Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynzie Burdick
Hi Lynzie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Ever since I was young, I’ve always been captivated by the world and had a knack for creating far-off places in my mind. I’d watch movies and immediately want to know where they were filmed, secretly dreaming of visiting those places one day. My parents fueled that curiosity by gifting me my first little Casio point-and-shoot camera. I started taking pictures of everything I loved—flowers, birds, my cats and dogs, even insects. I was fascinated by how a simple photo could freeze a feeling, and how looking back at those snapshots transported me right back to that exact moment.
As I got older, my hopeless romantic side took over (thank you, rom-coms), and I ended up going to college in Charleston, SC—one of the top wedding destinations in the U.S. My mom casually suggested I give weddings a try, but at the time, all I could think about was how stressful and chaotic they seemed. I quickly brushed off the idea… until I met a wedding planner who convinced me to just help out behind the scenes one day, setting up and tearing down. That one day changed everything. I was hooked.
I balanced working weddings while finishing my degree in graphic design, and after graduating in 2019, I landed a corporate design job. Photography quietly slipped into the background—until the pandemic hit and flipped everything upside down. I thought my dream of traveling the world, camera in hand, was over. But when I saw an opportunity to work for an airline, I jumped at it. Suddenly, doors opened. I started building my photography brand again, shooting love stories in places like St. Thomas, Italy, Hawaii, and Utah.
It was during that time I realized I was ready to leave behind the long, traditional wedding days and focus instead on intimate, meaningful elopements—those beautifully intentional celebrations that really took off during COVID and have stuck around ever since. Now, I get to combine my love of adventure, storytelling, and romance, helping couples create unforgettable experiences on their own terms.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—far from it, honestly. When I first started out, I didn’t have many people in my corner who truly believed this could be a real career. Friends and even family would tell me it was just a hobby or ask when I planned to get a “real job.” It was tough feeling like the people closest to me couldn’t quite see the vision I had for myself.
Financially, it was no walk in the park either. I had to juggle waiting tables just to cover my bills, and often had to rent camera gear because I couldn’t afford to fix or upgrade my own. There were seasons when it felt like I was working non-stop but barely getting by—and still questioning if it would all pay off.
But looking back, I realize how much those struggles shaped me. They taught me tenacity, resourcefulness, and how to keep showing up even when no one else could see the bigger picture yet. Every hard moment pushed me to lean into my passion even more, and now I get to live a life doing exactly what I love. And, if I’m being honest, I’m still not “there” yet! It will always be a continual journey for me, and you know what they say: Life is about the journey, not the destination!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an elopement photographer who specializes in documenting story-driven experiences for couples who want to ditch tradition and do their wedding their way. My work is all about blending adventure with authenticity—capturing not just beautiful landscapes, but the real, raw connection between two people choosing each other.
What I’m known for is my ability to create an atmosphere where my couples feel completely themselves. I’m not just snapping pretty photos; I’m helping couples slow down, soak in the moment, and craft an unforgettable experience tailored just for them. Whether that’s hiking through Utah’s red rock deserts at sunrise, rowing through an alpine lake, or dancing barefoot under the stars in the middle of nowhere—I’m there to document it all in a way that feels honest, intentional, and a little bit magical.
I’m most proud of the trust my couples place in me. Many of them come to me wanting more than just photos—they want guidance, someone to cheer them on, and a safe space to be themselves. I don’t take that lightly. I help with everything from planning timelines, scouting locations, applying for permits, to even officiating ceremonies if needed.
What sets me apart is the combination of my background and my approach. I have a strong design and visual storytelling background, as well as travel experience, so I naturally gravitate toward creating images that feel authentic and thoughtfully composed. But more importantly, I care deeply about the heart behind each story. I’ve always believed that no love story is “ordinary”—it’s the small, quiet moments that make it extraordinary. I focus on highlighting that, and I think my couples can feel the sincerity in that approach.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something that surprises most people is that not a lot of insects or animals scare me. I’ve always had a soft spot for creatures big and small, and I’ll usually go out of my way to catch them (with my bare hands!) and move them to safety. One time, I even picked up a snake with my hands to move it out of people’s path—everyone else was freaking out, but I was just focused on making sure it got somewhere safe. I guess you could say I’m a bit of an animal rescuer at heart!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lynzieerynphotography.com
- Instagram: @lynzie_erynphotography
