As a wedding photographer, Lauren Alatriste lives for those moments when a bride radiates pure confidence – when she moves through her wedding day like she's starring in her own editorial spread. Creating those iconic, magazine-worthy images isn't just about having a great photographer (though that's definitely a part of it) – it's about intentionally crafting every element of the day to reflect who the couple truly is. With countless weddings under her belt, we enlisted Lauren to share her expert insights to ensure your wedding photos capture that main-character energy you're chasing, while feeling authentically yourself in every single frame.
The Love Story Between Your Fashion & Venue
Your dress isn't just a dress – it's a visual anchor in every frame. When that sculptural ballgown catches light streaming through modernist windows, or vintage lace creates shadow play against century-old stone walls, we're not just taking photos – we're crafting scenes worthy of an editorial spread. Through my lens, I'm watching for these intentional interplays: the way your silk chiffon cape dances with Art Deco archways, how your minimalist crepe gown stands in stunning contrast against ornate Italian gardens. As a photographer, these aren't just pretty details: They're the elements that transform a standard wedding photo into an editorial moment. When a bride tells me she chose her venue before her dress, I get excited because I know that means she's caring about the synergy between her venue choice, her dress, and her wedding design. It's obvious when a bride does the work to ensure this cohesive design is captured in every element of her wedding day.
Timing is Everything (Like, Actually Everything)
Golden hour isn't just pretty; it's a power move. But let's talk about what really creates that editorial magic: breathing room in your timeline. For example, when a bride tells me she's planned an extra 30 minutes for sunset portraits, I know we're not just going to catch that sought-after light – we're going to capture those perfect in-between moments where she actually feels like herself.
This is important for a few reasons – It gives the bride the ability to "warm up" and be herself. Even though we spend a lot of time pre-planning, most people aren't used to being in front of a camera. Giving extra time allows you to flow into feeling comfortable. It also eliminates chaos. Building in time is essential for a peaceful flow and leaves room for delays. And lastly, but most importantly, feeling like you're 'in the moment' with your lover! As your photographer, I'm not just thinking about when the light will hit your veil just right – I'm thinking about giving you time to actually feel the weight of your dress, laugh genuinely with your partner, and have a quiet moment where you forget I'm even there. Those magazine-worthy frames happen when we're not racing against the clock.
When you plan your timeline with intention (and trust your photographer's guidance), every moment has space to breathe – and that's when we create images that feel effortlessly elevated. In the end, there's nothing more authentic and aesthetically stunning than a bride who's present enough to actually feel like the main character in her story.
The Supporting Cast (The Photographer-Client Chemistry)
Your photographer isn't just a vendor – they're your creative director and confidante rolled into one. That laugh you see in photos? It's real, because we've spent months building trust, sharing inspiration, and creating a comfortable space for you to be authentically you. When a bride tells me she feels like she's hanging out with a friend who just happens to have a camera, that's when I know we're about to capture pure magic. The comfort you feel with your photographer shows up in every frame – it's the difference between posed photos and editorial moments that feel seamlessly cool. Let your photographer follow you on Instagram. Slide into their DMs when you come across something you love. Meet them for coffee if they're in your city. Send them your mood board so they can truly see your vision. Help create that relationship!
The Authenticity Factor
Here's the thing about main-character energy – it can't be faked. Through my lens, I see this truth unfold when a bride is completely in her element, wearing designs that feel like a second skin and surrounded by choices that echo her personal aesthetic. Those frame-worthy moments happen naturally when you're truly comfortable – it's in the way you adjust your sleeve because you know exactly how it should fall, the instinctive way you move in a silhouette that feels made for you, the genuine smile that spreads across your face when you see your vision come to life. This is why I always tell my couples to forget what's trending unless it genuinely speaks to you, because the most captivating images aren't born from Pinterest boards – they come from personal conviction. Trust me when I say this: the images that will stop you in your tracks years from now aren't the ones where you followed trends – they're the ones where your personality shines through so clearly that they couldn't possibly be anyone else's wedding but yours.
The Location Plot Twist
Your venue isn't just a backdrop – it's a character in its own right. If you're a minimalist bride, putting yourself in a baroque palace might feel like wearing someone else's story. Through my lens, I'm watching how you interact with your space – the way light plays through modern architecture, how historic stone walls frame intimate moments, how coastal vistas create natural movement in every frame. Choose a setting that amplifies your personal aesthetic, not fight against it, because this isn't just about pretty pictures – it's about creating images where you look like you belong in every frame. When a venue aligns with your vision, every corner becomes an opportunity for an iconic shot, every architectural detail enhances your story rather than competes with it. Looking through my camera, I'm not just seeing a beautiful setting – I'm seeing how each element of the space works in harmony with your style to create images that feel intentional, elevated, and undeniably you.
