Lana Raquel Photography

06/04/2026

Sometimes the best plans are the ones that don't go according to plan. ☔💍

Missouri has been getting a lot of rain lately, and the day Xavier planned to propose to Jazelle was no exception. The rain started pouring, but by then Jazelle had already started getting ready and doing her makeup, so there was no backing out now!

Xavier and I spent much of the day texting back and forth, brainstorming a backup plan. His original idea was to propose at Dogwood Canyon, but with the heavy rain and possibility of thunderstorms, there was a good chance the trails would be closed. We needed a new plan, and fast.

We finally landed on the Scripture Garden at College of the Ozarks, and honestly, I don't think we could have chosen a more perfect location.

I pulled on my rain boots and raincoat, packed an umbrella and a waterproof cover for my camera, and headed to the gazebo to wait. When I saw Xavier and Jazelle approaching, I slipped out of sight and did my best impression of a tourist wandering the grounds.

As soon as they stepped into the gazebo to get out of the rain, Xavier dropped to one knee.

And the answer was a resounding YES! 💍✨

One of my favorite things about so many of my couples this year is that they've known each other since they were little kids. There is something incredibly special about witnessing a love story that has been years in the making.

Afterward, we embraced the weather and wandered through the gardens in the rain. We practically had the entire place to ourselves, and honestly, it made the experience even more magical. We laughed, got a little wet, and created some beautiful memories together.

Congratulations, Xavier and Jazelle! Thank you for allowing me to be part of such an important chapter in your story. ❤️

I hope you enjoy these sneak peeks from their rainy-day proposal session!

05/22/2026

Maria reached out to me for Mother’s Day photos here in Branson, and it was such a joy to photograph her beautiful family of six.

We spent the session capturing the most rosy, bright, and cheerful images of them together. The kids were full of personality, the connection between everyone was so natural, and the whole gallery feels like a little celebration of motherhood and family life in this season.

Branson is such a dream location for family portraits and there are so many spots nearby including Hollister. Between the golden light at Big Cedar Lodge, the sweeping lake views around Table Rock Lake, the charming textures at Dogwood Canyon, and the scenic overlooks at Top of the Rock, there are endless spots that bring warmth and color into every image. Every season here offers something special, from soft spring blooms to glowing summer evenings.

If you’ve been thinking about updated family photos of your own, I would love to create something beautiful for you. These moments with your people are worth slowing down for, and Branson makes the perfect backdrop for them.

Reach out anytime to plan your family session.

04/28/2026

Tiffaney’s crew was part of a 35+ person extended family session, and somehow we packed so much goodness into just 15 minutes with her immediate family 🤍

Between the lakefront views of Table Rock, the Ozark hills in the background, and a whole lot of wind, this session had such a fun, raw energy to it. The breeze honestly made it even better…movement, texture, and those perfectly unplanned moments you just can’t fake.

And can we talk about these outfits 😍 Tiffaney absolutely nailed it. The girls in their pink dresses, the little boys in cowboy boots and hats… it all came together in the sweetest, most timeless way.

Proof that even with a big group, a little wind, and a short window of time, you can still create something really special.

04/20/2026

Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift?

Great news! I’m opening a limited number of Mother’s Day Mini Sessions on Saturday, April 25 with both morning and evening availability (no afternoon sessions).

These are designed to be relaxed, meaningful, and focused on the people who matter most - whether that’s just you and your babies, or the whole family together.
Details:

20-minute session
$175 ($50 to reserve, remainder due at session)
15 edited images included
Gallery delivered before Mother’s Day

These sessions are perfect for:
– moms with their little ones
– full family photos (yes, dads are always welcome)
– or simply documenting this season before it changes again

If you’ve been thinking “I need to book photos” for the last year… this is your sign.

Spots are limited and will be first come, first served.

Hi Friends, These always go quickly, so I wanted to give you first access! Mother’s Day has a way of coming and going… and most moms realize afterward that they’re barely in any of the photos from this season. These mini sessions are a simple way to change that. I’m offering a very limited n...

04/18/2026

Mother’s Day is usually when moms realize… they’re in almost none of the photos.
This is your chance to change that.

I’m opening a limited number of Mother’s Day Mini Sessions on Saturday, April 25 with both morning and evening availability (no afternoon sessions).

These are designed to be relaxed, meaningful, and focused on the people who matter most - whether that’s just you and your babies, or the whole family together.

