By the time the fog crept in, adding an ethereal touch, I had a feeling this would be no ordinary wedding story. We were on a sailboat departing Marina del Rey for Lauren Cannataro and Jack Carroll’s engagement photo session that day in November 2023, and the play of sunlight and passing fog would offer a perfect intro to their trio of classic-glam wedding events that wrapped up with their May 2024 nuptials in Beverly Hills. 

I had felt an instant connection with the couple as we rode together to the marina. Maybe it was because they are as obsessed with their golden retriever Prince as much as I am with my goldendoodle Isla. By the time we got to the sailboat, we had hit it off. And when another boat passed us, blaring “Rich Baby Daddy” by Drake, it felt only right to dance. I snapped pictures as we danced and laughed. It was one of those “top of the world” moods, sunny despite the gloomy sky. 

An engagement session like theirs not only gives my clients images for “save the date” cards. It’s an opportunity for the couple’s chemistry to shine, and a chance for them to get to know their photographer sometimes months before the wedding. Consider it a test run for later events. For Lauren and Jack, it was Act 1 of their wedding story.

Six months after their boat session, the couple’s wedding week arrived. It included a welcome party, then the wedding/reception. A timeless vibe, reflected in the classic fashion, decor touches and Rat Pack soundtrack, flowed throughout it all. And a fun-loving spirit brought that retro vibe to life. There was style and warmth, fashion and family, timelessness and today. Oh, and Prince the golden was the handsomest boy.

Originally from Colorado, Lauren and Jack were chill through it all. Their events had a romantic yet relaxed feel, a mix of L.A. luxury and Colorado chill. 

At their welcome party, held at a Bel Air mansion that felt straight out of a vintage movie set, they had a tattoo artist offering custom designs for each guest. There was Italian music and singing, good spirits all around.

The wedding itself was magical, made for that 35mm film look. I used my film camera constantly that day because each moment felt nostalgic. That included the bride’s dressing room, where Lauren got ready for the wedding as vintage black-and-white movies played in the background. 

Throughout the day, we were transported. Here we were in a Beverly Hills mansion brimming with Old World romance, al fresco wedding aisles lined with white flowers and guests holding parasols to filter the bright sun. 

With event design by Michelle Tu’s Somni Weddings and Events, the feel was Italian villa, made to order for a couple that got engaged in Italy and planned an Italian honeymoon. The courtyard reception felt like a long, leisurely dinner in Italy: tables topped with fresh focaccia, olives, artichokes and other beautiful elements.

Outside this Old World bubble were sweeping views of L.A., a reminder that the city was still there. 

I see the events leading to Lauren and Jack’s Big Day as stories that are part of a lovely book. I feel so fortunate that I could document each chapter with my camera.

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