READING TIME: 3 min 26 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/11/2025
UPDATED: 10/11/2025
Every great love story begins with a crossing of paths—and for Tommy and Ellie Ketcham, that idea became the heartbeat of their creative journey. “We both grew up in Ohio, went to the same college in Virginia, but met 4,000 miles away from home in Alaska!” they share with a laugh.
Now based in Hawai’i, this husband-and-wife duo spends half of each year living out of suitcases, capturing weddings and elopements across the globe. Their brand, Cross Films, is far more than a name—it’s a reflection of deep meaning and purpose.
“First and foremost, it reflects the saving work and sacrifice of Jesus on the cross—the foundation of our hope, love, and life. Everything we create is ultimately to bring glory to His name,” Tommy and Ellie explain.
“It also speaks to the beauty of connection. We believe every path crosses for a reason.”
That dual meaning—faith and connection—flows through everything they do, both as artists and as humans.
Though Cross Films officially began capturing weddings and elopements just over two years ago, Tommy and Ellie’s creative journey started long before that. Their shared love of storytelling and adventure became the foundation for a business built on authenticity and purpose.
We’ve met so many kind, genuine people we never would’ve crossed paths with if not for this industry. And the fact that we get to document some of their most beautiful, meaningful moments? Truly an HONOR!!
Whether it’s an intimate elopement on a Hawaiian cliffside or a sun-drenched celebration in Italy, the duo approaches every event with gratitude and reverence.
Cross Films is all about letting moments unfold naturally. Their work embodies the warmth of human connection, the emotion of a fleeting glance, and the timelessness of love captured honestly.
“Our approach to photography is rooted in a documentary style—stepping back to let genuine moments unfold naturally,” Ellie says. “We guide and prompt when needed, but our goal is always to capture the real, authentic emotions so you can look back and truly feel those moments again and again.”
Using Sony a7IV cameras paired with a 24–70mm f2.8 GM or Tamron 35–150mm f2.0–2.8, they balance precision with spontaneity. Their workflow includes custom presets and hand-edited refinements to achieve that cohesive, cinematic look that feels true to life.
For Tommy and Ellie, the experience matters as much as the final images. They go above and beyond to make their couples feel at ease—from the very first call to the final gallery delivery.
“We start by sending over our packages so couples can see all that’s included laid out clearly. From there, we hop on an intro call to connect, hear their love story, walk through their vision, and chat about any customizations they might want to make!”
Their wedding day coverage typically ranges from six to ten hours, with eight to ten being the sweet spot. But what truly sets Cross Films apart is their flexibility.
We’re alllll about customizing our packages!! No two couples and their love stories are the same. Everyone has a different vision for their day, and we’re here to help bring theirs to life in a way that feels like them.
Whether it’s a pizza party welcome dinner in Italy or a post-wedding boat day in Hawai’i, they know these unscripted, joyful experiences often become the most memorable chapters in the story.
Tommy and Ellie see themselves as more than photographers—they’re storytellers and supporters. On the wedding day, they blend seamlessly into the rhythm of celebration, documenting without intruding.
“As the wedding day gets closer, we’re here to help build a timeline that’s not just about logistics, but about creating space for those in-between, genuine moments to unfold,” they explain. “Those are often the moments that matter most.”
Their philosophy? When a couple feels relaxed and present, the most beautiful images happen naturally.
Movement is key to capturing those beautiful, cinematic moments, so be ready to run around and have fun!! Authentic moments only happen when you feel comfortable and truly yourselves, so our goal is to make the whole experience feel like a date.
While they’re based in Hawai’i, Tommy and Ellie are seasoned travelers—about 70% of their weddings take place abroad.
“Italy, Australia, and Greece have all been favorites so far, but we’re down to meet our couples anywhere in the world!!” they smile.
Their experience with destination weddings gives couples confidence, knowing the Cross Films team can handle every logistical detail while keeping the focus on what truly matters—love, connection, and joy.
At its heart, Cross Films is more than just a business—it’s a ministry of love and storytelling. Every image, every film, every shared moment reflects Tommy and Ellie’s belief that beauty and purpose are meant to be shared.
In God’s perfect timing, we hope our paths cross with yours, so we can help preserve some of your most meaningful moments and memories.
Through their lens, every story becomes a testament to love—sincere, powerful, and divinely intertwined.
