Lauren Lindley Photography

01/12/2026

Y’all, we already know weddings are expensive AF. That part isn’t new. What is new is that higher costs aren’t a temporary spike or a weird blip. I'm not going to sugarcoat it sugars, but they’ve become the baseline. Inflation still plays a role, but it’s no longer the only factor shaping wedding budgets. Up on my blog this week is what you need to understand about planning a wedding in 2026, and how today’s costs actually affect the decisions you’ll need to make if saying yes to the dress is in your future.

https://laurenlindley.com/2023-wedding-costs-and-inflation/

01/10/2026

This session was just 30 minutes long. That’s it. And, while I wouldn't always suggest it for a family I haven't worked with that has a bunch of littles (read: toddlers) these guys had some teenagers that were easy to get on board. With a solid plan, a family who was ready to roll, and a location with a ton of variety, we were able to get a full gallery that included both the classic posed images they wanted and the candid, personality-filled moments that tell a much bigger story.

Sessions don’t have to be long to pack a punch. If everyone shows up ready, and we’re not wasting time figuring things out on the fly, 30 minutes is plenty of time to get what you need.

This family told me ahead of time that they wanted a little of everything: something for their wall, something fun for their memories, groups and individuals with the kids, and at least one photo that felt like them just being themselves.

They were thrilled with what we got, and honestly, I was too.

So if you’re visiting Tahoe, pressed for time, or just not sure your crew has it in them for a full hour, know this: with a clear plan and a photographer who knows how to move fast, read the room, and adjust as needed, you can absolutely get a great mix of images in a short session.

12/17/2025

Justin and Ashlyn’s Valhalla wedding was a celebration built around connection, presence, and joy. From their relaxed pre-ceremony time with the “Blue Crew” to their sunset portraits on the dock, every part of the day felt intentional and true to them. Their outdoor dinner on the lawn brought everyone together under the trees and the dance floor energy never let up, thanks to their incredible family and friends. This wedding was a perfect example of how thoughtful planning and the right location can create space for all your dreams to come true. More up on my blog this week!

A joyful Valhalla wedding filled with intentional choices, forest portraits, outdoor dining, and an unforgettable dance floor.

12/11/2025

Maddie and Pat’s Chicago wedding took us through five iconic locations, from a traditional Catholic ceremony to a full-scale reception at Morgan Manufacturing. I’ve photographed multiple weddings for this family, so the rhythm of the day already felt familiar, and that made a big difference. We walked everywhere, skipped an original plan that involved a lot of buses, and made the most of the city without overcomplicating anything. Maddie’s dress may have picked up half of Chicago along the way, but the portraits were worth it. Come on in and see for yourself.

Chicago wedding photographer documents a five-location wedding day with strong family ties, city portraits, and one very dirty dress.

11/29/2025

I've got one last carousel of images from Lauren and Bryce's 4th of July wedding and it's filled with some of my favorites. I don't always aggressively pursue weddings anymore, but sometimes the exact right clients find me. And when they do, I'm ecstatic. Lauren was adamant that I was the photographer for her and I'm so grateful for her insistence. I have a tendancy to sometimes collect my clients as friends and she's definately one of the ones I am ready to keep for life. She's so incredibly generous, so fu***ng smart, witty and funny af.