hello there!
i’m Aileen
I’m big on laughing ‘til you cry, good conversation and cozy spaces.
Photos by Page & Holmes Photography, Oliver Rabanes Photography + Sara Rogers Photography
My love for photography started in high school, armed with a simple point-and-shoot camera taking photos of flowers, that soon blossomed (yes, I went there) into a full-blown passion. I had the privilege of pursuing photography in post-secondary where I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Emily Carr University. I photographed my first wedding in 2014 for a friend from work, and even now, I look back on those photos with pride. I can still see the core of my work—the way I capture emotion and storytelling—present even then.
Now, a whole decade later, I’m still just as in love with it. I am grateful that this is what I get to do: documenting people’s milestones, preserving moments in time, and getting to view the world through a creative lens. Even without a camera in hand, everyday moments feel like scenes from a movie, and I feel lucky to notice the beauty in the small, ordinary things that often go unseen.
real scientific facts about me
My ordinary superpower is finding good parking spots in busy areas.
My love language is all 5 of them.
Driving is my equivalent to shower thoughts; I do my deepest, most profound thinking in the car.
A crisp Diet Coke with lots of ice is my drink of choice on any given day.
I could never plead the fifth because I love to chit chat.
Who i am
99% of the time this is my wedding uniform, so you’ll likely see me in this on your wedding day! (It has pockets.)
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Being a sentimental person by nature means I’m fully invested in your story, always seeking out meaningful interactions and heartfelt moments. This emotional connection isn’t just part of my approach to photography; it’s a core value that shapes how I move through both my personal and professional life.
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Growing up, I was often told I was too sensitive, but I’ve come to see it as one of my greatest strengths. My empathy allows me to connect with people on a deeper level, anticipate emotions, and truly understand all the feelings involved with a wedding. Especially since having my own wedding in 2023, I really get it.
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Being a wedding photographer is more than just taking photos—it’s about understanding people. I’m always in tune with the energy of the room, knowing when to step back and when to step in, fostering a calm and comfortable environment as you move through the day.
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Weddings can be unpredictable, but I thrive under pressure. I strive to be a calming presence that helps you and your loved ones feel relaxed, so you can lean on me throughout the entire process.
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Everyone deserves to feel safe, seen, and celebrated. No matter your race, gender, or who you love, you are welcome here. Inclusivity is a priority in my work because I believe representation matters.
What sets me apart
Look mom, i was on cbc!
Featured in
Social responsibility
Giving Back Together
I acknowledge that it is a privilege to make a living doing what I love. Therefore, I aim to support and advocate for marginalized communities, as I deeply care about equality and inclusivity for all. For every wedding and elopement booked, I donate one percent of the total of each booking to 3 causes I am very passionate about:
Indian Residential School Survivors Society provides essential services to Residential School Survivors, their families, and to those dealing with intergenerational traumas.
Action Canada focuses on advancing and advocating for sexual and reproductive health and rights, LGBTQI+ rights and sexuality education in Canada and globally.
Canadian Women’s Foundation helps fund programs across Canada, addressing prevention of gender-based violence, women’s economic development, and girls’ empowerment (includes people who identify as women, girls, trans, gender-queer, and gender non-binary.)
You will get to decide which non-profit organization you would like me to donate to!
Uplifting Future Artists:
The Aileen Choi Photo Bursary
In 2022, I started the Aileen Choi Photo Bursary, a $1,000 award designed to support Riverside Secondary School students pursuing fine arts in post-secondary education. Riverside holds a special place in my heart—it’s where I first discovered my love for photography and began dreaming of a creative career. I know it’s not always the easiest path to pursue fine arts for a living, which is why I’m passionate about supporting aspiring artists. This bursary prioritizes students who need financial assistance, aiming to celebrate creativity and encourage young talent as they take their first steps toward making art their future.
tOgether we co.
For photographers
I believe in people, both in front of and behind the camera. When I started my own photography business in 2016, I realized how important it is to be a part of a supportive photography community.
That’s why my work bestie, Sara Rogers, and I started Together We Co, offering business management and creative virtual assistance to photographers. I know what it’s like to struggle through trial and error when you’re trying to build a business and how it feels to get lost in your identity as a photographer when your business starts to take over your life.
With Together We Co’s monthly subscriptions and standalone services, we’re helping our fellow photographers grow their businesses without the overwhelm. Our custom packages and services are designed to meet you where you are - whether that’s just getting started without a clue what to do next or booked and busy but dying to get something off your plate.
Say hello over at Together We Co and find out how we can help make your life a little easier.