2025-2026 wedding & engagement guide
THE COLLECTIONS
Your wedding is a unique reflection of you.
That’s why I love getting to know you, and your wedding details, personally. Knowing your wedding day dreams enables me to create authentic images that reflect the real you. My shooting style produces images that reveal the intimate and authentic expressions of the love and commitment you share. Unguarded. Natural. Emotional. The cherished images of a lifetime. Your wedding day will be filled with extraordinary moments — intimate, surprising, and joyous. Captured creatively, those moments shine through as timeless heirlooms, instantly bringing you back to the essence of your day.
I would love to tell your love story. I believe wedding photography is more than just pictures—it’s about capturing your story, your love, and the in-between moments that make your day special. With over 13 years of experience photographing in Louisville, Kentucky, Southern Indiana, and beyond, I know how to document your big day in a way that feels effortless and natural.
I specialize in emotive, storytelling-style photography, making sure you feel comfortable in front of the camera while I take care of capturing your best moments. Whether you're wondering "How do I pose?", or "Should I do a first look?", I’ll guide you through every step!
EVERY COUPLE HAS A LOVE STORY.
LET ME TELL YOURS.
BRINGING YOUR WEDDING MEMORIES TO LIFE
You have hundreds of wedding plans to make.
Deciding who will bring your memories to life is one of your most important.
When the flurry and excitement of your wedding is over, it’s beautifully captured images that help you revisit the romance, emotion and spirit of an event that passes so quickly.
So, how do you choose the best wedding photographer for you?
I think of you as more than just a shot list. Instead, I invest time getting to know you and your wedding dreams. That makes all the difference.
You will be more comfortable in front of my lens, and your images will have the natural, more authentic feel of true keepsakes.
CHOOSE A PHOTOGRAPHER WHO VALUES YOUR DREAMS
I will capture consistent, quality images throughout your wedding day. Details matter. And the subtle nuances of your day are important.
I’m happy to share entire wedding galleries with you, so you can assure yourself that the quality you expect consistently shines through in every shot.
VIEW PORTFOLIO IMAGES
FROM AN ENTIRE WEDDING
I’m experienced dealing with many different lighting environments and situations.
I’m committed to professional and timely response to your needs before and after the ceremony. All hallmarks of a seasoned professional. And all assurances that every special moment of your wedding is flawlessly captured.
CHOOSE A SEASONED PROFESSIONAL
I happened to meet Lauren through my field of work, as a wedding coordinator at Huber's Orchard & Winery in Starlight, IN. After working alongside her professionally and seeing her finished product of brides I had personally worked with also, I knew she had a knack for catching all the best shots. We hired Lauren to do our wedding and reception photography and could not have been happier with the outcome! I am so glad that I can continue my relationship with Lauren through our shared interests. Thank you Lauren!!!
"Having worked with Lauren professionally, I already knew she was incredible—so hiring her personally was an easy decision.."
kind words
Engagement sessions add so much to the story of who you are as a couple right now, and they’re an ideal way to become more comfortable in front of my lens before your wedding day. Your engagement session can be as simple as a stroll through your favorite park, an intimate meal at your favorite café, or even a romantic return to where he proposed — anything you can imagine to share the imagery of your personal love story.
Formal or informal, images from your engagement session are beautiful additions to your wedding album, and also make a wonderful signing book. They help to craft the whole story, and can even be used for save-the-date cards, invitations or thank you cards.
Engagement Sessions
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your wedding timeline—
A SMOOTH FLOW TO YOUR SPECIAL DAY
how many hours should you book?
Memorable weddings don’t just happen. They take a bit of organization. To ensure a smooth flow of beautifully captured memories of your day, a timeline of wedding events will help guide your planning.
To get started planning your timeline read below for some things to consider.
building your timeline
Remember. Your wedding day is unique, and planning together ensures you don’t miss a minute of this special time in your lives.
The Ceremony : 15 min - 1.5 hours
Family Portraits : 20 - 45 min
Plan for some additional time for detail photos
and if you’re planning a “first look”.
Bride & Groom Prep : 1 to 2 hours
First Look : 20-45 min
The length of your ceremony may vary widely. Afterward, allow more time for formal portraits(if planned) to allow your guests to leave the church or venue.
Family portrait timing can vary widely depending on group size and family/group combinations.
Your first dance, cutting the cake, dancing guests, friends and family sharing your joy.
reception : 1.5 - 3 hours
Wedding Party Photos : 20 - 30 min
Wedding party photos can vary widely depending on group size and location(s)
Sunset portraits : 15-20 min
We usually sneak away during dinner to get those dreamy sunset portraits
when should your ceremony begin
The timing of your ceremony plays a big role in the flow of your day. From lighting to logistics, choosing the right time ensures a seamless experience, giving you space to be present and enjoy every moment.
