North Carolina wedding photographer LINDLEY BATTLE is a fine art film and digital hybrid photographer with a passion for soft romantic moments and timeless elegance. With over five years in business, Lindley has captured weddings and portraits across the US and Europe and been featured in countless publications. Shooting weddings with an emphasis on the special connection between the two newlyweds and on the meaningful details with which they've chosen to surround themselves on this unforgettable day, she lives for capturing the joy of this once in a lifetime day and giving her couples memories that will be passed down through the generations. Being based in the gorgeous and romantic American South, Lindley loves finding inspiration in the natural beauty from coast to mountains, as well as in the historic old world romance of the area and today we're learning a little more about her. 

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER? I got a little digital camera when I was 15, and I would spend hours in my room taking macro photos of everything in sight - I was obsessed. A year later, I gave a presentation in my history class using my own photos, and the teacher pulled me aside afterwards and told me I really had a gift and needed to pursue it. Hearing that made me feel like I could make a life out of my passion - I spent the rest of my free moments through high school developing photos in the school's darkroom and taking film portraits of my friends at lunch. I applied early for art school, worked as many jobs as I could college, and went full time owning my own business as soon as I graduated. 

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR PATH TO GET THERE: Everything above was all of the 'before' to owning my business. Once I started it, I actually began by doing product and branding photography. I loved marketing and really enjoyed the idea that you could craft a single image that would tell an entire story and evoke a powerful emotion in the viewer. I photographed a few weddings for friends and branding clients, but never considered being a wedding photographer until I got to shoot the most gorgeous wedding with an incredibly talented planner and stylist a few years ago. During that wedding, I realised that beautiful, well curated wedding photographs were the ultimate storytelling through imagery, and I slowly started to shift my business towards mainly weddings. Now I can't imagine doing anything else.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? First and foremost, emotive - I really value authentic humanity in my images. I love a perfectly styled photo with all of my heart, but there's nothing quite as beautiful as genuine human connection and emotion, and I think that's what makes a image beautiful and interesting. Beyond that, I strive to make ethereal and timeless images.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WEDDINGS? Every. Single. Thing. When I meet with a couple, I love getting to hear their love story, and then seeing their wedding day come to life is like watching the most beautiful fairytale unfold. As far as photographing, I really cherish the moments that I get to spend with the couple after the ceremony, when it really sinks in that they are finally married. I always love the moments when a dad sees his little girl in her wedding dress for the first time. But as for my overall favourite moment, I think it's actually the toasts - I get to know my couples pretty well before their wedding, but it's always meaningful to see the friends and family who have known them their whole lives talk about what special people they are, and talk about the sweet little stories throughout their relationship.

SHARE YOUR FAVOURITE IMAGE WITH US AND TELL US WHY: I'd have to say it's this one below. We got up right at sunrise on this gorgeous little Greek Island and hiked down to the beach just to run around in the sand with the most stunning light imaginable. it was just one of those insane "woah, this is my job" moments, and I still get that feeling whenever I look at it. 

CAN YOU RECALL YOUR FAVOURITE WEDDING EXPERIENCE: Oh man, there have been so many over the years, but I'd have to say my all time favourite was when I got to photograph my best friend's wedding to the man she'd been dating since we met. The entire day was absolutely magical and filled with so many special moments, and throughout the day I was so grateful that it was my job to capture these beautiful moments for her. During the reception my second shooter took my camera and I got to dance a few songs with the bride and her sister, it was perfect. 

ASIDE FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS, WHAT THREE THINGS CAN'T YOU LIVE WITHOUT? Delicious and healthy food, a great glass of read wine and my camera. Preferably all three on a gorgeous beach somewhere warm.

WHERE WOULD WE FIND YOU ON A SUNDAY MORNING? Actually teaching a yoga class. When I'm not shooting a wedding I spend my Sunday mornings teaching a yoga class at a local brewery. It's how I stay connected to my local community and also ensure that I move my body mindfully at least once a week. 

HOW WOULD YOU SPEND YOUR IDEAL DAY OFF? With my pups and a great book by the ocean. I'm incredibly Type A, which is great for owning a business however not so great for relaxing, but something about being by the ocean makes it easy for me to turn off. I can walk aimlessly or sit peacefully for hours.

A huge thank you to North Carolina wedding photographer LINDLEY BATTLE for sharing this gorgeous inspiration with us. Lindley is a fine art film and digital hybrid photographer with a passion for soft romantic moments and timeless elegance. With over five years in business, Lindley has captured weddings and portraits across the US and Europe and been featured in countless publications. Shooting weddings with an emphasis on the special connection between the two newlyweds and on the meaningful details with which they've chosen to surround themselves on this unforgettable day, she lives for capturing the joy of this once in a lifetime day and giving her couples memories that will be passed down through the generations. You can see more of her portfolio in our vendor collective here.