Meet Suzy: wife, photographer and sunny disposition extraordinaire. She and her husband Lukas are the dynamic duo that comprises Lukas VanDyke Photography. They truly capture the fun and love of couples, from engagement photos sessions to the post-nuptial bash! Suzy agreed to shoot photos of me in mid-December. We had an absolute blast and even encountered a rare SoCal thunderstorm, making for fun photos. Enjoy their story below as told by Suzy – how she and Lukas make love and business a harmonious venture. Find them on or tweet @LukasVanDyke to learn more about their services and their upcoming photography workshops. All photos copyright Lukas VanDyke Photography.
Lukas & I are so thankful to own our own business, Lukas VanDyke Photography! We shoot weddings full time, & are extremely blessed to be able to do what we love! We are based in Los Angeles, but love traveling to shoot weddings, and have shot weddings in MN, MA, TN, Canada, and even Berlin to name a few! I think one of my favorite things about weddings is capturing all the beautiful and wide-ranged emotions of the day. The Father of the Bride giving his little girl away. The first time the Groom sees his lovely almost-wife. It’s all so real and exciting! What a joy it is to capture those moments for our couples.
Many people ask us how we work together as a married couple, or what advice we could pass on. I mean, we’re together almost 24/7, don’t we get tired of each other? Well, to start, I love love LOVE working with my husband! I’m a super-snuggler, so I understand when there are times he likes to get away and brainstorm at Starbucks alone for awhile. Totally okay with that. I just snuggle my cat while he’s gone. There are a few things we do that really make everything work well. We have a lot of meetings and clearly define our roles on everything. Who does what, expectations, etc. We also try to avoid any open loops (e.g. where one needs to do a task before the other can finish their task) in delegating what we do. That way we avoid having to nag or ask about it, which can easily carry into our marriage. A few other things I would suggest doing as a married couple: 1. Give each other a morning hug every morning, first thing 2. Pray together often 3. Have weekly date nights.
On a given day we’re not shooting, you’ll find Lukas at his desk with a cup of coffee, brainstorming his next big idea, taking his photos to the next level. You’ll find me cuddled up on the couch with a blanket, my kitty, & Earl Grey tea, editing on my laptop & daydreaming of Lukas in the next room.
Like the “Dream Big” Series on WELL in L.A. Nominate a business or individual who inspires you by living their dreams in the comments below. They’ll receive their very own dedicated post. xo – erin
Many people ask us how we work together as a married couple, or what advice we could pass on. I mean, we’re together almost 24/7, don’t we get tired of each other? Well, to start, I love love LOVE working with my husband! I’m a super-snuggler, so I understand when there are times he likes to get away and brainstorm at Starbucks alone for awhile. Totally okay with that. I just snuggle my cat while he’s gone. There are a few things we do that really make everything work well. We have a lot of meetings and clearly define our roles on everything. Who does what, expectations, etc. We also try to avoid any open loops (e.g. where one needs to do a task before the other can finish their task) in delegating what we do. That way we avoid having to nag or ask about it, which can easily carry into our marriage. A few other things I would suggest doing as a married couple: 1. Give each other a morning hug every morning, first thing 2. Pray together often 3. Have weekly date nights.
On a given day we’re not shooting, you’ll find Lukas at his desk with a cup of coffee, brainstorming his next big idea, taking his photos to the next level. You’ll find me cuddled up on the couch with a blanket, my kitty, & Earl Grey tea, editing on my laptop & daydreaming of Lukas in the next room. Like the “Dream Big” Series on WELL in L.A. Nominate a business or individual who inspires you by living their dreams in the comments below. They’ll receive their very own dedicated post. xo – erin