My parents have a black and white photo of themselves from their wedding day. It’s in a ceramic heart frame with little blue details in their house. It might just be the oldest photo they have displayed. A lot of times you don’t notice it. But in those times when you actually look when passing by, you can see two young people with smiles from ear to ear having one of the best days of their life. It’s a real moment, not posed, and you know it was a moment they shared where the word “cheese” wasn’t spoken.

I’d love to introduce you to my good friend, Alex of Alexandra Loraine Photography. She is the SWEETEST! Alex loves capturing couples and those celebrating with them in the moment for those unique and personal shots. I’m reminder of what I see in the candid photo of my parents on their wedding day. She is a stellar photographer and I can’t wait for you to get to know her.

Style

When she has camera in hand, Alex is focused on capturing those moments that will tell the story of that couple. Her work shows her focus on the emotions of the people, instead of their body positioning or trendy clothes. And by emotion, I don’t mean solemn. I am talking true joy on the faces of her couples. She creates work that is timeless to proudly display on the wall for decades to come. But she also takes full advantage of the current photography trends. Alex creates some stellar shots that feel both natural and authentic.

The best way to see a couple’s authentic selves, and then be able to end up capturing it through the lens of a camera, is by creating a comfortable space for a couple to be themselves in. Alex does exactly with her fun personality and laid back demeanor. You immediately feel comfortable with her and she is fun to be around! Cheesy jokes are not off the table with Alex. She has been known to share a laugh during a hike or over happy hour drinks.

Alex as a Photographer

If you haven’t heard this before, I want to make sure you do, pick a photographer you actually like! You are going to be spending ALLL day with them and doing things in front of them that takes a certain level of comfort, like kissing, a lot! “You have to feel comfortable making out in front of me”. She’s your third wheel the whole day. If you don’t like Alex after meeting her, then don’t hire her. The pictures you get back in your inbox will show that a connection is missing if you don’t click with your photographer. It’s an important piece to consider!

The best time for couples to first reach out to Alex, where she can offer the most value of her expertise, is before they’ve picked a date or venue. This is so she can help guide them with what might be the best fit for them. She is a friend to couples during the process, offering her design input. After inquiring with her, a couple can meet up with Alex over coffee or maybe a beer to brainstorm design ideas, and plan that engagement session! Along the wedding planning process, she will help with the wedding timeline.

Engagement Sessions

Speaking of engagement sessions, I just love Alex’s perspective on them. She has had some amazing engagement sessions in places like Joshua Tree and even fun shoots on a California beach. The engagement photo experience is not only for the photos, but for the memories being made. What’s the experience you want to capture? Maybe that is exploring a new place, or going back to the place you had your first date. It’s not about the clothes you’re wearing, but the experience that will create more memories and emotion for Alex to capture.

Alex likes the adventures that come along with photography as a career. She says it’s fun getting new friends, seeing new places, and seeing what makes other people really happy.  Everyone out there has someone, and Alex loves being privy to a chapter of their adventure!

What’s Important

There are a couple points Alex likes to offer to lift some pressure off of couple’s when it comes to wedding photos, and honestly also makes for a better result. A couple’s focus should be on creating a wedding day that is about them and is fun, not just a replica of what is seen on Instagram. Show what you care about at your wedding. Find the things that mean the most to you, and spend your money there.

She also emphasizes the importance of vendor relationships. From your photographer, venue, caterer, planner, florist (hey!), and even rental company, they should all be a team that can work well together. Vendors shouldn’t take your most important day lightly.

As far as wedding advice, Alex gives good tips to think about that might not stand out as important at first. If the venue is in an out of the box location, consider the lighting and backdrop when deciding on where the ceremony will be placed. Alex can help determine the positioning that will help create a beautiful experience and aesthetically lovely moments for her to capture.

Alex the Person

When she doesn’t have a camera in hand, Alex loves to take a break with a good margarita by the pool, take a varied top notch ClassPass workout, or maybe a run. Like myself, she is an unofficial foodie, taking advantage of all the delicious spots Phoenix has to offer. She just loves being outside or taking a hike. Like a native Phoenician (even though she isn’t), she doesn’t hate the heat!

The best way to check out Alex’s work is on her website or Instagram. She is a gem of a gal and I’m so grateful to call her a friend after meeting her through the wedding industry. You won’t regret talking to her, or taking a scroll of her beautiful shots!

Photographer | Alexandra Loraine – Bouquet | Array Design