If your ceremony will be outdoors, if possible check out the site at the times you are considering having the ceremony start. This means time of day and time of year. Will you be in the shade or directly under the sun. While I can work with either lighting situation shade or evening lighting is always going to produce more flattering images. Direct overhead light casts harsh shadows on faces and gives your photos heavy contrast
Are you having an outdoor
ceremony or indoor?
Having a first look can help eliminate the need to have any formal pictures after your ceremony.
Are you having a first
look with the groom?
What time should your
ceremony take place
It's important to consider the time of year for your ceremony time regardless if it will take place indoors or out. 5 PM in the summer will be completely different lighting than 5PM in the winter. It's important to consider these differences when planning your outdoor portraits. If you wait until after the ceremony for your couples portraits will there be any light left?
should we have
a first look?
Your wedding day is all about you, and deciding whether to have a first look comes down to what feels right for your experience. It’s a beautiful way to share an intimate moment before the ceremony, calm any nerves, and create more time for photos—without feeling rushed later in the day.
Your first response may be a big NO!
“I want my fiancé to see me for the first time as I come down the aisle”Many couples are scared that a first look will take away from the emotional impact as their fiancé sees them for the down the aisle.Let me be the first to assure you that this is not the case. I have seen many couples become emotional at both the first look and as they're walking down the aisle to say “I do”.
Should you have a first look?
What are the benefits?
A fist look is completely private. It's you, your fiancé andyour photographers. No one else. We stage your fiancé for the big reveal and then we fade into the background and let the two of you have your moment. After a few minutes we then take time to do a few bride and groom portraits. We usually add the rest of the wedding party and finish up all of your formal picturesfor the day. We can even do family formals at this time. By having a first look followed by formal portraits, most couples feel less stressedthe rest of the day.. This leaves them free to join everyone almost immediately after the ceremony and begin enjoying the party with their guests!
From meeting to booking to gallery delivery
Every photographer has their own unique approach, and if this is your first time planning a wedding, navigating the booking process can feel overwhelming. To make things easier, I’ve outlined what to expect when we work together—so you’ll know exactly how the process flows from start to finish.
After photographing close to two hundred weddings in the last 13 years, I've found that I'm not the perfect fit for every couple.
That’s why this process begins with a conversation. I want to hear
everything—how you met, funny first date stories, and how you got
engaged.
We’ll get to know one another, talk about the details of your
day, answer any questions you might have about working with me and
figure out if we’re the best fit for each other.
01. LET's CONNECT
Once you've decided we're the perfect fit, securing your wedding date is simple! I'll send over a contract and invoice, and once your retainer is paid, your date is officially reserved on my calendar. From there, you’ll receive a welcome email with helpful resources, including tips for planning your engagement session and a general timeline guide.
You’ll also get a detailed questionnaire to help me learn more about your wedding plans, priorities, and any special details you want captured. I’m here to answer any questions along the way and ensure we’re set up for a smooth and stress-free experience from the start!
02. Book your date
I'm a big fan of engagement sessions for a few reasons. Not only do they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera, they also give you the opportunity to showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you.
Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following a proposal to just a few days before the wedding. We’ve found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. I normally plan sessions based on a particular “look” a couple has in mind, spring flowers for example, or based on schedules.
03. Engagement Session
I check in periodically before the wedding to start chatting about timeline specifics, special details, family formal shot lists, special traditions, and anything else we should know about your big day.
Your questionnaire has all the essential details, from key moments you want captured to any unique elements that make your wedding day personal to you. This helps me arrive fully prepared, ensuring nothing important is missed.
Then, about 30 days before your wedding, we’ll have a final planning meeting. This is our chance to go over everything one last time—finalizing your timeline, making any last-minute adjustments, and ensuring we’re all set for a smooth, stress-free day. It’s also a great time to ask any remaining questions or share any updates so I can capture your day exactly as you’ve envisioned.
04. Wedding Day Prep
It's finally here! The day the two of you say "I Do" and dance the night away surrounded by your family and friends.
Just know I'm excited to celebrate and capture your wedding day. It's going to be awesome.
05. the Big Day
You can expect your photos to be delivered via an online gallery within about eight to twelve weeks of your wedding.(Usually sooner!) At that time, I'll also send over details about preserving your images through prints and albums.
I hope the relationship doesn't end after we deliver your photographs. I want to hear about the adventures of married life. And if you decide to have kids, I'd love to document your growing family.
