We love networking! Our husbands ask us, “What did you do today?” And we respond, “Went to coffee with…. and coffee with… went and visited this venue.. and had happy hour with…” We love it! Of course, that’s not what we do EVERY day, but it’s just one of the many things about our job,we love! We love meeting people who are in the same position as us, a small company wanting to help make couples have a carefree and enjoyable planning experience! We want to be there for our clients- no matter the package they choose, so if something happens with their caterer at the last minute, they know we’ll help find a new one- one they’ll love! We want to be there so that at the end of their wedding day they can look back and realize they didn’t have to lift a finger, that their mom was relaxed and enjoying herself and so were the bridesmaids! That’s our main business goal- to make sure that our clients are happy and enjoy planning their wedding! Networking helps us achieve that goal! So when someone asks us if we can recommend a vendor, we can do just that and if we don’t have a recommendation for what they are looking for- we’ll find it! Just another reason why we love doing the 30 days of vendors segment! Just a glimpse at some of the great people we know!
On to Day 5… Get ready to meet Lauren of Lauren Brooks Photography...

Champagne: How did you decide to get into photography?

Lauren Brooks: My love for photography began in high school, when I took my first photography class. It was so exciting to shoot a roll of film, develop it on your own, and see the results appear before you in the darkroom. After that class, I became a photographer for the high school newspaper and year book. When picking colleges, I choose a school that had a journalism program because I knew that I wanted to tell stories about real life and real people through photography. After college, while looking for jobs in photojournalism, I worked for a wedding photographer for a summer. This is where I discovered my love for wedding photography and that experience is what shaped my photography career today.

Champagne: How would you describe your style?

Lauren Brooks: I specialize in documentary-style wedding photography, meaning that I tell a story of your wedding day through photographs, capturing real moments and expressions. 

Champagne: What would be your dream person/event to photograph?

Lauren Brooks: I’m a bit of a francophile and it’s always been on my wish list to photograph an early summer wedding in Paris or anywhere in France. That would be amazing!

Champagne: What’s your favorite part about your job?

Lauren Brooks: The best part of my job is the connection that it allows me to have with so many wonderful people. I am thankful to the people who have trusted us to capture some of the most important and intimate moments in their life. When a client is happy with the work we have done for them or when they have said that we have captured who they are in our photographs, that’s my favorite part of the job. I also love capturing unexpected moments. That’s another favorite : )

Champagne: To you, what is key to creating a successful event?

Lauren Brooks: To me, creating a successful event is being informed, organized, and having a positive attitude. Always.

Champagne: What do you do when you’re not doing what you do?

Lauren Brooks: When I’m not behind a camera or a computer, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our two cats, family, and friends. I love to run, bike, hike, garden, read, work on our house, snowboard, try new restaurants, travel, you name it. I rarely sit still : )

Champagne: What sets you apart from other photographers?

Lauren Brooks: This is a tough question because I think that it is somewhat subjective. I can tell you what’s most important to me as a photographer and business owner. Above all, my clients are number one. It is very important to me that they receive exceptional photography and personalized attention. I only accept a certain number of weddings and portrait commissions each year in order to provide the best service I possibly can to each client. Their happiness, satisfaction, and support is what has allowed my business to grow and thrive. Any success that I have experienced I owe, in large part, to them.

Champagne: Thank you, Lauren [Lauren Brooks Photography] for sharing more about your company! Make sure to check out Lauren Brooks Photography’s website, become a fan on facebook and follow them on twitter!

Day 4 of 30: Fleur:ology Wedding + Event Floral Design
Day 3 of 30: Pure Space
Day 2 of 30: Celebrate Life Photography
Day 1 of 30: Paper Bloom
Last year’s 30 days of vendors
What is 30 days of Vendors?

We look forward to seeing you again tomorrow! Thank you for stopping by our blog! Happy Planning!

Cheers,

Mandi, Rachelle & the Champagne team

P.S. Oregon Bride Magazine just opened up the voting for this years “Best Of” issue. Make sure to go vote for your favorite wedding vendors!! We appreciate you all helping us win “Best New Wedding Vendor” last year! We’d love to win best planner this year- one can dream! : )