beautiful, timeless portraits, we’d love to work with you.
📍 Serving Wilmington, North Carolina and Beyond
📅 Now Booking for 2025 and 2026
💌 Ready to book? Let’s create something unforgettable!
click on the images below to learn more
📸 Family Portraits – Celebrate the love and connection of your family with timeless, light-filled portraits that showcase real emotions. Whether it’s an outdoor session at sunset or a cozy in-home shoot, we make sure every family session feels natural and fun.
🎓 Senior Portraits – Your senior year is a milestone worth celebrating! Our senior sessions highlight your personality, style, and confidence with editorial-inspired yet relaxed posing and stunning natural light.
💍 Couples & Engagements – Whether you’re newly engaged or simply celebrating your love story, our couples' portraits capture romance, connection, and the joy of being together.
👶 Maternity – From the beauty of pregnancy to those early days with a newborn, our maternity and lifestyle newborn sessions capture the raw emotion and excitement of this precious time.
🖼️ Heirloom Prints & Albums – Your memories deserve more than just digital files. We offer high-quality prints, custom albums, and wall art so you can enjoy your portraits every day.
Our Portrait Photography Offerings
We believe that portrait photography should feel effortless, joyful, and completely authentic to you. Our process is designed to be stress-free from start to finish.
💡 Pre-Session Consultation – We’ll guide you through choosing the perfect location, wardrobe styling, and posing so you feel confident and prepared.
📸 A Relaxed, Fun Session – Our approach to photography is warm and engaging, making it easy for you to relax, have fun, and be yourself.
✨ Professional Editing & Retouching – We enhance your images while maintaining a natural, light, bright, and timeless aesthetic.
📂 Online Gallery & Print Options – Your final images will be delivered in a private online gallery where you can download, share, and order beautiful prints and albums.
The Bella Lumiere Portrait Experience
As a busy mom, I usually dread family photo day. But Bella Lumiere made it unbelievably easy. They helped us plan the perfect location and wardrobe, made the session fun and relaxed, and delivered images that absolutely melted my heart. These photos don’t just show what we looked like—they show how it felt to be together.
- samantha f.
We’re a blended family with teens and little ones, and finding a photographer who could connect with everyone seemed impossible. But Bella Lumiere made everyone feel seen and special. The gallery brought me to tears—especially the candid ones of all the kids laughing together. If you’re looking for family photos that actually feel like your family, this is the team to book.
- Amy R.
We booked a last-minute family session before our son left for college, and Bella Lumiere worked magic. Not only were the photos ethereal and golden, but we also got sneak peeks back the next day! That kind of care and attention to detail is rare. We’ve printed several already—they’re proudly hanging in our home.
- Christy s.
As a curvy woman, I’m usually super self-conscious in photos, but Riley-Payton knew exactly how to pose us in ways that felt natural and flattering. The light in every image is so dreamy—it’s like something out of a magazine. My niece was wild (as always), but you’d never know it from the final gallery. We’ll absolutely be back for future family sessions!
- Laura w.
I have always been shy in front of the camera, but something about Bella Lumiere’s approach brought me out of my shell. They were so affirming and encouraging the whole time. The photos are stunning—light-filled, editorial, and full of joy. This was so much more than a photo shoot; it was a confidence boost.
- Vicky B.
Our family has several little ones under 7, and I was so nervous about how the session would go. But from the moment we arrived, Bella Lumiere made it stress-free and fun. They were patient, encouraging, and somehow got all three kids to cooperate (and smile!). The result? Pure magic. These photos feel like real moments, not just posed smiles.
- Catherine B..
We’ve had family photos before, but nothing compares to the experience we had with Bella Lumiere. It felt like a day together, not just a photo shoot. They gave us space to laugh and play but also helped guide us into those picture-perfect moments. The photos feel so natural and full of life. And yes… even my husband asked when we can do it again!
- Anne B.
My daughter’s senior portraits with Bella Lumiere were everything we dreamed of. They perfectly balanced fun and fashion with sweet, emotional moments. Her personality just shone through in every image. She felt like a total rock star and said it was one of the best experiences of her senior year. These aren’t your typical stiff senior photos—these are timeless heirlooms.
- SHARON D.
I can’t even explain how beautiful our photos turned out! Bella Lumiere Photography didn’t just take pictures—they captured our family’s connection, laughter, and love. My husband and kids actually enjoyed the session (which is a miracle on its own!), and I felt so confident and cared for the whole time. The final gallery brought me to tears. Light, bright, and absolutely timeless. We’ll treasure these forever.
- Bashaaer z.