06. Photo Delivery
Custom packages are available upon request
**A 6% MD sales tax will be added to all packages and options
***Travel fees may apply to locations outside of 60 miles. Ask for details.
6 Hours of Coverage
2 Photographers
Mini Engagement Session or 8x8 Photo Book
USB Box
B&W versions
Online Gallery
Print Release
6 Hours of Coverage
2 Photographers
Mini Engagement Session or 8x8 Photo Book
USB Box
B&W versions
Online Gallery
Print Release
$2900
COLLECTION THREE
8 Hours of Coverage
2 Photographers
Engagement Session or 10x10 Photo Book
USB Box
B&W versions
Online Gallery
Print Release
8 Hours of Coverage
2 Photographers
Engagement Session or 10x10 Photo Book
USB Box
B&W versions
Online Gallery
Print Release
$3600
COLLECTION TWO
10 Hours of Coverage
2 Photographers
Engagement Session
10x10 Photo Book
USB Box
B&W versions
Online Gallery
Print Release
10 Hours of Coverage
2 Photographers
Engagement Session
10x10 Photo Book
USB Box
B&W versions
Online Gallery
Print Release
$4500
COLLECTION ONE
Custom packages are available upon request
**A 6% KY sales tax will be added to all packages and options if you reside in Kentucky
***Travel fees may apply to locations outside of 75 miles. Ask for details.
Additional Wedding Coverage - $500/hour
A la Carte
2 Hours of Coverage
2 Photographers
USB Box
B&W versions
Online Gallery
Print Release
$1400
COLLECTION five
4 Hours of Coverage
2 Photographers
USB Box
B&W versions
Online Gallery
Print Release
$2500
COLLECTION four
THE COLLECTIONS
She was the first, and only photographer we met with. She’s no nonsense, straight to the point, and absolutely hilarious. She was more than accommodating when we asked for in home engagements, stayed in contact with us during the long gap between engagement and the ceremony, and offered support and creative touches the day of. I would absolutely recommended Lauren to everyone I know looking for a photographer, wedding or otherwise.
"Lauren was an absolute delight to work with since the very beginning."
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From the beginning, she’s been the best about answering all my silly questions and keeping me informed. My 'now husband' never did family pictures growing up or as he got older, until he met me. Believe me when I say he was AWKWARD when we started our engagement pictures. But Lauren brought him out of his shell and loosened him up. He was so stiff starting out. The pictures turned out absolutely beautiful. The location she suggested for our outfits was perfect. The turn around time to get them back was extremely quick for how busy she is. Fast forward to the wedding, I am not kidding when I say, I have never seen such beautiful wedding photos as mine. Her work is outstanding. Everyone I show them to comments about how beautiful they are. She has lots of ideas and they are beautiful caught behind her lens. She will always be at the top of my recommendations for photos!
"Lauren was absolutely a pleasure to work with"
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One of the best ways to make your wedding memories last is by ordering
an album. These high quality professionally designed albums come in a
variety of linen & leather colors.
These aren’t the same albums your parents wedding photos came in.
They’re modern, lay perfectly flat and look incredible on coffee tables.
All albums must be prepaid before design begins. Albums typically take
between 4 to 6 weeks to complete and include three rounds of revision. Albums may be ordered anytime before or after the wedding day.
ALBUMS
Fantastic! To reserve your wedding date, we’ll need a completed contract and a 33% non-refundable deposit. If you don’t have a contract yet, just let us know and we’ll send one over! The remaining balance will be due 1 week before the wedding.
We love your work and we’re ready to book! What’s the next step?
Galleries typically include anywhere between 400 and 800 photos. The exact amount varies from wedding to wedding depending on how much time you book. Your online gallery will come loaded with fullyedited high resolution images you can print anywhere. You’re also welcome to share your wedding photos on Facebook as long as you credit us and link to our website.
How many photos are typically included and can we print the photos ourselves?
Typical coverage is between 6 - 8 hours. Please let me know if you would like help deciding how much time is right for your wedding day.
How long is the typical coverage for a wedding day?
We typically add travel fees on to any wedding outside of a 75 mile radius fromLouisville, KY. Fees vary depending on location so ask us for more details.
When do you charge travel fees?
35% is required to book the date. For your remaining balance, you have the option of paying your balance 30 days before your event or making payments. Your invoice is online so you always have the option of making a payment at any time.
when is payment due?
Yes. I still require a retainer to book the date but you may continue making payments after your wedding day. Digital files will not be released until full payment has been received.
do you accept payment after the wedding day?
I am happy to work out a payment plan that works with your budget! A retainer is still required to book your date along with a signed contract. Payments may be made weekly, monthly or even after your event. Images will not be released until final payment has been received. Please contact me to work out a payment plan that works for you.
Do you accept payment plans?
faq
want to see more?
choose below to see a full wedding gallery
The Barn at Twin Lakes
21c Museum Hotel
Mellwood Arts Center
Patrick O'sheas
Duncan Memorial
The Refinery
Huber's Orchard & Winery
Gardencourt
The Frazier History Museum
The Peterson Dumesnil House