From a Teenage Dream to a Lifelong Passion
Lily Guillen’s journey into the world of wedding photography began unexpectedly at the age of 16. What started as a hobby—taking pictures of friends in high school—quickly turned into a career when a family member asked her to shoot a wedding. Despite the modest payment of $200 for 12 hours of work, including delivering all the photos and 100 prints, this experience was invaluable in getting her foot in the door.
Over the years, Lily honed her craft, eventually earning a Master of Fine Arts degree in photo media. Her academic background provided a unique perspective on photography, not just as a profession but as an art form and a means of preserving cherished memories. With 12 years in the wedding industry, Lily’s experience and artistic vision have made her a sought-after photographer for offbeat and alternative couples looking to capture their special day.
A Range of Services with a Personal Touch
Lily Guillen Photo offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to capture every moment of your wedding journey:
- Engagement Sessions: Start your story with beautiful pre-wedding photos.
- Wedding Day Shoots: Flexible collections ranging from 4 to 8 hours.
- Expired 35mm Film: For a nostalgic touch.
- Polaroids: Instant memories with a vintage feel.
- Photo Booth: Fun and candid moments with guests.
- Photo Albums and Prints: Timeless keepsakes to treasure forever.
Ideal Clients and Unique Weddings
Lily’s ideal clients are those who embrace their unique style and personalities in their wedding celebrations. She fondly recalls a couple who loved concerts and music, choosing to have their wedding at the St. Louis Carousel with disco balls, a carousel ride, and a waffle ice cream food truck instead of a traditional cake. This offbeat wedding opened the door to more unconventional celebrations, allowing Lily to infuse her personality into her work.
Overcoming Obstacles with Humor and Determination
Lily’s career is peppered with humorous and challenging moments that showcase her dedication. Whether shooting a wedding with a sprained ankle, managing strep throat, or driving to a wedding after a car accident, Lily’s commitment to her clients remains unwavering. Despite these hurdles, she always delivers, proving that nothing can stop her from capturing the perfect shot.
Capturing Joy
For Lily, the most magical moments to capture have evolved over time. Initially drawn to the emotional “first look,” she now cherishes the recessional—the moment the couple walks down the aisle as newlyweds. This part of the day radiates pure joy and marks the beginning of the celebration. For couples who skip the recessional, the first kiss holds a similar significance, capturing their relief and happiness.
The Importance of Personality and Compatibility
Selecting the right photographer is crucial since you’ll spend most of your wedding day together. Lily emphasizes finding a photographer who supports your vision and matches your desired style, whether posed or candid shots. She advises couples to list everything they want at their wedding in order of importance to maintain focus on what truly matters, ensuring the day reflects their unique love story. Additionally, she encourages couples to resist unsolicited advice and prioritize their desires, making their wedding day even more special.
A Thoughtful and Supportive Process
Lily’s process ensures that every detail is perfect:
- Inquiry Email: Initial contact to express interest.
- Video Call: Ensuring compatibility and understanding each other’s vision.
- Engagement Session: Conducted a year to six months before the wedding.
- Resource Sharing: Assisting in building a detailed timeline and ensuring photography specifics are covered.
- Wedding Day Shoot: Capturing every moment.
- Photo Reveal: A Zoom meeting 6-8 weeks post-wedding to unveil the photos and album.
Beyond Photography
Outside of photography, Lily is passionate about concerts and sewing. Her MFA thesis art exhibition involved printing photographs on fabric and sewing them together, blending her love for photography and textile art. She also enjoys reading fiction, suspense, and self-help books, currently making her way through “A Court of Thorns and Roses.”
Get in Touch
Lily Guillen’s dedication, artistic vision, and personal touch make her an exceptional choice for couples looking to capture their wedding day in a truly unique and memorable way.
Stay tuned for more features on the best local wedding vendors in our upcoming blog posts. Whether you’re just starting your wedding planning journey or looking for those final touches, we’re here to help you every step of the way!
Happy Planning! – Chelsey