A bride in white leans on her groom in a black velvet tuxedo with an orange boutonniere outdoors.

lara e. Photography

Emotion-FOCUSED WEDDING + LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Close-up of a woman showing off her diamond engagement ring while embracing a man outdoors.

LARA E. PHOTOGRAPHY

nature-focused wedding + lifestyle Photography

Couple sitting face-to-face on railroad tracks reaching toward each other under cloudy skies.

LARA E. PHOTOGRAPHY

NATURE-FOCUSED WEDDING + LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Wedding rings and delicate baby's breath flowers arranged on wooden surface.

LARA E. PHOTOGRAPHY

NATURE-FOCUSED WEDDING + LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

My philosophy

Stories told through light, emotion, and presence

Couple walking through empty white chairs set up for outdoor wedding ceremony.
Professional photo series of someone adjusting their suit and watch.

I am both an LMSW and a photographer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I am committed to creating an inclusive and affirming space for people of ALL identities, backgrounds, and lived experiences.  Everyone deserves to feel safe, seen, and valued while having their photo taken.


I believe the most powerful images come from honest connection. I focus on capturing real emotion as it naturally unfolds, using natural light and true to color tones that preserve what the day genuinely looked and felt like.


As a mental health therapist, building trust and connection with my clients is second nature. Creating a calm, comfortable space allows emotion to surface naturally, resulting in imagery that feels intimate, authentic, and deeply personal.

Learn more

 

personal favorites

 

Five groomsmen in black tuxedos with orange boutonnieres pose outside a brick building, with the groom leading confidently.
Bride and groom share a kiss outdoors while wedding party in colorful dresses watches during fall ceremony.
Groomsmen in gray suits looking at something on their phones together.
A couple sharing a winter evening moment under snow-covered trees and lamplight.
Couple sitting together on a wooden dock at sunset with boats moored in a marina behind them.
Bride twirls in stunning layered white ball gown with floral details in sunlit park setting.
A couple dancing together on a grassy field surrounded by trees on a sunny day.
Urban engagement photo series with couple posing along city railings.
A couple smiles at each other on a sandy beach with a bare tree and cloudy sky behind them.
Couple sitting face-to-face on railroad tracks reaching toward each other under cloudy skies.
Couple holding hands while walking together, wearing casual outfits and ankle boots on stone pavement.
Couple embracing against a tree trunk in a romantic outdoor photoshoot.
Two hands raised against a blurred green foliage background in soft natural lighting.
Person relaxing in a red convertible car on a sunny day with blue skies overhead.
Person in black clothing poses playfully against a forest backdrop.
Bride and groom share first dance under ornate chandeliers in elegant historic ballroom venue.
Couple sitting in green field, man kissing woman's cheek as she smiles holding yellow wildflowers.
A family playing and running on a grassy hill covered in fallen leaves.
Bare feet standing close together on a sandy beach with gentle waves in the background.
Wedding party members standing in a line during an outdoor ceremony.
Couple sharing an intimate moment on a sandy beach under cloudy skies.
Couple sharing a romantic moment on a wooden park bench.
Black and white photo of two hands almost touching, one wearing an engagement ring, symbolizing a romantic proposal.
Joyful couple celebrating in a car at night with sparklers, flashing hand signs and smiling.
Gold diamond engagement ring placed on a bare winter twig branch against a soft beige bokeh background.
Couple embracing romantically in front of ornate wooden doors of a historic stone building.
A romantic sequence on a stone bench surrounded by vibrant fall foliage.
A romantic evening moment illuminated by soft lighting.
Black and white artistic portrait series in a forest setting.
Couple watching a Southwest Airlines plane take off from an airport observation deck under cloudy skies.
Family sharing a joyful winter moment outdoors wearing warm clothing.
Close-up of an interracial couple holding hands, displaying wedding rings and bracelets.
Bride in layered white gown and groom in black tuxedo share a romantic moment in an elegant elevator doorway.
Happy bride and groom smiling at sweetheart table during wedding reception in elegant ballroom venue.
Wedding ceremony in ornate hall with stained glass windows, officiant reading vows to bride in white gown and groom in black suit.
A couple shares a romantic kiss in a sun-dappled forest, the woman in a white dress and man in a green shirt and jeans.
Black and white photo of groomsmen in suits adjusting ties under a pavilion before a wedding ceremony.
A couple in cozy fall sweaters sharing playful moments under autumn trees.
Black and white photo of a young man sitting on a bench, tenderly hugging a golden retriever puppy outdoors.
Bridal flat lay with diamond ring in green velvet box, pearl heels, crystal bracelet, and gold tray on white fur.
Couple holding hands on a waterfront dock at sunset with boats and wooden buildings reflected in calm harbor waters.
A bride and groom hold hands beneath an ornate gilded ceiling with a glowing chandelier in an elegant wedding venue.
Romantic forest engagement photos showing couple embracing by trees.
Bride and groom share a romantic dip kiss surrounded by cheering wedding party in green dresses and black suits outdoors.
Newlywed couple gazing lovingly at each other at table with elegant stained glass windows and chandelier backdrop.
A couple shares a romantic kiss in a lush garden setting with sunlight filtering through green foliage.
A couple poses casually in front of a historic building with buses visible in the background.
A couple walks on a wet terrace near a ornate lamp post, with city buildings in the background on a cloudy day.
Couple holding hands on steps of grand neoclassical building with tall columns and ornate wooden doors.
Bride in white gown and groom in black suit tossing money on dance floor at wedding reception.
Wedding party gathered under a wooden arch frame in an outdoor ceremony setting with pine trees.
Couple sharing a high five in a sunlit forest, with tall pine trees in the blurred background.
Playful couple sharing joyful moments outdoors against a natural backdrop.
A smiling blonde woman hugging a person in a dark jacket outdoors near rustic buildings at dusk.
Romantic couple holding hands outdoors near a rustic building, woman wearing engagement ring, man with watch.
A sequence showing someone climbing and playing in autumn trees with golden leaves.
Wedding details with white shoes, baby's breath flowers, and rings on wooden surface.
Hands reaching toward each other against an autumn backdrop with fallen leaves.
Romantic couple sharing a kiss under an ornate golden domed ceiling in a grand historic building.
Detail shots of hands touching tree bark showing an engagement ring.
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