Can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey as a photographer?

I’m Lauren Ashley Grenda, a luxury wedding and elopement photographer, mama to an incredible autistic son named Noah, and a storyteller at heart. My journey into photography wasn’t traditional or glamorous. It started when life got hard. When Noah was born prematurely and later diagnosed with autism, I became a single mom and needed a way to be home with him during the week while still supporting us.

What began as a way to survive turned into a calling. Photography became my creative outlet, my therapy, and eventually my career. But everything shifted when my boyfriend Ryan took his life. That moment shattered me, and at the same time, gave me the clearest perspective I’ve ever had. I realized how fragile life is, how fast it can change, and how deeply important it is to hold on to the memories we make. That’s when photos became so much more than images: they became everything. That’s also when my career truly took off, because I wasn’t just capturing moments anymore... I was preserving legacies, love, and the pieces of life we never want to forget.

I built my business, Lauren Ashley Studios, from the ground up, driven by love, purpose, and a deep desire to capture real, meaningful moments. Every photo I take reflects my own story... one that has been shaped by love, loss, and a whole lot of grace.

Can you share the story behind the photographs you submitted?

These photos are incredibly personal to me. They’re of my best friend, Nicole Gonzalez, and her husband, Michael. Nicole came into my life during one of my darkest seasons, right after I lost my boyfriend to suicide. We barely knew each other at the time, but she showed me unconditional love, something I’ve never experienced in a platonic relationship. she moved in with me, stayed for six months, and showed up for me in a way I’ll never forget. To this day, she still calls me every single morning. She’s more than a friend... she’s my chosen family.

Nicole and Michael decided to elope in Puerto Rico because Michael's family is from there. The entire experience was emotional and incredibly meaningful. Watching Nicole marry the love of her life in a place tied to Michael’s heritage felt like the most full-circle moment. Photographing their elopement was more than a job... it was one of the biggest honors of my life. It was love, healing, and storytelling all wrapped into one day.

What inspired you to start photography and what keeps you passionate today?

Noah was my inspiration. I needed flexibility, but I also needed to feel like I had something for myself... something creative and purposeful. Photography gave me both.

What keeps me passionate is people. Real people. Their stories, their chaos, their joy. I’m drawn to connection, emotion, and documenting moments that matter. Every time I pick up my camera, I remember what it gave me during the hardest times... and I keep going.

What makes your photography style unique compared to other photographers?

I lead with emotion. I want my clients to feel something when they look at their photos, not just remember what it looked like, but what it felt like. My style is all about storytelling... raw, romantic, unscripted, and deeply personal. I chase connection over perfection every time.

Can you describe the most challenging shoot you've had and how you overcame the obstacles?

One of the most emotionally challenging shoots I’ve ever done was an end-of-life session of someone on hospice. After losing my own partner, I wanted to be able to offer theses. In most cases I photograph pets, however people are much different. The weight of that moment, the responsibility of documenting someone's final days with their loved ones, was overwhelming. There was no redo, no timeline, just real life unfolding in front of me.

I overcame it by leaning into the emotion, I cried with the family, held their hands and let them feel seen. I reminded myself that it wasn’t about perfection, it was about truth and presence. That session changed the way I approach all my work.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your photography career?

There is an expression that says: “If you don’t think photos are important, wait until they are all you have left”

Time is fragile... and a photo can become everything.

When Ryan died, I clung to the few photos I had of him. They became my comfort, my memory, my proof of everything we shared. That experience completely changed how I see my work. I don’t take this responsibility lightly. I’m not just taking pictures.. I’m preserving legacies.

What specific strategies have contributed most to your success in photography?

Connection is everything. I build real relationships with my clients... they laugh with me, cry with me, and I stay in touch with many of them long after the wedding. That connection leads to trust, and trust leads to magic.

Also, investing in myself. I surround myself with like-minded creatives, listen to podcasts, practice constantly, and never stop learning. Early in my career, my mentor Scott Robert Lim pushed me in all the right ways. I also learned so much from studying photographers like Bob and Dawn Davis, Lindsay Adler, Jerry Ghionis, and Michael Anthony. Their work and dedication helped shape my growth.

If for some reason you had to start photography over again, what’s the first thing you would focus on?

I’d get a mentor right away. Someone who challenges you, sets goals with you, and doesn’t let you play small. And I’d just start... buy the camera, hire the models, show up to the styled shoots. Don’t wait for perfection, just start creating. Everything else will follow.

Where can we view more of your work and connect with you?

Instagram: @LaurenAshleyStudios

Website: lauren-ashley.com

Photo: @laurenashleystudios
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