I’m a California native, born and raised in Los Angeles. I have always been a hopeless romantic, drawn to fairytales and timeless stories of true love. My husband and I are best friends and have been since we were teenagers. We met as next-door neighbors and although I have been taking pictures since I was a kid, it was my husband that helped me graduate from the disposable cameras of my childhood by giving me my first consumer film camera. We had a seven-year engagement and married after fourteen years of dating. There is no wrong way when it comes to love.
On our wedding day, our photographers gifted us tangible memories of the singular joy that is marrying your soulmate. Our laughter, our tears. The anticipation of getting ready, the excitement of driving off together at the end of the night. Our love, our story.
I began professionally shooting weddings shortly after that day. I started out under other photographers, working and building experience for three years. I launched XO and Fetti after discovering my own creative voice. I photographed the first XO and Fetti couple in June of 2016 and have had the honor of documenting many love stories since then! I want to build an experience for a couple from start to finish that only I can create. I want to give other couples the same gift my wedding photographers gave me. I’m grateful to be part of such a joyous moment in someone’s life.
My husband & my fur baby Pepper: It’s the best feeling in the world knowing that I can count on my best friend to cheer me on and support me with this small business. We met as teenagers living next door to each other and have been inseparable since! We moved back to our hometown early in 2020 and now spend most of our time with our 14 year old dachshund, exploring parks and eateries in our city and beyond.
All the Things: I’m a huge supporter of art and creative expression; I would draw a ton as a child for fun and was our High School newspaper’s cartoonist! As an adult, I love to say that I love “all the things” that are creative and artful, from pottery to dance. Lately, I’ve been obsessing over Grandmillenialism and Chinoiserie interior design.
My parents wedding day: A wave of nostalgia sweeps over me every time I document a wedding. I am a romantic at heart. When I was a little girl I would watch my parents' wedding video over and over again and I’d sit and flip through their film photos.I loved seeing my grandparents, my aunts, uncles and older cousins celebrating my parents union. Plus, I loved that it was the first wedding I ever attended - Yup. I was my parents’ flower girl!
Traveling: At fifteen, I was given a choice between a Quinceanera and a family trip. Can you guess what I chose? Don’t get me wrong, I love to celebrate milestones too, but exploring new places and making memories with loved ones has always made me happiest!
founder & principal artist
Vanessa Mestas
You know that saying, there’s no “I” in team? Well, I truly believe that this photography company would not be where it is today without the support and contributions from my colleagues. Our work, our connection with our clients and our growth is because of our joint dedication to XO and Fetti’s philosophy and art. I am so grateful to have these talented people - these creatives - as part of XO and Fetti.
Jennifer
“My fascination for love and how unique and special it is, inspires me to tell your story as beautifully and authentically as possible. Love stories are an infinite source of inspiration to me and I believe that the most magical images are made up of connection, emotion, and light. I wholeheartedly believe that you should live in the moments you want to remember forever, and I am beyond thrilled to share those moments with XO and Fetti couples!”
Jennifer joined our team two in a half years ago. We adore her fine art approach to wedding days, as well as her sweet personality. Her calmness creates a serene space for our couples, making her a perfect creative for wedding days. She is our Principal Associate and is available to document weddings in SoCal and beyond.
CLAUDIA
“I have photographed moments for my family and friends for as long as I can remember; to me, taking a photo of a special occasion, a family achieving a milestone or even a teenager growing through life’s journey is a privilege and I’m honored to professionally offer my services for XO and Fetti couples. Documenting a love story, and the connections between family are what make me feel most excited about being a wedding photographer. I’m humbled to do what I do!”
Claudia has been a part of XO and Fetti from day one! She primarily second shoots; her kindness and fun personality are only two of the many reasons why she’s my right-hand woman. She occasionally takes on a wedding as Principal Associate but finds she connects best with intimate family sessions.
Elaine
“I'm so excited to be part of the XO and Fetti team! I was born and raised in Los Angeles but have roots in Hawaii and am currently in Northern California shooting weddings up and down the Golden Coast. When I'm not shooting and editing, I love spending time by the water, cooking up Korean food, and baking a new treat! I'm the type of person who will always have room for dessert :) I'm usually reading through at least one fiction and one non-fiction book simultaneously, and my favorite part of being a wedding photographer is capturing memories for my couples and their loved ones that they can look back on and remember for lifetimes to come.”
Elaine’s work and aesthetic takes me to an ethereal, dreamy space. The way she captures authentic moments is alluring, timeless and classic. There’s a sense of serenity to her work, a calm presence that is welcoming and warm. We are truly fortunate to have her as an Associate, her work has been recognized by fine-art publications such as Once Wed and Magnolia Rouge.