Details:
20-minute session
$175 ($50 to reserve, remainder due at session)
15 edited images included
Gallery delivered before Mother’s Day

These sessions are perfect for:
– moms with their little ones
– full family photos (yes, dads are always welcome)
– or simply documenting this season before it changes again

If you’ve been thinking “I need to book photos” for the last year… this is your sign.

Spots are limited and will be first come, first served.
Message me or comment APRIL and I’ll send over booking details.

04/04/2026

There is something so special about getting the whole family together in one place.
This week I had the joy of photographing a beautiful multi-generational session at Table Rock Lake here in Branson. Grandparents, their kids, and all the grandbabies together - the kind of moments that feel simple but mean everything.

I absolutely loved the earthy tones they chose for their outfits. They blended so naturally with the lake backdrop and gave the entire gallery such a warm, timeless feel. And the kids? So sweet, full of personality, and completely stole the show in the best way.

These are the sessions that remind me why I love what I do - preserving connection, legacy, and all the in-between moments you never want to forget.
If you’re planning a trip to Branson and thinking about documenting your family while everyone is together, I’d love to help you do that.

03/21/2026

Some sessions just mean a little more 🤍
This sweet family traveled from all over the country-Michigan, Kansas, and even New York-to meet in Branson for something truly special… celebrating their parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. What a legacy 🥹

We spent the afternoon exploring Dogwood Canyon together, laughing, chasing light, and soaking in the kind of moments that don’t come around often enough. You could feel how much this time together meant to everyone.

Photos like these aren’t just for now… they’re for the generations that come after.
If you’re planning a family trip to Branson, there’s no better time to document your people, just as you are ❤️

03/17/2026

Violet and Andrew celebrated a beautiful, small elopement at Top of the Rock in the Wine Cellar Room, with the glass doors open to reveal the infinity pool and iconic statue. With under 20 guests, we wove in many of Violet’s customs from her home country, creating a meaningful, personal ceremony.

What made this day extra special was just how incredible the couple was to work with. Violet was such a natural in front of the camera—a total fashion model at heart! She was excited to try unique poses and was amazing with expressions. When she booked her wedding, she told me she wanted her photos to feel like a high-fashion shoot, and with my experience in off-camera lighting, we were able to make that dream come to life.

Afterward, we ventured outdoors to capture portraits by the Chapel of the Ozarks, with the stunning Ozark Hills as the backdrop. I’ll be honest- the wind blowing her hair and dress only added to the romance of these photos. It was like we had our own professional train tosser (yes, we sometimes do this at weddings!) and a high-speed fan to help us achieve those high-fashion looks. Every moment with Violet and Andrew was intimate, joyful, and unforgettable.

📸 If you’re planning a wedding or engagement session in Branson, I’d love to capture your special day in these breathtaking locations!

This is just a tiny sneak peek—more coming very soon!

Hair and makeup by Makeup & Esthetics By Tabitha LLC

03/02/2026

Some clients become part of your story over the years… and Janelle is one
From maternity photos, to her daughter’s birthday, and now celebrating both her birthday and wedding anniversary - it’s such an honor to keep documenting these milestones as her family grows.

This time, she wanted bold. Regal. High-fashion.
The moment she started sending inspiration, I knew this session was going to be something special.

We chose the stunning Pythian Castle as our backdrop, and it delivered in every way. Emerald green (a historic symbol of royalty and wealth) set the tone and Janelle absolutely embodied queen energy the entire session. 👑

Watching her daughter grow up in front of my camera will never stop being surreal.
Here are more favorites from this unforgettable birthday + anniversary celebration ✨

02/28/2026

If you’re planning a Branson wedding and want a lakeview ceremony, golden sunset portraits, and an outdoor reception under the stars, tour Shiloh Ridge at Sycamore Creek Family Ranch. Kylie and Ryan’s Missouri wedding here featured epic sunset views, an open-air pavilion, and cozy fire pits that kept guests lingering all night — perfect for couples who value scenery, space, and a relaxed Ozarks atmosphere.

If you’re planning a Branson wedding and want a lakeview ceremony, golden sunset portraits, and an outdoor reception under the stars, tour Shiloh Ridge at Sycamore Creek Family Ranch. Kylie and Ryan’s Missouri wedding here featured epic sunset views, an open-air pavilion, and cozy fire pits that...