It had been a week of surprises for me. A beachfront proposal in the Maldives. Moments later, a wedding I never could have dreamed up, our vows recited to the sound of waves and the scent of sea air, all before I could catch my breath.

And now we were on a layover in Dubai on our way home when yet another surprise popped up on my phone: I had been named one of The Wed’s “40 Best Wedding Photographers in the U.S.” To say I was thrilled and grateful is an understatement. I was absolutely honored to be among photographers I’ve long admired. To be named along with some of my favorites — photo stars such as Norman & Blake, José Villa, Kelly Brown, Kristen Marie Parker and so many other talented artists — was unreal.

In their images, I see not only weddings but dreamscapes. From Villa’s exquisite compositions to Norman & Blake’s stunning candids to Kelly Brown’s luminous works, I have found an ocean of inspiration. 

On my flight home, I had some time to think about what I’d like my clients to know about my own work. What I strive for are images that convey the emotions I witness through my lens. I want to capture not only the looks and poses but the ambiance, diverse personalities and love stories that transport you.

When people tell me they feel they are genuinely there, at the event, when they look at my photos, it’s one of the biggest compliments I can get.  

When it comes to wedding photography, I find the most compelling images show more than a lineup of people and poses. While I still want to capture some traditional aspects of an event, I don’t want anyone to feel their wedding has to be one big photo shoot. Where’s the joy in that? The magic happens in the candid, real moments between people.

That’s why I don’t just pop in on wedding weekend and meet my clients for the first time. I love to build a connection with them over time, understand their personality and style. We do this via chats and many times during pre-wedding shoots, such as engagement and “save the date” sessions. 

These pre-wedding moments not only allow me to better understand the nuances of each couple, they allow my clients to feel more at ease in front of the cameras. When their wedding day arrives, they know what to do and it’s effortless.

For more information about Lauren Alatriste fine art wedding photography or to get in touch, visit my website LaurenAlatriste.com, or my Instagram page.