We’re looking forward to introducing you to Aubrey Williams. Check out our conversation below.
Aubrey, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
The most surprising thing I’ve learned about my customers is how much they value the experience beyond just the photos. Of course, beautiful images are important, but what my couples talk about the most is how they felt! That I helped them feel comfortable in front of the camera, that I kept the day running smoothly, and that I was a calming presence.
I’ve realized that many couples come into wedding photography a little nervous, worried about being awkward in photos or stressed about the day. They appreciate when I step in as more than just a photographer, whether that’s fixing a boutonniere, keeping family photos efficient, or bringing along a little “just in case” kit. Those small, thoughtful actions often stick with them just as much as the final gallery of images.
It’s shown me that couples are really looking for trust and peace of mind, not just someone to take pictures. That perspective has completely shaped the way I serve my clients.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Aubrey, the owner of Aubrey Elise Photography. I’m a wedding photographer based in Utah, and I also lead a talented team of photographers who capture weddings for me. I’m passionate about creating timeless, emotional images, but I’m just as focused on making the experience seamless and stress-free for my couples.
One of the things that makes my brand unique is the way I prepare for each wedding. I’ve built a massive location guide with over 300 spots across Utah so my couples always have the perfect backdrop for their engagement or bride and groom photos. On the wedding day, I help with timeline planning, bring along an emergency kit and a flat lay styling kit, and even deliver wooden thumb drives and instant Polaroid photos as part of the experience. My couples often say they’re surprised at how prepared I am, and I love knowing those small details make such a big difference for them.
Beyond photography, I see my role as part artist and part problem-solver, someone who helps create calm in the chaos of a wedding day while making sure every meaningful detail is preserved. Over the years, I’ve photographed more than 100 weddings, and it’s an honor to keep creating heirlooms for couples that will matter just as much 50 years from now as they do today.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationships that have most shaped how I see myself are with my husband, Easton, and our two kids. Easton has always believed in me and my business, he’s been my biggest supporter from the beginning and has encouraged me to grow my photography into a full-time career that helps support our family. My kids are my biggest motivation. They remind me daily why I work hard, and they’ve shaped how I view myself not just as a wedding photographer, but as a mom and a wife too. Those roles are all deeply connected for me, and they give my work so much more meaning.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most was the fear of going full time and failing. When I had my first child, I made the decision to quit my job as a receptionist so I could spend more time with him and pursue photography full time. It was such a scary leap, because I was terrified of losing the security of a steady paycheck. But that fear never came true, in fact, it pushed me to work even harder. Today, I’m thriving as a wedding photographer, and looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for both my family and my career.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think one of the biggest lies the wedding photography industry tells itself is that it’s all glamorous and easy. From the outside, it looks like we just get dressed up, go to beautiful weddings, and take pretty pictures. The truth is, it’s physically demanding, emotionally draining, and takes an incredible amount of preparation and follow-up work that most people never see.
Another lie is that success looks the same for everyone. There’s often this pressure to constantly book bigger weddings, travel nonstop, or hit a certain income milestone to be considered “successful.” In reality, success is personal. For me, it’s being able to support my family while doing something I love, serving couples well, and still being present as a wife and mom. That doesn’t always look like what the industry says it “should.”
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Absolutely, all the time! One of the best parts of being a wedding photographer is getting to step into so many fun and unique celebrations. Every wedding is different, and there are times I walk into a venue and just feel giddy because everything looks so stunning, the florals, the details, the way the couple’s vision came together. In those moments, it’s impossible not to feel excited about the privilege of capturing it all.
That excitement doesn’t stop once the wedding is over. I feel the same way when I’m back at my desk editing. As the photos come to life, I get so excited knowing how much these images will mean to my couples. By the time I finish a project, I’m practically bursting with energy to deliver the gallery, I’ll post sneak peeks, design their wooden thumb drive, and even include little Polaroids so they have something tangible right away.
I genuinely love what I do. It’s such a fun job to not only see the latest wedding trends and creative ideas, but to document them in a way that will be meaningful. That excitement is what keeps me going, and it’s why, even years into photographing weddings, I still feel like I’m “tap dancing” to work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aubreyelisephotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubreyelisephotography
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aubrey-williams1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aubreyelisephotography
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/aubrey-elise-photography-layton
