We’re in this together.

WHO YOU ARE (and what you’re about)—that’s far more important to us than anything else.

The art we create is both beautiful and specific. What makes you laugh? What makes you cry? (we promise, not us).

Our process is EXTENSIVE—here’s why...

We don’t believe for one second we’d be able to capture the depth of your story without… drumroll… getting to know YOU.

FIRST THINGS FIRST...

VALUES & MISSION

The Wonder of Life

We’re all humans over here. Our favorite ones (that’s you!) understand & appreciate the deeply intrinsic value that everyday life holds.

Family, community, connection, the wonder of life.
These are central to EVERYTHING.

Your photos last a lifetime. In other words, your good looks/secret glances/adoring stares are immortalized forever (get PUMPED). 

RESONATE WITH US? LET'S CHAT

"caroline made it such a fun experience!

Just got our engagement pictures back last week and we absolutely love them!! Caroline made it such a fun experience and her 1-week turnaround time is unbeatable! Would highly recommend for all your photography needs."

Brennan M.

meet caroline hilla

This business combines my two most favorite things: people and art.

I’m the biggest fan of photos that make you look & feel as beautiful as your moment is. Breathtaking scenery, gorgeous lovers, and a little thing I like to call my artistic touch.

Ready for photos that make you FEEL SOMETHING?? I knew it… me too ;)

My favorite part about this business, (no question) is the relationship I get to build with YOU. You are THE beating heart of Golden Hearts. No pressure, right? But seriously—you don’t have to do anything to make this job so wonderful. Showing up, being who you are, loving HARD—it makes my world go round.

founder, ceo, lead photographer
the heart behind the brand 

At the end of the day, friends, I LOVE keeping everyone smiling and just having the MOST fun together!

My two favorite things...
people & art.

Deep emotion
raw joy
my camera

All go together like a 90 degree day and a perfectly crisp pool.

Let’s just say my Enneagram (7, THE ENTHUSIAST) keeps the good time coming. Trust me, it’ll all make sense once you get to know me. 

So what does my process look like? Hint: it’s not short. You won’t catch me cutting corners. You’re showing up in front of my camera? I don’t intend to waste your vulnerability in doing so. It makes sense, then, that we jump right in together. Into the core of who you are and what makes you tick. Your personality, your joys, what makes your heart soar, etc.

Without a genuine connection, I would have no way to honestly capture who you are—which is all I’m here to do. As I’m sure you’ve realized, building relationship is FOUNDATIONAL. It’s what makes me so good at what I do. 

Keep the good times coming.

i'm there!

I was born and raised in Raleigh, NC, but my sense of adventure has taken me all over the world. I graduated high school in Germany, where I spent two years exploring new cities, countries, and cultures. Today I’m lucky enough to call Raleigh my home, but my love for travel never faded. Wherever your love is... 

yes, i would love to travel to ya!

when i'm not shooting i'm... 

sipping mimosas!!!

finding random things to do - 

spending time with my family

My absolute favorite drink of all time. And yes, I’m a HUGE fan of brunching on the weekends. 

I love learning new skills and trying new hobbies! Outside of your wedding day, you’ll probably catch me at a glassblowing workshop or flower arranging class. Keeping my friends entertained with all the random activities I manage to find is a favorite of mine!

They are everything to me! I count myself so lucky to live in the same state as all my family. It is such a blessing to be able to celebrate birthdays and holidays together. Another thing; I absolutely LOVE being an auntie and an active part of my nieces’ and nephews’ lives <3 

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where you'll find me

Thundercats fixie Williamsburg, photo booth synth vinyl dreamcatcher Wes Anderson cliche. You probably haven’t heard of them DIY mlkshk biodiesel McSweeney’s raw denim. Skateboard Pitchfork Etsy, photo booth messenger bag artisan raw denim beard Tumblr retro Austin. 

Cray hexagon messenger bag, pinterest hell of etsy man braid  tumblr franzen. Slow-carb tofu jianbing +1 intelligentsia single-origin coffee coloring book master cleanse tumblr la croix. Semiotics edison bulb plaid.

 we might have in common

& a few random things

i'm such a foodie!

My whole life revolves around my two favorites, my Doberman, Randall, and my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Moose!

 Not only do I get to spend time capturing the love of some of my favorite people ever, this job enables me to work from home & snuggle my dogs all day long. This life is filled to the brim with joy, and these two make it better every day. 

I love an excellent, curated home cooked meal made with all the love, and real, quality ingredients. One of my favorite pastimes is taking trips to my local Farmer’s Market, buying the freshest produce, and coming up with a delicious recipe highlighting the ingredients I just bought.

My life is built around the belief that every moment is worth cherishing, and seeking growth is so incredibly important. Plus, good food makes everything better. 

I'm a major dog person

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meet the rest of our team

Golden Hearts wouldn’t exist without the dedicated passion these wonderful people bring to the table—each and every one of whom is committed to providing you with the greatest photos possible. These delightful humans & dear friends of mine make the high quality we provide seamless, with each one of them caring deeply about your love (just as I do).

Allow me to introduce you:

business strategy & operations manager

Danielle manages all the Golden Hearts client communications, scheduling, and contracts. In addition to her communications, she manages the backend of the business, always finding creative ways to increase efficiency for you.

 Her job is to provide you with helpful information throughout your journey with us. Danielle also helps write the blogs that address all our most commonly asked questions.  

danielle 

Danielle joined Golden Hearts with a successful background in Account Management for a local marketing agency. Upon her graduation from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, she managed the maintenance of a 1.5 million dollar book of business and the cultivation of additional revenue.

Most recently, Danielle started her own freelance social-media marketing business in Columbus, Ohio, which enables her to spend more time with her two girls (Amelia, 3 and Adalyn, 1), and her husband, Alex. Her family enjoys hiking, boating and fishing. Danielle loves to visit new restaurants, shop, and workout!

more from golden hearts

associate photographer

Krista is one of the most talented industry professionals I’ve ever come across. This woman truly does it all, but her genuine love for every single moment of yours she captures has set her apart from the very beginning.

krista

associate photographer

Justin is an incredibly talented photographer serving the Raleigh and surrounding triangle area. He specializes in romantic, documentary style photography and knows how to really tell a story through photos. He focuses on capturing all the little moments in between the big ones. You can count on Justin for romantic, edgy photos that stand the test of time. 

justin

Capturing Organic Moments

She’s been in the industry for over five years (you can tell). She’s an avid lover of the beach, but she’ll travel all over the US to photograph your story. One of her great creative loves is shooting in film—in her own words, “I want to be a fly on the wall, capturing organic moments”. 

life is meant to be savored

 © GOLDEN HEARTS PHOTO 2023 | Branding + Website design by Krista Lax Creative, LLC 

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golden hearts photos Offers wedding & portrait photography based in Raleigh, North Carolina