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, they’ve become the baseline. Inflation still plays a role, but it’s no longer the only factor shaping wedding budgets. Here’s 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.
Holiday weddings sound bold, and in a lot of ways, they are. But Lauren and Bryce, well, they ARE bold. A 4th of July weekend celebration at the top of Heavenly Resort was the perfect way to bring their favorite people together for something that felt more like a whiskey-fueled backyard party than a formal production. If you're wondering what actually goes into planning a holiday destination wedding: what works, what gets overlooked, and what couples need to think through before locking in a date tied to a busy travel weekend. If you're considering a summer holiday like the 4th or even a winter wedding around New Year’s, this post will give you a real-world look at how to make it work without losing the meaning of the day. Spoiler: it’s not about the holiday at all. It’s about the people, the energy, and the space you create for your friends to rage the top of the mountain like it's 1999.
Planning a summer trip to Tahoe? This is a local’s guide to Lake Tahoe — packed with honest, tried-and-true recommendations from a South Lake local of nearly 20 years. From where to eat without the wait, to hidden hikes, wine cruises, distilleries, free concerts, and places the kids will actually love — it’s everything you need to plan your best Tahoe adventure without looking like a tourist. Come for the views, stay for the poke bowls and paddleboard yoga.
SXSW, otherwise known as my absolute favorite 10 days of the year, every year, is an annual convergence of technology, film, and music in Austin, Texas. It's 10 days of thriving on adrenaline and chaos. It's a beacon of creativity and innovation. Drawing attendees from diverse industries worldwide, it's unparalleled popularity can certainly be attributed to the dynamic blend of cutting-edge technology showcases, an extensive list of film premieres, and my favorite - the off-the-beaten-path version of its music festival which celebrates and heralds unsigned and new artists. As promised, I'm back with part II in my series on how to survive SXSW like a pro with more SXSW survival tips.
75,000 people are about to descend upon Austin, TX for SXSW, one of the world's premier music, film and tech festivals. While SXSW is mostly known for its music festival, what really brings the money to Austin (and $350 million plus of it at that), is the Interactive portion, which draws a young audience of inventors, investors and risk takers looking for networking opportunities and the next big thing. At any given moment all over the city there are thousands of opportunities to learn, network, workshop and cultivate relationships. For over 12 years now, I've been working for the Sales Department at the event, as a client event photographer responsible for documenting the return on investment for their sponsors. It's exhausting. It's exhilarating. It's incredibly fun. If you're attending for the first time and looking for some answers on how to survive SXSW, I got you boo.
Whether you love wedding planning or hate it, choosing your vendors is one of the hardest decisions you'll ever make. If you're planning a Lake Tahoe wedding and want to know who my favorite people and the best Tahoe wedding vendors are, look no further! All my favorite people, all in one easy to navigate guide for getting married in Lake Tahoe.
Choosing what to wear in your senior portraits is an important decision that can make all the difference in how your photos turn out. From picking the right colors to selecting outfits that reflect your personal style, I'll guide you through outfit recommendations, seasonal tips, and styling suggestions to help you look and feel your best in front of the camera. Whether you’re opting for a casual look, a formal ensemble, or something unique that represents your hobbies, I want you to be prepared for a session that truly reflects who you are.
Graduating from high school is a major milestone, and senior photos are the perfect way to capture this moment. Not only do they preserve your memories for years to come, but they also provide meaningful keepsakes for your family and friends. Whether it’s sending photos with your graduation invitations, sharing them with classmates, or creating a lasting memento of who you are at this moment in time, senior portraits celebrate your growth and accomplishments. In this post, we’ll explore the many reasons why senior photos are more than just pictures—they’re a way to honor your journey and share it with those who’ve supported you along the way.
Fall has got it all: crisp air, colorful trees, and cozy atmospheres. For couples looking to add a bit of thrill and mystery, incorporating Halloween elements into your fall wedding can take your celebration to the next level. Think warm autumn tones blended with spooky accents—like pumpkins, Gothic decor, or even a costume party. From subtle Halloween touches to full-on haunted house vibes, you can create a magical and unique atmosphere that perfectly reflects the spirit of the season. Here are my recommendations on how to embrace fall’s charm and add a touch of mystery for an unforgettable day.
Never-ever in my 12-year wedding career have I had a client regret holding a microwedding or elopement, but many regret not opting for a more intimate celebration. Planning a Lake Tahoe microwedding or elopement? Discover why these small, meaningful celebrations in one of the world's most beautiful locations are the perfect choice. Get tips on venues, guest lists, budgets, and more to create an unforgettable experience.
It’s summer in Tahoe, the perfect time for unforgettable family portraits against stunning backdrops. Whether you dream of capturing the lakeside at sunset or the some of that backlit forested goldenness that's my special sauce, every session promises to preserve your vacation memories- regardless of the moods and whims of your most or least participatory family members! Forget stressful coordination, embrace every mood and moment, and follow my tips, tricks and direction to have a perfectly stress free family portrait session.
June is my favorite month of the year – and not just because it’s my birthday month – but also because it’s PRIDE month! It’s a month of rainbows, parades, and celebration as communities worldwide come together to honor inclusivity, diversity, and the fabulous rainbow that is the LGBTQ community. I love it! A few years ago, I started participating in activities with Tahoe Pride. For one, to support my friends who are part of the community, and second, to make sure that our LGBTQ community understood that they have allies in our town. Our Tahoe Pride community is small but mighty, full of great people that I’ve come to call friends. They have a weekly mixer on Tuesdays (often with a game night theme) that I attend regularly, but in June they really kick the scheduling up a notch! If you want to help celebrate South Lake Tahoe Pride Events, there is something happening every week of June.
Austin, TX 78704
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
lauren@laurenlindley.com
(512) 573-8606
Lauren Lindley is an Austin, TX and Lake Tahoe based commercial event photographer. Lauren also specializes in lifestyle and branding photography, corporate events, portraits, and headshot photography. When she’s not drinking wine, Lauren can be found traversing the globe with glee.
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